It's cool to be hot

CRAIG SIMCOX/Dominion Post

HOT RIGHT NOW: Instructor Claire Szabo-Cassella demonstrates a yin yoga stretch

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Hariata Hema began hot yoga to escape the Wellington southerly. "I really like the warm," the 54-year-old grandmother says.

The temperature temptation was what lured her to the hot-yoga studio, but it was the flexibility and strength it gave her that lured her back.

"When I first came here, I couldn't even sit on the floor. I can do much more now." Hariata is part of a small but growing group of Kiwis sweating it out in hot-yoga studios.

The practice is relatively new in New Zealand, but Bikram yoga, the original "hot yoga", was developed by Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles in the 1970s. Practised in a room warmed to almost 40 degrees, it covers 27 postures and two breathing exercises.

Other studios around the world practise modified forms of Bikram yoga. Wellington studio Hot Yoga of New Zealand offers classes in three types: a Bikram-style yoga, a yoga that focuses on floor postures, and a yoga that combines postures into a continuous "flow".

Instructor Claire Szabo-Cassella says that no matter what type of hot yoga is practised, the heat provides extra benefits. "It keeps the muscles safe and warm. The muscles have a chance to relax [and] you can use that flexibility in a safe way."

Claire says the heat ensures that practitioners sweat from all parts of their body, which releases toxins.

It is safe, as long as practitioners do not allow themselves to become dehydrated. "That's why we over- emphasise the need for hydration."

Pregnant women and multiple- sclerosis sufferers are the only people she says should avoid hot yoga. "Everything else is fantastic, because hot yoga is a rehabilitative yoga."

John Gyenge, a Wellington sports doctor, says there are risks of overstretching while doing hot yoga.

"Because of the heat, you're able to do a lot more than normal, so it's very easy to overdo the amount that's appropriate for you."

Hydration before, during and after class is very important. People with asthma, chest conditions, hypertension and circulatory problems might find hot yoga worsens their condition, but it is largely safe, Dr Gyenge says. "The biggest downside seems to be the perspiration odour."

The other downside is the cost. The classes are not cheap. A casual visit to either of Wellington's hot-yoga studios is $18, and a one-year membership costs about $27 a week.

But Hariata says the community feeling and pleasure gets from hot yoga make it worthwhile.

WHERE?

Hot Yoga of New Zealand - 250 Wakefield St. Casual class $18 (first class $6). Ten-class card $150.
Bikram Yoga Wellington - 133-139 Tory St. Casual class $18 (first class $10). Ten-class card $145.

- © Fairfax NZ News