As teenagers, we generalize worthwhile exercise as “getting big.” Speaking from the point of a Division 1 college-bound athlete, I formerly was under the impression that the most effective way to strengthen my skills was to build raw muscle. While this may be true, a new form of calisthenics has shown to have a serious impact on athletic performance.
Yoga.
Specifically, Hot Yoga. Otherwise known as Bikram Yoga, Hot Yoga was derived from traditional Yoga techniques and first came public in the early 1970’s. Hot Yoga usually runs in sessions of 90 minutes and at a temperature of 105 Degrees and a humidity of at least 40%.
Usually, athletes consider Yoga more of a women’s labor. However, I can assure you that this is not the case. After trying Hot Yoga at North Haledon’s Fire Shaper Hot Yoga studio, I was utterly surprised on the level of difficulty I experienced while working out. After performing 26 different poses for over an hour, I was absolutely exhausted and completely drenched in sweat. However, I have felt looser in nearly all my joints and a lot more flexible. I feel as though this has already had an impact on my athletic performance.
As someone who had previously shrugged Yoga off as a “girl’s thing,” I have completely changed my opinion in all aspects. Many professional athletes also use Hot Yoga as part of their training regimens. This includes Kobe Bryant, Rafael Nadal, Josh Hamilton, David Beckham, and many more. Anyone who is serious about fitness or athletics should give Hot Yoga a chance. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
