Keeping Yoga Studios “Cool” in the Summer

How can studios keep students coming into class when it is so hot!?

Remind students that the summer is the perfect time to do yoga – your body is already naturally warm, so you will be able to explore yoga poses in ways you haven’t been able to before. You hips, shoulders, chest are all more open, so you may be able to go a step or two further in your asana practice.

Also, our studio has freeze pops that we offer to students after classes on hot days. It’s also smart to offer water and encourage hydration.

Is yoga in the park a good idea?

On days that aren’t too hot and humid, yoga in the park is a good idea. Just make sure there is no heat advisory that day! Yoga in the park is an excellent way to get in touch with mother nature, draw energy from the earth, and connect with the season and our base, earth chakra.

How do you keep the studio cool without heavy investing into cooling systems?

We turn the lights off and turn a floor fan on. Sunlight doesn’t enter the studio, but pulling the blinds down and closing the curtains seems to help keep the cool air in. If needed, we turn the air conditioning on to about 82 degrees Fahrenheit. I think it’s important to keep the temperature similar to what your body is naturally feeling in the summer and adjust the practice to allow the student to feel balanced at the end of class (not doing such a core centered or heating class in the summer).

Do you change up your food and drink selections during the summer?

Yes, I eat more fruits and vegetables and less cooked and warmed foods. This is in line with what Ayurveda suggests for the summer in order to keep the body in balance. Why would you eat spicy food on a hot day? You’ll be too hot!

What is a popular summer time yoga style?

Yin classes in the summer offer balance from our busy “yang” summer lives. Summer is buzzing, hot, exciting, so we need some slower vinyasa classes so balance that energy. Forward folds are great for the summer. However, some people have so much energy in the summer that they want to celebrate and enjoy flowing vinyasa classes – heart and chest openers, hip openers, and cleansing twists. There is a style out there for everyone.

Kelly teachers at Ahima Oak Park yoga studio. She discovered that yoga was a way to reduce stress and get in touch with the body and mind. She saw the way yoga benefited her life and made her a happier and healthier person.

Kelly Merydith

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