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We Tried: Hot Yoga

There are a number of different types of yoga, but the one that always managed to hold my attention was hot yoga.

I couldn’t help but ask myself what it was about an intensely warm and humid room that made the practice more tempting.

When I learned Aberdeen was getting its very own hot yoga studio, I just knew I have to give it a go and find out for myself.

After the session, we asked Lori Anderson of Original Hot Yoga, based at Berryden Retail Park in Aberdeen, some of the most common questions about hot yoga.

Q. What is hot yoga?

This is yoga which replicates the hot and humid conditions in India – heated to 40.5C (105F) with humidity at 40-60%.

Our practice at OHY is the original hot yoga, a unique sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises.

They are practised in a specially-designed studio heated to 40.5C and 40 per cent for a 90-minute class.

Hot yoga studio owner and teacher Lori Anderson.
Studio owner and teacher Lori Anderson.

We do two sets of almost everything, the first looks at what our bodies can manage, and the second is what more our bodies can manage.

Q. Can beginners do hot yoga? What do you recommend for their first session?

Absolutely, every class is a beginner’s class.

We try to keep it simple. Just show up with the body you have today and try the right way as best you can.

Q. Can I do hot yoga every day?

Yes, the key to the practice is frequency.

We have classes every day of the week with an introductory offer of £22 for the first class and unlimited classes for a week.

It’s also the best way to learn to breathe and exercise in a hot room.

Hot yoga being taught in Aberdeen.
Students taking part in hot yoga at the Berryden studio.

Two to three days in a row, and most people have adjusted to the heat and start to gain the benefits.

Q. Do you recommend eating before a hot yoga session?

It’s recommended you practise with an empty stomach. Your last meal should be at least four hours earlier.

If you need an energy boost, try a light snack like a banana a couple of hours before.

The key is hydration – early and consistently, with something for electrolyte replacements. Coconut water is always recommended.

Q. Has anyone ever asked you to cool down the room during a hot yoga session in Aberdeen?

Ha, they’ve possibly thought about it, but never asked!

Students quickly appreciate the added benefits of the heat, but they do make references.

Original Hot Yoga studio in Aberdeen.
Why not give hot yoga a try?

I have a regular student with great banter. She always says: “It’s roasting”.

Q. What if someone is nervous about handling the heat?

Inform them upfront what to expect: the conditions, the heat and humidity, and why.

Heat warms up muscles and loosens them, and humidity helps with sweating and detoxification.

Then, I take them into the hot room to get a sense and feel for it and come back out for any questions.

Hot yoga is taught at Aberdeen's Berryden Retail Park.
All classes are open dialogue, where Lori explains each movement – step by step.

They are usually more reassured. They grab their mat, towel and water bottle and go straight back in.

OHY is a full dialogue practice. This means they are told what to do, how to do it and when to do it, from set up to exit.

They are never left alone, which is why it’s so perfect for beginners, it really instils and grows confidence quickly.

Q. Should I take part in a morning or afternoon session?

That’s down to your schedule your work-life balance and commitments!

Each time you take it to the mat, your mind and body are different. You just work to your best range of motion on the day regardless of time.

Q. What should you NOT do before a hot yoga class?

An obvious one – and take it from someone who learned the hard way – is a good night out!

Too much to eat and drink, with too little sleep, regardless of whether you have a hangover or not.

Try not to judge your practice – just come, try, do, repeat!

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