In 2010, Cilla’s journey into yoga began due to a series of overuse injuries. At the time, she was engaging in triathlons for enjoyment and playing a significant amount of tennis. However, the toll on her body was becoming evident. A close friend introduced Cilla to the world of yoga, and she was immediately captivated by the physical challenges it presented. Over time, her fascination deepened as she discovered the profound mental and spiritual benefits that extended beyond each yoga class.
Yoga allowed her to become less reactive to life’s challenges, a transformation that became increasingly apparent over the years. It was the lessons learned within the yoga classroom that ultimately shaped her into a more balanced and tranquil individual outside the studio. Cilla felt a strong calling to share this practice with her community to the best of her ability. She was profoundly grateful for the positive impact that yoga had on her life.
Most recently, following the loss of her life’s love, Cilla found solace in yoga once again. The simple affirmation, “I am okay right now,” became a powerful source of strength.
Read more about this fascinating woman in this MysticMag interview.
What inspired you to open a hot yoga studio and what sets your studio apart from others in the area?
I was inspired to open a hot yoga studio about 15 years ago because, in my hometown, there was no yoga studio. We were all driving at least 30 to 45 minutes to go to a yoga studio. The only hot yoga studio I knew of was about 30 minutes away, and every class was packed. I was an athlete at the time, playing tennis and doing triathlons. My body was very fatigued, so even though I was drawn to hot power yoga, I found relief from the practice in how it balanced out my other physical activities. It took a lot of planning and searching for the perfect location, but I felt our town needed a hot yoga studio to serve the community. What sets us apart is our unified teaching approach. I teach my teachers to empower students, making the practice accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Hot yoga can be intense and challenging. How do you ensure the safety and comfort of your clients, especially people who are new to the practice?
We instruct our teachers not to perform the poses themselves, but to observe their students as they practice and to connect with the sensations experienced within their own bodies. This approach emphasizes not only teaching alignment and safety but also enabling individuals to gradually progress toward stronger, more balanced poses, which may not be achieved during their initial classes.
Our primary focus is to empower our students, recognizing that perfection is not necessary from the outset. Instructors provide tailored guidance specific to the class they are leading, always keeping a watchful eye on the students. For instance, if a teacher notices a student in the back row with their knees turning inward while they are at the front of the room, they might offer cues to the entire class, such as “Press down into all four corners of your feet, lifting the arch of your foot for a stronger, less vulnerable pose.”
This approach to communication ensures that the entire class benefits from the cues provided, and multiple individuals might adjust their alignment based on the teacher’s guidance. Alternatively, instructors can offer personal assistance by approaching an individual and providing explicit instructions, avoiding vague or passive language. The goal is to ensure the safety of all students.
In addition to this, our instructors are taught to maintain control of the class environment. In situations where the class may become chaotic, such as when a student attempts to assist another student, our teachers are trained to intervene. They assert their authority by reminding students that they are in charge of the class and that they will provide the necessary guidance.
Furthermore, safety is of utmost importance, especially when students attempt challenging poses like handstands or headstands. Instructors are trained to recognize unsafe practices, such as incorrect hand placement or neck strain, and to immediately instruct the student to come down. Detailed instructions on how to perform these poses safely are typically provided after the class to ensure that students can progress without risking injury. This guidance is imparted during the course of a 60-minute flow class.
Can you describe the benefits of hot yoga, both physically and mentally, and share a success story to illustrate these benefits?
The immediate benefits of hot yoga are often spiritual and mental. Many individuals find solace in disconnecting from the constant stream of information and immersing themselves in their physical being for an hour. We uphold a no-phone policy in our studio, encouraging people to wholeheartedly engage in their yoga practice, which often brings immense relief.
This relief extends not only to the spiritual but also the mental realm. While we do incorporate spiritual teachings in our classes, it’s important to clarify that this spirituality is distinct from religion. We guide our students to contemplate their place in the universe and explore their self-acceptance, fostering a deeper understanding of their lives beyond the daily grind.
The positive impact of our studio on people’s lives is evident. Many have expressed how it’s been a catalyst for significant life changes, whether that means leaving their jobs or finally finding a connection with themselves, embracing self-acceptance as they are. Others have attested to physical benefits, reporting improvements in their performance in various sports like golf, skiing, tennis, and dance. Our practice strengthens individuals from the core outward, using breath and muscle engagement correctly to enhance posture and alleviate back pain. These combined spiritual and physical benefits have left a profound impact on our students.
Could you share your initial experiences with hot yoga and offer tips and advice for newcomers like myself who have never practiced hot yoga before?
We primarily offer a power vinyasa flow hot yoga practice, maintaining the studio temperature at 92 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 60%. This humidity setting is somewhat unique, as many other studios, especially those equipped with infrared heating, often have lower humidity levels. We emphasize the importance of humidity because it encourages sweat production.
The continuous flow of sweat during the practice not only helps detoxify the body but also serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of one’s body. It fosters awareness of how individuals prepare their bodies for hot yoga and how they treat their bodies before and after the class. We advise our students to come to class well-hydrated. Personally, I don’t bring water into my class because I prefer to be adequately hydrated before starting, as rehydration can be more effectively addressed after the session. When I do drink post-yoga, I do so gradually to allow my body to absorb the water effectively.
For those considering a hot yoga session, careful consideration of pre-class nutrition is crucial. It’s wise to choose easily digestible, light foods. My preference is cooked food, such as soup, for its gentler impact on digestion. However, it’s essential for individuals to understand their own bodies. Some may find raw foods agreeable. For example, if bananas agree with you, having half or a whole banana before class could be a suitable choice.
If coffee is part of your routine, remember that it can have a dehydrating effect, so ensure you balance it with ample water intake. Headaches or discomfort after class are often indicative of inadequate preparation rather than issues like room temperature or the level of difficulty. To mitigate these issues, I focus on pre-class food intake and maintaining hydration, which includes adjusting my habits based on the local climate, such as adding electrolytes to my water in extremely hot conditions.
It’s important to tailor your pre-yoga routine to your specific needs, as various factors like your environment, activities, and individual preferences play a role. For example, someone with a physically demanding job may need to pay extra attention to hydration throughout the day before an evening hot yoga class.
My recommendation for those new to hot yoga is to approach the class with an open mind. Commit to participating in the entire session, from the beginning to the end. It’s essential to follow the cues provided by the instructor to the best of your ability without feeling overwhelmed. The level of cueing may vary depending on the specific studio you attend; some studios offer minimal cues to avoid overwhelming students.
During my initial experiences, I viewed hot yoga primarily as a rigorous workout, aligning with my athletic mentality. This approach is valid for those who see it as a workout, but I strongly encourage staying in the class until the very end. I vividly remember an early class where, before the Shavasana relaxation period, I suggested leaving to my friend who shared my Type A personality. She firmly insisted that we stay, emphasizing the importance of Shavasana. This experience taught me the significance of staying for Shavasana, as it helps balance the cortisol levels elevated during the class by allowing the body to transition into the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating relaxation and stress relief.
Over time, my perspective shifted, and hot yoga became more of a spiritual experience for me. Even though I continue to challenge my body physically in class, this is my way of breaking through mental barriers and connecting on a spiritual level. It’s worth noting that hot yoga may not necessarily become easier as you continue, but you become more attuned to the teacher’s instructions and your body’s capabilities. The journey is about increasing awareness and finding your personal connection to the practice.
So, basically, listen to your body and prepare accordingly. All right, thank you for the insights.
You’re welcome! If you decide to try hot yoga, remember to stay hydrated and approach it with an open mind. Enjoy the experience!
