Hotpod Yoga

[hotyogatoe]

Hi - I've been doing Hot Pod Yoga for about 18 months now... never really got into any form of exercise properly... I have been to 74 classes and my hip flexors aren't great my hip flexors have always been a bit rubbish... still can't sit cross legged.. I just use a block... but yoga is a slow game and trying to do some stretches at home in between classes and a bit during the day leading up to class helps... I get VERY sweaty at hot yoga, I have a lifeform mat but recently have had to put a towel under my hands.. any recommended matts or anyone else do hotpod yoga? I will keep going even if I'm not perfect... never compare yourself to others just do what your body can do

I wasted hundreds and hundreds of pounds on hot yoga towels and mats and other stupid stuff. Get one of these combo mats, they’re great. Annoyingly my husband found them and they are the only thing that works for me. A bit heavy though, especially if you have to walk back after being locked out of Hotpod yoga because you were 0.2 seconds late to class!

yogadesignlab.com/collections/combo-yoga-mat/products/combo-yoga-mat-aegean-green

I do hot yoga and pilates in a studio (ie not a pod).
everyone has a towel on their mat because of the sweat. i dont want to imagine the pool of sweat around each mat if you have no towel!!! Maybe a hotpod is warm and not “hot” as in 38•C and 45% humidity??

Anyway, towels are either microfiber (go on amazon and type hot yoga towel) or an ordinary bath towel. Having tried both for many months now, here are my thoughts:
Bath towel
. sweat absorbent
.heat absorbent (wont make you sweat extra)
. Too short for the mat (and in plank, my feet are outside the towel and slip or i need to readjust my towel and its a faff)

Microfiber hot yoga towel
. sweat absorbent
. Looks the part
. Covers the mat fully
. Make you sweat more (probably because not natural fibers).

They both have similar grip (i have two microfiber towels).
I am using a beach towel nowadays as it tends to be longer and more rectangular than a bath towel. I really dont like how the microfiber makes me sweat extra though i still use the two i have sometimes.

in terms of weak hip flexors, yoga is not going to help much but have a look on instagram and you’ll see lots of videos about dancers working their hip flexors. Best exercises are seated leg lifts (check on IG how to do them properly), straddle leg lifs, rotations and extensions. Blocked knees extensions, 90-90 good morning, pancake good morning, lateral leg raise and rotations…. IG can be a useful guide and ankle weights will speed up your progress.
Enjoy!!

How do you wash them?? Are they machine washable?

It sounds as though you’ve developed a really healthy approach to yoga focusing on consistency and working with your body rather than against it. Progress can be gradual, but adapting poses and respecting your limits is often where the real benefit lies.

Sorry I was in a different time zone and forgot to check the post! I have a teatree-based yoga mat spray. I spray it down after class, then again more thoroughly when I get home and then air dry. It says on the site they are machine washable on a gentle cycle but my washing machine is very small and haven’t attempted to shove it in. It’s held up for more than two years and does not smell!

Hey OP - that great you have been enjoying hot pod yoga. I'm very lucky to have a pod fairly close to home & I've been doing 5-6 classes a week for about 22 months now. Like you I really enjoy it - its my "reset" for sure.

The change in my body/strength/fitness etc is incredible - it really is so good for me, body mind & soul.

I use a Lifeform mat too after a few of the yoga teachers recommended them. I get REALLY sweaty! Its hard to tell but I'm possibly one of the sweatiest there.
I use plain thinnish hand towels & if my hands start to get too sweaty I use the towel just under my hands. Feet are usually OK & don't really get slippy - or the mat still grips when they do. This works for me.

I don't wash my Liforme mat but I do use the hotpod spray to wipe it down after class and then I hang my mat over the banniester to dry out overnight.