Welcome to our first Q&A blog post! Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Samantha Ojokor, a passionate and experienced Hot Yoga Instructor at Unite In Fitness. She has been transforming lives through her unique approach to hot yoga, blending traditional techniques with modern insights to help her students achieve their wellness goals. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, Samantha’s insights are sure to inspire and motivate you to try Hot Yoga!
Class Experience
What can new students expect from their first hot yoga class with you?
They can expect a friendly, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, with no sense of pressure or competition. Of course they can expect to feel a lovely heat of about 35-37 degrees with a humidity level of 40%. I always try to learn names straight away so new students can receive my personal attention by identifying them by name for quick adjustments, corrections, encouragement and praise.
Do you have any tips for someone trying hot yoga for the first time?
Bring a bottle of water and ideally start hydrating before coming to a class. Bring a big mat towel to stop from slipping and use it for the face down postures. Avoid 100% cotton, wear materials that absorb sweat, dry quickly and feel nonrestrictive. Men usually are shirtless and women wear a sports bra.
How do you keep your classes engaging and motivating for your students?
I vary my tone and volume and interject my own thoughts, sense of humour and also share my experiences. I like to keep the classes light hearted energy, there is no pressure to be perfect.
Personal Insights and Tips
What are some common misconceptions about hot yoga that you’d like to clear up?
Firstly, that you have to be flexible to do the postures. Flexibility is what you gain through doing the postures. Actually those who are too flexible may not gain the full benefits unless they also develop their strength alongside. Secondly, that you might faint or pass out due to the heat. This is not the case, from the start you are encouraged to listen to your bodies and if you experience any pain or discomfort don’t push it, give yourself a break or stop.
How do you maintain your own yoga practice, and what other activities do you enjoy for your personal well-being?
I practice hot yoga 2-3 a week. I also practice Transcendental Meditation, 20 minutes twice a day, with 30 mins yoga asanas in the morning. I also perform regularly as a classical vocalist which is my other joy in life!
Community and Connection
How do you create a sense of community among your students?
I have a hot yoga Whatsapp group to connect everyone and it is useful for keeping them updated with events, workshops and any sudden cancellations. Several students join me after class for coffee/food at our local cafe to socialise and catch up. I also interact with students through social media e.g. instagram.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the hot yoga community?
Chatting with students afterwards and hearing how they are benefitting from the practice.
Advice and Inspiration
What advice do you have for someone considering becoming a hot yoga teacher?
Do it, do it now! I was considering it for 28 years and once I finally did I haven’t looked back since. It is one of the best decisions that I have made in my life!
How do you stay inspired and continue to grow as a yoga instructor?
By practising regularly and learning more about yoga. I am now training to be a Maharishi Yoga Asana Instructor and hope to be teaching this new style alongside my hot yoga classes soon.
Can you share a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your teaching and practice?
“Yoga is not about the shape of our body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed, yoga is to be lived (Aadil Palkhivala) I live my life by this quote.
Future Goals
What are your goals for the future of your teaching practice?
As the Hot Yoga classes grow in popularity I would like to offer more Hot Yoga classes at the studio and also introduce the gentler, cooler and relaxing Maharishi Yoga Asana practice which incorporates meditation and breathwork and is suitable for beginners. As a certified meditation instructor it would be lovely to offer pure meditation classes too. I am currently looking for a suitable venue abroad to host my first yoga and well-being retreat, which I’m very excited about.
Join Samantha Every Sunday at 10am (only £10) at Unite in Fitness Studio in Bush Hill Park – Book Now!
