TheHotYogaDoctor

Hello everyone..

I’m new to hot yoga - I’m not trying to lose any weight - I’m happy with my size, I just really want a toned body, flat stomach, and a firm bum!

I’m getting married in 10 weeks so I want to make the most of my time and get toned up for our caribbean honeymoon! 

Does hot yoga work to really firm up the body?  Or should I incorporate pilates??  Should I continue going to the gym?  I used to do cardio and weights..

I’m thinking of doing the 30 day challenge… but I’m wondering if I should combine my hot yoga with other exercise methods…

thanks in advance for your help!!!

do what works and feels right for your level of fitness and interests. I LOVE going to the gym and found I did not want to not go or give it up. Do what you can though too. some people would find it hard to do it all so find your balance and what is fun for you. for ME it looked like this
yoga / weights
cardio / yoga rotating ect with one day off on sunday of complete rest. now keep in mind I have been training for years too

I think that hot yoga will definitely tone you. I’ve backed off running as I’ve increased my Bikram classes and feel leaner. However, I would attend classes with the goal of self-improvement and overall well-being in mind rather than just “looking good.” If it’s all about looks, you will probably burn out really quickly!

Good luck trying it out! Have fun in the Caribbean.

I’ve been doing hot yoga (bikram and vinyasa) for a little over 10 weeks now.  I like the mix of the two as I feel vinyasa really does more for toning and strength but both have that great results.  I haven’t lost any weight, but I feel I am leaner. I really love the benefits of my mental well-being that I’m getting. I sleep much better and feel that I can deal with stress more effectively. 

I also run, I do 5Ks primarily.  I have only been running 2-3 days per week while doing the hot yoga, while before I was running 5-6 days per week.  My running has improved tremendously too!  My races begin in the spring, so I’ll be interested in seeing how my race times improve. I can see a difference already in being able to run faster and not be out of breath.

Just love hot yoga, benefits all over the place!!

after 20 years of weights and cardio, adding hot yoga to the mix made ALL the difference. Eating a lot less helped too. As far as weights go, all the heavy lifting was screwing up my yoga, so I changed from ‘heavy lifting/bodybuilding’ type stuff to an full-upper-body circuit with very light weights. The yoga’s plenty enough workout for the legs! My split is yoga/yoga/weights/yoga/yoga/weights. My work/travel schedule kind of puts rest days in where they happen to land.

Bottom line: a regular hot yoga practice and great nutrition will definitely help you look fabulous for the big day. Good luck.

Hello Gina

Congratulations!

You have plenty of time to tone your body! How many times per week can you manage? 30 day challenges are fine but you really just want consistent effort over the time. I would suggest minimum 4 times per week, and try for 5.  Wabbit suggests a routine for you. So now it’s decision time for you! Whether to include weights and at what frequency. The hot yoga is cardio enough!

Have fun

Namaste
Gabrielle