By Zoe Lokitz

The last bell rings, signaling the end of a long school day. My backpack feels heavier than

normal, loaded with notebooks, folders, and my Chromebook. The pressure of school, with

deadlines and endless assignments, can be overwhelming. But for me and my sister, Sydney,

there is a place we go to find relief and rejuvenation: the heated room of our local yoga studio.

Hot yoga has become an essential part of our routine. It is more than just a workout; it is a way to

clear our minds and improve our focus. Stepping into the warm, dimly lit studio feels like

entering a different world; one where the only thing that truly matters is our breath and body’s

movements.

Physical Benefits that go Beyond the Mat

The physical benefits of hot yoga go beyond the mat – and are easy to catch. The heat helps make

your muscles more pliable, allowing for a deeper and safer stretch. I have noticed a significant

improvement in my own flexibility and strength since I started, and I have been doing it longer

than my sister, allowing me to see the long-term benefits firsthand. The constant movement and

positions I have learned to hold have helped me to ignore the buzzing of my phone or

the noise from a hallway when I’m in the middle of a test.

Poses build lean muscle, and the intense heat makes you sweat, which can help detoxify your

body. It is a great way to stay active and healthy, especially when schoolwork keeps us sitting for

hours.

Sydney, whom I convinced to try it with me, says it has transformed her approach to physical

activity. “I used to hate working out because it felt like a chore,” she told me. “But hot yoga is

different. It’s something about the heat—I always leave feeling stronger than I did when I walked

in.”

An Academic Edge in the Classroom

Beyond the physical changes, hot yoga has already profoundly impacted students’ academic

lives. It may seem unrelated, but the principles of focus and discipline you learn on the mat

directly translate to the classroom. For example, holding a challenging pose like Crow, you need

to concentrate on your breathing and block out distractions. This practice of mindfulness has

helped me stay more focused during lectures and study sessions. I even find it easier to study

after school now, which used to be a challenge last school year.

The mental clarity that comes from a hot yoga session is undeniable. The intense focus required

to navigate the practice helps quiet the mental chatter and anxiety that often accompanies a

school day. I now feel more prepared and calm before a big test or presentation. It is like I have

trained my brain to handle pressure, not just my body.

Find Your Own Way to Unwind

For many students at Apex High School, finding a healthy way to manage stress is a challenge.

For Sydney and me, hot yoga has been the answer. It is a space where we can release tension, build

strength, and gain the mental clarity we need to succeed both on and off the mat. If you are

curious about trying it for yourself, there are a number of studios in the Triangle area that offer a

variety of classes and introductory deals (even free weeks!). Look up, “hot yoga near me” to find

one that feels right for you.