It is the month of April, and this is probably a brand new ‘resolution to do yoga’ month for most of us. After a couple of months of break due to the winter chill and then a month of being quite irregular at the studio (because, let’s face it! It is easy to adapt to a bad habit. But it takes a mother of work to pick a new good one), when we sit to unpack our summer wardrobe and the outfits feel a little tight, then we realize it is time to get into shape again. So, we slip into our workout clothes and head out.
As we step outside, the voluminous rays of the sun hit our face and, with a squirm, we peek into our sports watch. We realize it is only 6:30 am in the morning. And the sun is already warming up to attack the whole city with its fiery, unrelenting rays.
It seems like only a few weeks ago when it used to be dark out and we used to wear one of our snuggly sweat shirts to fight the cold at this hour. But now, it’s time for these sweatshirts to be packed and stacked as the summer has finally reckoned itself.
Once we reach the studio, and begin to workout, the sweat only makes us irritated, dehydrated, meek and uncomfortable. The postures seem too tiring because of the added strain the temperature has put on the body. And now, we feel like going back to bed before its time to get ready for work!
The above scenario is quite a common occurrence in most of our lives. Staying motivated in summers is nearly as cumbersome as pushing ourselves to work out in the most chilling winters.
Both require effort, motivation and focus. So, What could you do to stay inspired to continuing practicing yoga despite the heat?
Set a target
The first thing you need to do is – SET A TARGET.
Whenever you pick yourself up, you need to know where you wish to lead yourself to. Do you want to get fit? Do you want to get into that dress you have been window shopping for? Do you want to become stronger and develop more endurance? Or do you simply want to feel more rejuvenated? Know your ambition and focus on achieving it. Before going on any expedition, a destination is necessary. Else, you would wander off and feel lost at some point.
Choose a west facing location for yoga practice
Those who practice yoga outdoors, they need to pick a spot where the rays of the sun does not tamper with their session. If you are practicing in the morning then try to pick a location which is west facing and is surrounded by greenery for the cool, organic feel.
Try out poses that would not be too strenuous
You could work around various floor twists, forward folds, supported shoulder stand etc. These pose would not tire your body too much and would maintain the ph balance of your skin as well. Nonetheless, always keep a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Experiment with time slot
If you are a morning person, then try to reach the studio before dawn. By the time, the Sun shall reach out to bother you; you would already be back in your apartment – cooling off under the cold shower. Alternately, if you are an evening person then you could practice yoga near dusk.
Get yourself a new workout wardrobe
It is time to stop layering up and to get rid of those Capri pants, ankle length bottoms now. Time to get into a pair of shorts, strap tops, long armholes, racer backs, etc.
Try Sheetali Yoga for Instant cool down
If you feel unusually warm, then try the age old ‘Sheetali’ yoga technique. It shall help you cool off instantly and you shall feel better in a matter of a few seconds.
It is not easy to beat the heat of the summer and stay motivated to keep practicing yoga. However, if you follow the given pointers then you would surely feel that little push of motivation to keep going.
Sure! You can stop or quit any given day. As long as you are comfortable with yourself, it is absolutely okay.
However, if you develop a saggy skin, lose that signature glow of yours or if you feel unusually meek and inactive, then you rather not complain or blame it on that naïve` and quite expensive selfie camera.
Stay motivated! Stay healthy!
To know more about how to practice yoga during the summers in further details, explore our Yoga Teacher Training In India.
