Stretching Out of My Comfort Zone
One of the areas I’ve consistently overlooked as part of my training regime is stretching and recovery. I often stretch at the start and end of training sessions and long runs, especially stretching my lower half. The reality, however, is that I’ve been putting my body under immense stress for years without giving it the proper recovery or stretching it not just deserves but craves.
Recently my girlfriend suggested we try hot yoga, and I was game for giving it a go. I recall Joe Rogan talking about doing thirty days of hot yoga during one of his Sober October challenges and describing it as brutally tough. That was my only real point of reference so although I didn't go in expecting a battle against my body, I wasn't expecting a calm, relaxing wellness session either.
We’re now several weeks in, going twice a week and I can confidently say this is going to remain a staple in my weekly training routine. Two sessions a week might not sound like much, but the results have already been noticeable, not just in flexibility but in my day-to-day mental and physical recovery.
Finding My Flow
My first session wasn’t just my introduction to hot yoga; it was my introduction to yoga, full stop. We went for the signature ‘Hotpod Flow’ which is more energetic, and movement based than the alternative ‘Nurturing Flow’.
The combination of 37-degree heat and a full class left me juggling a lot for a first experience. I was focusing on the instructions, translating them into actual movements (the position names were all new to me!), and trying to glance at others for reference when I found myself unsure.
Despite the challenge of a steep learning curve and stretching far more intensively than I have for years, I left the first class feeling lighter in both body and mind. My body felt physically looser and more supple, whilst my mind felt calmer.
Early Benefits & Body Awareness
The most immediate benefit I noticed was the reduction of tension in my body. I’ve carried constant tightness in my legs and lower back for years as a by-product of running and heavy lifting. After just the first few sessions though, it felt like someone had loosened a long-tightened vice around my muscles.
With every passing session I'm continually feeling an increase in flexibility and a return of elasticity to my legs. I’ve already noticed improvements in my squats, as well as a smoother, lighter stride when running, even during higher intensity runs.
Another surprising benefit is that yoga has given me a new lens for understanding my body, joints and muscles. Where I’m tight, where I’m weak, and where I’m imbalanced all become evident as I move through the practice.
Following one session, I commented on a lower back stretch to the instructor who queried if I worked at a desk. I do, and combined with all my running, she highlighted its likely I’m putting a lot of pressure on my lumbar region. It’s a simple observation, which I guess I intuitively knew but it brings it more to the forefront as you start being more attentive to different muscle areas. The muscular and joints that I’d been neglecting are now steadily loosening and strengthening each week.
I'm also noticing that I’m rapidly growing into the practice and feeling more at ease. The poses still don't all immediately come naturally to me, but I've realised it’s more about making the practice work for you than stressing yourself by pushing past what you're capable of.
Slowly but surely, I'm feeling more able and capable. I also managed to surprise myself recently in managing 2 seconds in the Crow Pose. I get it, 2 seconds isn't much to write home about however I’ve always viewed this as one of the more difficult poses on the face of it so I felt quite good about gaining the confidence to take it on let alone manage a couple of seconds of balance.
Beyond The Physical
Hot yoga isn’t just about the physical as you get benefits for the mind too. The combination of stretching, heat, and controlled breathing creates a meditative state I’ve struggled to achieve elsewhere. Generally, my mind is working at a 100mph constantly so just being in a place of full focus on the body and present for an hour is really helping me to rein in my stress levels.
The habit of stretching has also seeped out of the pod and into my daily life. I now find myself taking a few minutes each day to stretch, even if it’s just basic hamstring or back stretches in my office between meetings.
Stretching is quickly shifting from something I saw as an optional if I have time to a staple in my routine. Now I just need to keep it going until it's fully embedded which if it isn't so already then, it’s not far off.
Takeaways for Your First Hot Yoga Class
Start Slow & Relax: Relax and don't pressure yourself to perfect every pose. Focus on what feels right for your body rather than pushing into pain or discomfort.
Hydrate: Make sure to bring water and hydrate throughout. You may be surprised how much you sweat especially if you incorrectly assume you're in for an easy ride
Disconnect to Reconnect: Leave watches and phones outside if you can. Disconnecting fully helps you stay present whilst reconnecting with the mind and body.
Balancing the Trifecta
Through running I gain fitness and endurance; weights develop strength and resistance and now with hot yoga I’m increasing flexibility. Together they’re providing me with the trifecta of practices to bring balance to my body and muscles. Hot yoga isn’t necessarily easy, especially when you’re new, but if you’re curious about improving recovery and mobility while picking up an unexpected mental edge, it’s worth trying.