Yoga Sculpt: 5 Tips to Consider for this Sweaty Good Time

I'm almost positive that you all have heard of adding weights to your yoga practice.  I personally, think this is a brilliant idea.  With all the recent benefits of strength training coming to surface, combining the two practices is a no-brainer. 

It's not an easy combination however, and most studios that practice a weighted yoga, use a heated room, cue the sweating. 

Here are a few recommendations from an avid sculptor. 

1.  Don't lose your breath

As soon as you begin moving, it's easy to forget about the rhythm of your breath.  This can cause some serious missteps and likely will make you need to stop and recenter.  The way you breathe throughout your workout gets oxygen deep into your lungs and to your muscles, allowing them to work for you.   It also allows your body to cool itself down so you can get more out of your workout.  

2. Don't focus on heavier weights

Instead, focus on your posture and form while flowing through.   Things like lunges and squats will indeed be included, so if your ass is out and your back is arched, drop the weight and fix yo'self.  Weights in this class are not obligatory, they're meant to be a little treat, get weights that are lighter than you would normally use.  This will help you get through the moves without having to stop and drop them.  

3. Take a break AND BRING WATER

Mostly, bring water.  You're in a room heated typically to around 90-11 degrees and our bodies aren't necessarily used to exerting effort in that kind of heat. At least, mine is not.  Take it from someone who has made this fatal mistake, bring. your. water.  and take breaks!  The mission here is to improve, not impress the people around you.  If you need to sit one out, do so.  Listen to your body. 

4.  Stay and stretch

One of the main benefits of yoga is that the practice teaches presence.  If you jump and run out the second your instructor calls savasanah, you're sort of missing the whole point.  After your instructor calls time, take a minute to congratulate yourself on your ass-kicking work.  This lends itself to a sort of pseudo-meditation for some and can truly benefit you in other situations, patience my friends. 

5. Be kind

.. to yourself and to the people around you.  If someone attempts a headstand and their sweaty body topples onto yours, forgive them.  You should be pushing yourself too so maybe take a page from their book and kick those toes up into the air. Likewise, if you just can't hold your horse pose any longer, step out of it and remind yourself; progress not perfection.