Tips for Yoga in Madrid’s Heat
Practicing yoga in Madrid during summer can feel very different from practising during the cooler months. When temperatures are high, you may need to adapt your practice rather than trying to maintain your usual pace or intensity.
Here are five simple ways to make yoga feel more comfortable in hot weather.
1. Slow your practice down
You don’t need to push yourself through your usual sequence at your usual pace. Move more slowly, take smaller movements and give yourself time between poses. Your body is already working harder to regulate its temperature, so summer is a good time to practise with a little more ease.
2. Breathe through your nose
If it feels comfortable, try to keep your breathing slow and nasal during your practice. This can help you stay more settled and avoid turning your breath into another source of effort when you’re already feeling the heat.
3. Take breaks early
Don’t wait until you feel completely exhausted before resting. Child’s pose is always available, whether you stay there for a few breaths or a few minutes. Taking a break early can help you stay present and make better decisions about what your body needs.
4. Stay hydrated
Drink water before your yoga class and keep taking small sips throughout the day and during practice. If you’re already overheated, drinking a large amount of water all at once probably won’t feel particularly good.
5. Let go of expectations
Your summer practice may not look like your winter practice, and that’s completely fine. Some days you might move through a full class. Other days, staying on your mat and breathing for a few minutes is enough.
The point isn’t to practise exactly as you would in cooler weather. It’s to pay attention to what your body needs today and adjust accordingly.
If you’re looking for yoga classes in Madrid during summer, our air-conditioned studio classes can also be a great option when the heat makes outdoor practice difficult. And if you want something slower, a gentle or Yin yoga class can be a good way to keep moving without adding more intensity.
