Yoga and high intensity interval training are nothing new, but a “Hot HIIT” class? Believe it or not, this combo fitness routine is now a thing. Bikram Yoga Scarsdale has begun offering a class combining the short bursts of intense cardio associated with HIIT with the muscle-toning benefits of Pilates and yoga poses, all in a heated 98-degree room.
Participants are asked to be prepared with their own yoga matt, towel, and water, and they’re going to need it. Shoeless and entering a dimly lit room, you feel the dry air hit your face and begin to mentally prepare for the insanity that you’re going to be a part of.
The instructor, Emma, works to make both pros and newbies feel at home and comfortable in the hour-long class. Her workouts target legs, glutes, back, abs and arms—pretty much the entire body.
There is also a major emphasis placed on proper breathing. Participants are consistently reminded to breathe through their noses rather than their mouths, and to avoid holding in breath. This makes the workout both easier and more calming. Music is also selected to sync with breathing and exercises.
We can attest to the fact that hot HIIT makes you feel as if you can achieve anything. During a recent session we tried out, we struggled, we wanted to give up halfway through, but the class encouraged us to push ourselves. Granted, getting out of bed was a bit of doozy the day after, but what better way to say, “I had a great workout,” than waking up sore the next morning?
