Just what is hot yoga? Basically, it's a yoga class in a heated studio. “We heat the studio to about 105 degrees,” explains Barb Lease, one of the instructors at Some Like It Hot Yoga Studio. “The added heat helps detoxify the body and also helps to limber the muscles.”
Yoga can be a very serious and focused practice, but it can also be fun and suitable for anyone, whether you’re heavy into sports and wants to improve performance or whether you’re a first-timer. “It’s lighthearted, but at the same time, you can be as focused or as sincere to your yoga practice as need be,” Lease said.
The ancient practice of yoga has numerous benefits including weight loss, muscle toning and inner calmness. “Weight loss is achieved through water loss due to the heating, but also by increasing cardio-vascular performance, resulting in improved metabolism.”
Yoga practice keeps the joints limber and muscle fibres strong, increasing general body flexibility. The side benefit of inner calmness and serenity helps clients cope better in a high-pressured world.
So what do you need to start your yoga experience? “You need an open mind,” Lease says. “Mats if you have one, but if not, don’t let that stop you. There are extra mats here. Add to that a towel and some water, and you’ll be ready to go. And the first class is free!”
A variety of styles are taught so students can find one that suits them.
Lease makes sure that during each class, students are guided carefully through each of the poses. “Many people think there is a mystique around yoga. Yoga is basically just a time for yourself, becoming intimate with your own breath and your movement,” she said.
Classes are available in Milton, Oakville and Burlington. The Studio schedule is flexible to accommodate busy lifestyles and daycare is available. For more information visit
www.somelikeithot.ca.
