Hot Yoga for the Yogini
| By Susan McCadam Hoffman, M.S., Certified Fitness Professional www.matmadness.com |
It’s the perfect time to jump start your workout routine! Here’s a sample of what will keep you hot as the temperature cools . . .
Hot Yoga for the Yogini Workup a purifying sweat in a heated room—as high as 105 degrees—as you focus on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility on your way to spiritual enlightenment!
Where: Find a studio offering Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga and go with the flow, or try a Bikram Yoga class where you are led through 26 postures, each held for a period of time. Group classes typically last 90 minutes and qualified instructors assist you in mastering the breath and finding the best alignment possible for your body. As your physical condition improves so will your mental sharpness and stamina.
Although the group dynamic adds a lot to the experience, for those who want to launch a yoga practice in the comfort of home, there are many great books, videos, DVDs, and CDs. Check out the following websites for more detailed information: www.baronbaptiste.com and www.bikramyoga.com
What to Wear: For a great look and the best comfort around (flat seams— no chafe—and gussets to follow the way your body moves), check out Lululemon Athletica: www.lululemon.com. My choice pairing is the chic Belle Tank along with the flattering-on-everyone Hip Pant *R* Narrow . . . take a peek on-line!
Favorite Yoga Move: “Sun Salutation”
- Stand at top edge of mat
- Inner arches of feet connected, spine lifted, hands in front of chest
- Inhale, sweep arms out & lift overhead, palms together
- Stand tall in Mountain Pose with slight arch in spine, look at fingertips
- Exhale hinging at hips into a Forward Fold
- Look at your knees, lengthen spine
- Lift just your gaze with a flat back for Halfway Lift
- Soften knees, bringing palms flat
- Step one foot back at a time into High Plank, ribcage lifted to support spine
- Lower slowly to Low Plank and hover above mat
- Press forward and through, tops of feet on floor for Upperward Facing Dog
- Hips low, chest forward and up
- Press into heels of hands to lift hips high in Downward Facing Dog
- Body an inverted V, knees straight, heels toward floor
- Look between hands and step one foot forward at a time to a
Forward Fold - Fan arms out to sides and lift overhead, standing tall in Mountain Pose
- Lower hands to heart center and breathe . . .
