How do I know if hot yoga is for me?
If you are looking to achieve any of the following, than Hot Yoga is for you.
1. Strengthen your body
2. Increase flexibility
3. Lose weight
4. Boost your immune system
5. Increase mental focus
6. Increase self esteem
7. Increase the speed of healing connective tissue injury
8. Find relaxation
9. Cleanse the body and detoxify
10. Re-energize and revitalize your body
11. Enjoy vibrant good health and well-being
What is hot yoga?
Hot Yoga is a form of hatha yoga that originated in Calcutta India. Hatha Yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga in the world today. Hatha Yoga uses postures (asana), conscious breathing (Pranayama) and mental focus (Dhyana) to develop strength, flexibility, self-awareness, and relaxation. Through proper alignment and mindful actions of the body, hatha yoga brings balance, strength, and a sense of well-being to the practitioner. The room is heated which allows for safer, deeper stretching. It also improves endurance through cardiovascular effort, and aids in the removal of toxins through sweat glands. We end class with a wonderful savasana (final relaxation) and offer cold scented eye cloths as a treat to look forward to.
How do I prepare for class?
Please arrive 20 minutes early for your first class. Bring your own yoga mat, a large towel and a large bottle of water. We keep a few extra mats and towels on hand to rent in case you forget your own. Please come to class well hydrated (drink at least 3 glasses of water before class) and continue to drink after class to prevent dehydration (see chart below for recommended daily water consumption calculations)
** Remember on the days you practice you’ll want to drink an additional 3-4 glasses of water**
Come to practice on an empty stomach (do not eat a full meal 2-3 hours before practice) If you feel you need a little energy before class, have a small piece of fruit, a cup of green tea or some diluted, unsweetened fruit juice. Wear loose fitting clothing that is light and breathable. Clothing that you can easily stretch in such as shorts, yoga pants and tank tops are appropriate, men may prefer to go shirtless. Moisture wicking clothing is highly recommended. Please be mindful and avoid wearing heavy colognes and or scented lotions or oils. Good underarm deodorant is highly recommended and always appreciated 🙂 Most importantly, bring a smile, an open heart and be prepared to work hard. Your life will be changed forever!
How is the Barkan Method different from Bikram yoga?
Bikram yoga classes consist of 26 postures done in a specific order without variation. Bikram yoga classes are silent with the exception of the teacher reciting Bikram’s dialogue to instruct students in and out of poses. At My Yoga, the heat is the same as in Bikram studios, (105 degrees with 40-50% humidity) however the classes are structured to be a bit more free flowing. The Barkan method consists of the same 2 breathing exercises, similar standing and floor poses, but we add vinyasa poses as well to keep the body and mind challenged and surprised each class. We also allow the use of props when needed and offer modifications for beginners and/or people who are healing from injuries. We play music during most of our classes which adds a nice motivational and spiritual element to the practice. The teachers at My Yoga will be on their mats with you during classes to demonstrate postures and modifications.
Why the heat/ How is MyYoga’s heating system different from other hot yoga studios?
When muscles are cold they contract, and it becomes difficult to relax. The heat helps to relax the muscles, joints and connective tissue allowing us to move more freely and deeply into poses with less chance of injury. The heat also stimulates circulation and detoxification through sweating, making it a wonderful way to get a cardio workout as well as flushing any toxins out of the body. With patience and dedication your body will go through a significant transformation. You will lose inches (fat) where you need to lose and gain (muscle) where you need to gain. Skin complexion can improve as well. The heating system at MyYoga is not your typical forced air system. Our studio is heated using state of the art, energy efficient intrared radiant heat panels.Students and objects in the room are heated first and remain warm after the heaters have turned off, unlike forced hot air, which cools fast and does not produce the same sun-like-warmth of infrared heating. The room is silent, dust particle free with fresh air being circulated in to remove co2. To read more about our heating system click here.
What if I’ve never done yoga before and I am not flexible?
This is one of the most common misconceptions that keep people from trying yoga. Some people think they can’t do yoga because they are not flexible. Well, great news, you DO NOT have to be physically flexible to practice hot yoga, the heat will help you with that. In fact the more inflexible you are, the more you need to do yoga and the more your body will benefit. Practicing hot yoga overtime will increase flexibility. Don’t worry if it’s your first time, all levels practice together. We offer plenty of verbal instruction and modifications for beginners and or people who are healing injuries.
What type of payment methods does My Yoga accept?
We accept cash, checks, Visa, Master card, Amex and Discover. Please note there are no refunds and all packages have expiration dates that can not be extended once you have purchased. We can make exceptions by putting pass cards on hold if you physically injure yourself.
What happens if I buy a class package and it expires before I get to take all of my classes? Can I extend my package expiration date?
If you purchase 5 classes and don’t get to use them in a month, you can roll over your unused classes onto your next package or use the cash value towards an unlimited package. We are sorry there are no extensions on discounted packages. All sales are final. We do make exceptions for certain circumstances such as an injury that inhibits you from practicing yoga, or relocation.
Does My Yoga offer discounts to college and high school students?
Yes we offer discounted rates on all classes and packages for high school and college students. Please have your student id when purchasing classes.
What if I can’t afford classes at MyYoga?
We offer several financial assistance options for those who need help. We offer payment plans, discounts, “pay what you can”, barter and work-study programs for free classes. My Yoga will NEVER turn anyone away! Our goal is to make yoga accessible to EVERYONE. Please email us or call Maddy (919) 323-0453 if you need help paying for your classes.
What should I expect after my first class?
Your first class is typically the most challenging just as with any new type of activity. Some students experience muscle soreness after the first few classes. We recommend you not push yourself too hard the first class. It can take up to 10 classes for the body and the mind to acclimate to the heat. Until the body gets used to the heat, mixing electrolyte powder in your water or drinking coconut water before during and after practice can be helpful. Most new students claim a great feeling of well being after just one class. The more often you practice, the more your body will open up, strengthen and get used to the heat.
What are some other benefits of practicing hot yoga regularly?
Benefits to this yoga practice are virtually limitless. Practicing hot yoga regularly can help to reduce the healing time of many common sports injuries. It can also help with conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, as well as improving the inner workings of the nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory and immune systems. Hot yoga also promotes relaxation using meditation and breathing techniques which helps to reduce stress as well as mental depression and anxiety.
How do I improve my practice as a beginner?
Practice, practice, practice!
Just remember that every yogi has started out as a beginner. Yoga practice is just like taking up any new activity. Consistency and frequency are key. Take a second class within 24 hours, class is usually much easier the 2nd day and will also help relieve any sore muscles. Start off strong and don’t give up. Practice 10 yoga classes as quickly as possible. Ten classes done in 3 weeks or less will help your body get used to the heat and allow yourself to build a strong foundation from which you can build upon.
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