Many people practice Yoga for both the physical and mental benefits. The benefits of yoga stretch far beyond just increased flexibility, strength and balance—it’s also a great way to relax and relieve stress. If you’re a yogi looking for a way to spice up your practice, look no further than Hot Yoga.

From seasoned athletes to beginners, Hot Yoga is a great activity for those looking to further elevate their practice.

Hot Yoga refers to the act of completing Yoga poses in a hot or humid room.

Although it’s similar to regular Yoga in many ways, Hot Yoga is a more intense practice that can help increase physical endurance and mental stamina. The added heat helps to further loosen muscles, allowing them to be more easily stretched and elongated. Sweat is a natural way for your body to expel toxins, so practicing in a humid setting can help clear your pores and increase blood flow to all areas of your body.

Hot Yoga isn’t reserved for the ultra-fit either. It can be a really great way to prevent injuries and remedy existing muscle pain. So, if you have some muscle tightness or joint pain, don’t count yourself out quite yet. Each Hot Yoga class can be modified to suit the needs of different body types, and a variety of pose modifications can help every participant get maximum benefits from each class. GoodLife’s Hot Yoga instructors are trained professionals with a wealth of experience to ensure you stretch and loosen your muscles without pushing yourself too far.

If you haven’t had a chance to try one of our Hot Yoga classes, then you may be a little overwhelmed by the variety of classes offered at our various locations. To help you find your perfect Hot Yoga class, let’s break down all of the options offered at GoodLife.

Hot Yoga Foundations (low intensity): If you are looking to introduce Hot Yoga to your fitness routine or strengthen your existing Yoga practice, then our Foundations Hot Yoga is for you. With a focus on the foundations of mind, body and breath work, you will learn the fundamentals of Yoga and deepen your awareness postures (Asanas) and breath control (Pranyama). Foundations Yoga will explore basic breathing techniques, Sun Salutation sequences and relaxation techniques, while emphasizing form and postural alignment.

Hot Yoga (medium intensity): This class will allow you to enjoy the many benefits of Hot Yoga. The humidity promotes detoxification and allows for deep, safe stretching. This class is suitable for all levels of ability in both 60 to 75 minute formats. Each class will begin with a focus on breath, followed by a combination if standing postures, sun salutations, floors postures, and will finish with meditation and breath.

Hot Power Yoga (medium intensity): This dynamic and challenging class focuses on strength building postures, increasing the heart rate and building breath awareness. This format helps tap into your inner strength. Don't be intimidated by the word "power," because you're much stronger than you think!

Hot Yin Yoga (medium intensity): Hot Yin Yoga is devoted to releasing the power of your body by increasing energy flow through its Meridians. These poses target the deeper connective tissues such as ligaments, bones, joints, and primarily the fascia. Yin Yoga utilizes longer held poses 3 to 5 minutes or more; the perfect complement to the traditional stronger Yoga's. Done primarily on the floor, at first Yin Yoga may seem slow, passive and soft, but you will soon discover that it can be quite challenging in its own way.

What ever class you choose, Hot Yoga is a great way to improve your overall health, challenge your body and clear your mind. If you’re unsure which class to start with, talk to any of GoodLife’s Hot Yoga trainers, and they’ll point you in the right direction.