Along with the popularity of yoga has come a number of myths, misconceptions, and misinformation.

Let’s clear up some of the most common hot yoga myths we’ve heard.

I’m not flexible.

Saying you can’t do hot yoga because you’re not flexible is like saying you’re too dirty to shower! That’s exactly why you need it.

Not only will stretching and moving mindfully help loosen tight muscles and prevent injuries, the added benefit of doing so in a heated room will help relax your muscles, which in turn allows for an even deeper stretching.

Try hot yoga and you’ll leave having discovered flexibility you never knew was there. 

I’ll get lost.

We get it.  Sanskrit words and flowing postures can feel a bit intimidating at first. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered.

Yogatown teachers are among the best in the city, which means they’re skilled in guiding both new and veteran yogis through a class.  You’ll discover that the clear and simple instructions our teachers offer are easy to follow.

Just listen to the step by step instructions, and you’ll be flowing through your poses like a veteran yogi in no time.

Everyone will know I’m the newbie in class.

Hot yoga may be practiced in a room full of other people, but it’s an incredibly personal activity. During class, everyone is focused on their own practice and the teacher, not you.

If you’re still feeling a bit self-conscious, plan to arrive a bit early and select a spot in the hot room where you’ll be most comfortable.

You can also take one of our Yoga 101 workshops for new yogis, schedule a private class with one of our teachers, or read our blog post on tips for your intro month.

And if one of our other Townies does notice you’re new to the studio, expect to be greeted warmly.

At yogatown, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming community, where the hot room is a judgment free zone.

I’m not “in shape”.

Yoga truly is for every body. Men, women, young, old, all shapes, and all sizes.

You’ll find a mix of bodies of the hot room, and regardless of whether you spend most of your time in an office chair or are a pro athlete, hot yoga will offer you challenges and push you to new heights.

Regardless of your fitness level, most people need a few classes to adjust to the heat and the style of movement in the hot room.

Take it easy at first, and listen to the teacher for ways you can adjust the postures to meet your needs.

You may also want to avoid some of our more intense classes at first.  Check out our blog post on choosing the best yoga classes for you.

Take your time as you get to know your yoga practice and you’ll find the benefits of yoga surface quickly – including increased health and energy.

I won’t be able to breathe.

When it’s -30 outside, it’s normal to feel a bit of a shock entering the hot room for the first time (thank you, Ottawa winters).

At Yogatown, we’ve invested in the highest quality radiant heat and air exchange systems.  Forced air systems can leave a room feeling stuffy and congested, but Yogatown’s modern heat and air systems ensure your hot yoga experience is both a comfortable and healthy one.

Hot yoga will always feel hot, but it should never feel stale.

Most of our members report that after a few hot yoga classes, the heat not only becomes more tolerable, but something they crave.

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing body buzz people report after a hot yoga class, often described as feeling like you’ve had a shower from the inside out.

I’ll get bored stretching for an hour.

Yoga is about so much more than stretching!

Did you know, that yoga was first geared towards men because of the strength it developed (old school, we know!)?

Yogatown’s classes have also been designed to challenge your balance, coordination, and focus among other things.

Rather than being bored, you’ll probably be surprised at how quickly time passes during class.

The only thing more surprising will probably be just how amazing you feel after class.

Other myths?

These are just a handful of the most common myths we’ve heard, but there are many more.

If you’re curious about something you’ve heard or read, don’t hesitate to let us know.

Our staff and teachers are always happy to answer your questions and help you to learn more about yoga, on and off the mat.