Feeling the heat in Rugby? The summer sun climbs higher, pushing temperatures into the mid to late 20s. This scorching weather might have you wondering how to keep your yoga practice cool and comfortable. This post will guide you through adjusting your yoga routine for the heatwave, ensuring you stay cool while reaping all the benefits of your practice.
Sweat it Out Smartly
- Dress for Success: Ditch the heavy fabrics and opt for loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes. Let your skin breathe for optimal sweat evaporation. Consider a cooling towel for your neck for an extra refresh.
- Hydration is Key: Dehydration can hinder your practice and even lead to health risks. Key a bottle of water with you!
Adjust Your Practice
- Listen to Your Body: Extreme heat can zap your energy. Don’t push yourself too hard. Modify poses, shorten your practice, or consider restorative or Yin yoga styles, known for their gentler pace and focus on deeper stretches.
Cool Down Your Practice:
While you can adjust your entire practice for the heatwave, consider incorporating some specifically cooling postures. Look for poses that open the front of your body and gently twist the spine, as these can help dissipate heat and promote relaxation. Here are a few examples:
- Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclined Twist): Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat. Extend your left leg out straight and bring your right knee across your body, placing your right foot flat on the floor beside your left hip. Gently twist your torso to the left, looking over your left shoulder and bringing your right arm outstretched behind you. Rest your left hand on your right knee for support. Hold for several breaths before repeating on the other side. This pose helps to cool by opening the chest and promoting circulation, while the gentle twist aids in detoxification.
- Paschimottanasana (Forward Fold): This forward bend stretches the hamstrings and spine, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation. It also encourages deeper breaths, which can be refreshing in hot weather.
- Balasana (Child’s Pose): This restorative pose allows your body to rest and digest the practice. It helps to calm the mind and encourages deeper breaths.
Remember to listen to your body! Modify these poses as needed and avoid anything that causes you discomfort or dizziness. Here are some additional tips for cooling down your practice:
- Practice Cooling Breathwork: Try Sitali Pranayama (Cooling Breath) by curling your tongue into a U-shape and inhaling through the tongue, then exhaling through your nose. Repeat this several times to create a cooling sensation.
- Hydrate Throughout: Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout your practice, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty.
- Cool Down with a Damp Cloth: Place a damp washcloth on your forehead or neck during resting poses to feel a refreshing coolness.
Alternatives to Consider
- Explore Other Yoga Limbs: Yoga is more than just physical postures. During a heatwave, delve into meditation! Focus on your breath while swimming laps or taking a mindful walk in the cooler morning or evening hours.
Embrace the Break
Taking a break from your usual yoga practice due to heat might feel frustrating. But remember, it’s temporary! Reframe this as an opportunity for physical and mental rest. You’ll return to your mat feeling refreshed and ready to flow.
Stay Cool and Keep Practising!
Join me this Saturday at the Houlton Family Fun Day for a feel-good yoga practise. Bring your yoga mat and find me on the yoga lawn (behind the Barn) for a 12.15pm pop-up class.