This is a really juicy question!
On the medical end: your body will be more flexible in warmer conditions. And the sweating can rid you of toxins - not to mention a lot of water!!
Downside: Many people are medically sensitive to heat. There are a lot of medical conditions that are made worse with long exposure to hot conditions. Also, if you're not very fit, it's extremely demanding on your heart and vascular system to put that heavy demand on it.
Also, with your vascular system intensely busy cooling you off, your body won't like redirecting any blood to your stomach to process food. So, if you've eaten before hand, you can feel sick.
The real issue is what your teacher is like. There are yoga nazi's who are unrelenting. I feel that harsh approach seems rather un-yoga like. I mean, yoga means 'unity' and it's supposed to be about a harmony between body and mind. That is, you're
supposed to be listening to the messages from your body and adjusting what you do accordingly. Right? Pushing yourself seems to go against this harmonic dialogue and can often result in injury. (Hey, if you're body is screaming with pain or is feeling ill, guess what it's saying. It's saying "Stop That!" )
I like the sound of your teacher.
I think you really have to be in shape before taking on hot yoga. And the pace of these classes is such that you really need to know your poses already, so you don't injure yourself.
Personally, I want to try it out. Because, although I love and need the contemplative side of yoga, I also like a really great work out. I don't think I'll handle the heat well, though.
Tips: Go in on an empty stomach, (no food for two hours before, no water for an hour before). Little sips of water throughout the workout and then a litre of cool water when you're done, then, two hours later, another big glass or two. Don't eat until about 20 mins after the work out is over, to give your body and vascular system time to recover.
PS: Sorry there aren't any new Snacks lately. I've been busy with transferring my billiantidito.com site over to a new format and applying for funding for a new project. Until I get back, remember that most essential of yoga practices: keep breathing in and out.
