Turn up the heat: how to get started with Hot Yoga in Amherst

What is hot yoga?

Hot yoga, quite simply, is yoga practiced in a heated room typically set between 90-105°F (32-40°C), offering a unique set of benefits for both the body and the mind. 

Physical benefits of hot yoga

The heat helps to increase blood flow, making it easier for muscles to stretch and become more flexible. This can lead to an improved range of motion and a decrease in muscle stiffness, making it an excellent option for those seeking to enhance flexibility or recover from injury. 

Additionally, the increased temperature encourages the body to sweat more, which can aid in detoxification by flushing out toxins from the skin. 

The combination of heat and movement can also help to improve cardiovascular health, as the body works harder to regulate temperature, increasing heart rate and promoting circulation.

Wellness & other benefits

Beyond the physical benefits, hot yoga is also known for its positive effects on mental well-being. The intensity of the practice encourages mindfulness, as practitioners must focus on their breath and movements to stay balanced in the heat. 

This focus can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, providing a calming effect for the mind. Many practitioners also report a heightened sense of relaxation and mental clarity after a session, helping to boost mood and mental resilience. 

Overall, hot yoga offers a holistic approach to fitness, addressing both physical strength and mental wellness, making it a comprehensive workout for body and mind.

What Resonance Hot Yoga + Massage students are saying

At Resonance Hot Yoga + Massage we offer at least two Hot Yoga classes daily as well as a variety of other types of classes. 

In the two months since we opened, we have received positive feedback from our students about how transformative finding or re-finding their practice has been. 

A group hot yoga class in session at Resonance Yoga + Massage in Amherst.

Maria K wrote “Mike’s Hot Yoga class at Resonance Studio was an invigorating experience! His calm voice guided us seamlessly through the poses, while his attentive manual adjustments helped me deepen my practice and feel more aligned. The heat, combined with Mike’s expertise, created a challenging yet supportive atmosphere. I left feeling refreshed and energized!” 

From Sarah B; “From the soft, embracing, and refreshing ambience of the entryway and the gracious, welcoming staff, my first moments here filled the heart. My experience with the hot vinyasa class was exquisite; Mike cued and corrected in a very intentional, inspiring, and respectful way. The community atmosphere was comforting and empowering.” 

Meghan K shared this;  ”My gentle flow class was the perfect midday pick me up and the instructor was open and kind to all experience levels. I would highly recommend Resonance and can’t wait to go back soon.” 

How to get started with Hot Yoga

The hardest part of the whole process is just making it in the door.  We’ll help lead you through the rest. To us, it is an honor and privilege to be able to offer this type of physical, emotional, and spiritual superfood of a practice to our local community. We are here to serve you and help introduce you to a more vibrant version of yourself. 

We look forward to meeting you at the studio and on your mat soon!

Please check out all of our offerings, open to all levels of seekers on our website Resonance-Amherst.com and come and try a few classes. We will happily show you the ropes.

Lead with Love,
Mike and Alice.

Michael Shick and Alice Feldman are the co-owners of Resonance Hot Yoga + Massage.

CONTRIBUTOR

Michael Shick

Mike is the founder and caretaker of Resonance Hot Yoga and Massage in Amherst MA. He is humbled by the opportunity to create a vibrant center for yoga, massage, meditation, personal empowerment, and healthy community in Amherst and for the larger Pioneer Valley. Mike has been a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist since 2012 and an RYT200 Yoga teacher leading Vinyasa Yoga classes since 2015. Mike’s foundational approach to both his massage work and yoga classes is to lead with love first, to be consistent, to provide concrete and actionable methods for addressing pain, and to encourage the constant recreation of the optimal environment for your whole being to relax into wakefulness so you may come to a more complete understanding of yourself.

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