Hot yoga takes fitness, flexibility up a level

Hot yoga thrives on pushing the body’s flexibility limits. With a combination of the body’s inner temperature system and the external temperature of the room, Brewton Area YMCA class instructor Vivian Layton says students have no problem in reaching their optimum level of flexibility.

“There’s a double warming affect happening internally and externally that increases flexibility,” Layton said.

“During hot yoga, we’re able to do a posture more safely and perform it a little more deeply. Flexibility is a big part of what the class wants to accomplish.”

It’s been a little over two years since hot yoga found its way to the YMCA. Since then, the hour long class has been meeting on Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

Students can look forward to balancing postures such as, tree pose, dancer’s pose and the warrior poses.

With the class room temperature set between 86 and 90 degrees, Layton said it’s important to take safety precautions.

“If participants have not experienced a hot yoga class before, we encourage them to start the class and maybe not finish and just gradually get themselves use to that warmer environment,” Layton said.

“We encourage if they have any health issues to check with a doctor first to see if they can handle the exercises and the temperature.”

Layton said hydration is important before, during and after the class.

“Drink water several hours before participation,” Layton said.

“During our rest periods we encourage water consumption and toweling off, and after the class it’s just as important to continue that hydration process.”

Layton also recommended a small protein snack before and after class as well.

Hot yoga class is one of a variety of classes open for free to all YMCA members. For nonmembers, Layton encourages those to try the class out once to see if you enjoy it, and then look to become a member of the Y.

As program instructor at the Y, as well as a fitness enthusiast, Layton champions all members to explore all the different fitness opportunities.

“Even though you may love yoga, you need to enjoy other things like cardio training on a treadmill, or outside exercises,” Layton said.

“Whether you’re a yoga practitioner or a bodybuilder we encourage everyone to cross train so they’re not wearing out one joint over another. That’s what I’ve see quite a bit of in my experience. It’s important to keep the body balanced.”

The Brewton Area YMCA is open Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on the hot yoga class or membership, contact the Brewton Area YMCA at 251.867.9622.