New ‘hot yoga’ trend has potential benefits, risks for students

By Lauren Matheny, Staff Writer

Hot yoga has become a trend for those seeking to add some intensity to their usual routine, but turning up the heat can be risky for the beginning practitioner.

While regular yoga is practiced at room temperature, hot yoga is done in a room between 90 to 105 degrees.

Some studios also have the ability to adjust the humidity in the room to between 50 and 100 percent, adding to the intensity.

The added heat allows muscles to relax deeper into poses and enhance stretches, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Many practitioners believe that more sweat leads to a full-body cleanse.

Several studios near campus are tapping into student interest by offering discounts.

Soul Yoga, 8028 N. May Ave., charges a student drop-in rate of $8 per class, while Yoga at Tiffany’s, 9610 N. May Ave., offers a student rate of $12.

While the benefits can sound tempting, it is important not to go too hot, too fast.

The Mayo Clinic has published stipulations for those looking to begin classes, reminding new practitioners that hot yoga can cause symptoms of heat-related illness like dizziness, nausea and dehydration.

According to the May Clinic, all students should check with a doctor before beginning classes, especially those with pre-existing conditions.

Even those who have practiced yoga for a long time should remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and continue drinking water after class has ended. Replacing the liquids lost through sweat is important according to the Mayo Clinic.

Students are divided about the benefits of hot yoga.

Liana Montemayor, dance performance junior, enjoys her yoga heated.

“Hot yoga makes me feel more relaxed in my body and able to connect with my breath,” Montemayor said. “It gives me so much peace of mind at the end of the class.”

Elizabeth McCreight, acting junior, prefers to practice at room temperature.

“I feel like I spend my time in hot yoga focusing on how hot I am and worried that I’ll pass out,” McCreight said. “At regular yoga, I can use that time relaxing and really flowing deeper into the poses.”

No matter which practice students pursue, proper hydration and a safe cooldown are key to gaining maximum benefits while ensuring a healthy body and mind.