When cold, brisk air is blowing outside, I crave practicing yoga in a
heated room. Walking around barefoot in a tank top and feeling the warm
arm on my skin is incredibly liberating. Practicing yoga in the Winter
is a little different than in the summertime, so here are some things
you should keep in mind until the thaw.
- Don't just head to class in your just your capris. Be sure to wear
warm layers over your yoga outfit. A warm body is less prone to injury.
- If you live in a very cold climate, try to get to class at least 10
minutes early to sit in the hot room to allow your muscles to warm up
before diving into Downward Dog. Do some Sun Salutations on your own to
warm up faster.
- To avoid getting sick, ask the instructor not to assist you. They
touch every other body in the room, so there's a good chance they can
pass germs on to you.
- If you have a cold, stay home. I know you think a hot, sweaty yoga
class is just the thing you need to kick your cold and unclog your
stuffy nose, but be considerate of the other yogis in the class. This is
a great time to test out your home practice or use your favorite yoga DVDs.
- Use your own yoga mat and never borrow studio or gym mats. It's hard
to know when they were last washed or what kind of germs may be living
them. Along the same lines, don't let anyone borrow your mat either.
- Make sure to bring a change of warm, dry clothes. You don't want to
stay in your damp yoga outfit and step outside in the cold air. Cold
weather doesn't make you sick, but it sure challenges your immune
system.
