Hot yoga is one of the biggest current trends in yoga, led particularly by gyms and fitness clubs. A mash-up between a sauna and a yoga class, gyms are putting a decided effort into building specialized studios and many wellness facilities are also jumping on the trend and creating dedicated environments for this discipline.
Made popular by Bikram Choudhury, this style of yoga was meant to replicate the heat and humidity of India, preparing the body for rigorous practice by loosening the muscles quickly.
Bikram refined the discipline to a fixed sequence of 26 asanas, or poses, practiced in rooms heated to 40 degrees Celsius, with 40% humidity, for 90 minutes. Today, that tradition has been adapted with many different styles of yoga being practiced in a room at temperatures ranging from 27 to 40 degrees Celsius, at varied humidity levels, for varying lengths of time, making it much more accessible to practitioners worldwide.
High-performance equipment is very important in a hot yoga studio. For one, the mat must be made to withstand the stresses of a high heat, high humidity environment. Secondly, it must be able to be easily, yet thoroughly, cleaned after each use. Manduka’s PRO™ and PROlite® yoga mats are the recommended options—their PVC material is highly durable and their closed-cell construction keeps impurities and sweat from penetrating the surface, so cleaning between classes is as simple as a spray and wipe-down process using a recommended cleaner.
Towels are also quite important in hot yoga and if you intend to use the hotel’s bath towels in the yoga studio, your guests will find them lacking. For this type of practice, an ultra-absorbent towel is critical for comfort. A performance towel also aids in hygiene by reducing the amount of sweat on the mats and floor. Its anti-slip properties promote stability and help prevent loss of traction in the hand and feet during poses where grip is important. Lastly, these towels can be machine-washed and dry quickly for ease of use in a hotel environment.
Manduka’s eQua® towels are suede-like and highly absorbent, soft and lightweight. They are also exceptionally durable. Offered in two sizes, these performance towels are made from a microfiber material that works great for all types of yoga and fitness activities.
Both the PRO series of mats and our versatile eQua towels come in a wide range of colors and can be customized with your hotel logo for a look that fits your unique space and design. Talk to us about how Manduka equipment can elevate your studio, as well as attract yoga teachers and guests interested in the best wellness experiences.
Consult with us about how to equip your hotel location and boutique with performance-driven, sustainable yoga mats, apparel, and accessories.
