Devotees practice hot yoga or Bikram in a studio heated to around 40°C. This might sound heavenly for the cooler months around May to August, but what about right now – in the heat of summer? We flock to air-conditioned establishments to indulge in the cool air. Why would anyone choose to exercise in a heated room filled with strangers covered in droplets of sweat?
Surprisingly, practising hot yoga in summer can help you acclimatise to the heat of the season, both physically and mentally. With a smaller difference between the temperatures outside and inside the studio, you’ll warm up faster at your class too.
There are many benefits of hot yoga. The higher temperature helps your muscles to ease up which results in greater flexibility. A one hour class can lead to a large expenditure of energy: about 200 kJ for a 68 kg woman. If you lose weight after a session, remember that it’s only water weight which you will gain back as you rehydrate. Nonetheless, Bikram remains an excellent way to tone your entire body.
Hot yoga in Cape Town:
YOGALIFE
YogaLife offers Bikram, Power, Vinyasa, and Sculpt yoga.
OF NOTE
When Monday–Sunday 6 am – 7:30 pm (schedule)
Where 127 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant
Cost R100 (rates)
Contact +27 21 418 2884, [email protected]
YOGA SPIRIT
Yoga Spirit offers Bikram, Vinyasa and Yin yoga classes in Constantia.
OF NOTE
When Monday–Sunday 7 am – 8:30 pm (schedule)
Where Constantia Village, Constantia
Cost R110 (rates)
Contact +27 21 794 5300, contact page
YO YOGA
Yo Yoga offers Bikram, Ashtanga, Vinyasa and more in a relaxed studio in the Southern suburbs.
OF NOTE
When Monday–Sunday 6 am – 8:30 pm (schedule)
Where Cavendish Close, Warwick Street, Claremont
Cost R100 (rates)
Contact +27 21 671 0888, [email protected]
YOGA ZONE
Yoga Zone was established in 2002 and offers heated Vinyasa and Bikram yoga. The studio is spacious with wooden floors and a sophisticated heating and airflow system.
OF NOTE
When Monday–Sunday 7 am – 8 pm (schedule)
Where Yoga Zone, 10th floor, Picbel Parkade, 58 Strand Street, CBD
Cost R100 (rates)
Contact +27 21 421 8136, [email protected]
Check out our blog post to find out more about another fantastic hot yoga offering in Cape Town.
Things to remember
Correct fueling and hydration are essential and you should try to eat something two to three hours before class and drink plenty of water on the day of your class to prevent dizziness. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle.
You should wear tight fitting, moisture-wicking clothes. You might be tempted to wear shorts but pants are better because they help absorb sweat and stop you from slipping. Bring along a towel that you can lay on top of your mat so that you won’t slip around.
Shape up and acclimatise to the Cape Town summer with hot yoga this summer, and you’ll look forward to exercising in winter, too.
Photography courtesy