Let’s Do This, Yogi! Let Me See you do this, ‘Hot Yoga’ (featuring Radhika Mia)

Hey, skinny chef readers! We’re back in action with another edition of your favorite weekly blog! How’s everyone doing? I hope your week has been nothing short of amazing. As for me—phew! I just returned from a mini-break, and let me tell you, it was bittersweet. You know that feeling when you need a vacation after your vacation? Yep, that was me on Monday, haha! But now, I’m feeling recharged and ready to rock the last stretch of this year! So, let’s turn up the heat—literally—with this week’s topic: Hot Yoga! Don't sweat it (well, actually, do), because we’re about to dive into one of the hottest fitness trends around.

Hot yoga practitioners pictured above : Source: Jose Coello/Stocksy United

If you’ve ever heard the terms "Bikram Yoga" and "Hot Yoga" thrown around like they're the same thing, think again! Bikram Yoga follows a strict series of poses in a sweltering room, while Hot Yoga is a bit more flexible—both in terms of poses and the vibe, which can even include music. And trust me, the benefits go way beyond just breaking a sweat: we’re talking weight loss, glowing skin, a stronger heart, better flexibility, and even a major mood boost! Ready to know more? I called up my friend and yogi, Radhika Mia, to give us the scoop on her Hot Yoga journey.

Skinny Chef: Radhika, give us the lowdown—who is Radhika Mia?

Radhika: Hey, Rodder’s and fellow skinny readers! My story starts in India, but I’ve been on an incredible journey across the globe for the past 20 years, soaking up experiences from different cultures and meeting amazing people. I’m a philosopher, author, visual artist, and researcher—but really, at my core, I’m a storyteller and a change-maker. My passion lies in writing about life’s biggest questions and blending philosophy with creative storytelling. A spiritual awakening in 2013 shifted everything for me—it gave my life, work, and art a deeper purpose. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to drive social entrepreneurship across Africa, focusing on human connection. Oh, and I recently published The Greatest Crisis Facing Humanity, a book that reflects this purpose-driven journey!

Radhika Mia pictured aboe holding her book "the greatest crisis facing humanity"

Skinny Chef: Wow, that’s amazing! So tell us, what sparked your interest in Hot Yoga, and what keeps you hooked?

Radhikha Mia pictured above surrendering to flow of Yoga at the sea

Radhika: You know, most people assume I grew up doing yoga because I’m Indian, but actually, I didn’t dive into yoga until I moved to Thailand. I loved it from the start, but Hot Yoga? That came later—after I moved to South Africa. Our landlady introduced me to a local Hot Yoga studio, and at first, I had no clue what to expect! But once I tried it, I was hooked. That was 14 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.Hot Yoga, practiced in a heated room, is no joke—it’s a full-body experience. At the time, I was dealing with some pretty serious back pain, but after just a few sessions, the pain disappeared! The heat helps your muscles stretch further, boosting flexibility and core strength. My posture improved, my energy skyrocketed, and I even started jogging uphill without breaking a sweat (well, maybe a little sweat!). But what really surprised me is how much younger I feel. People tell me I look years younger, and I’m convinced it’s the yoga. The combination of heat, stretching, and specific postures works wonders, especially on the thyroid, which controls your metabolism. It’s a full-body rejuvenation!

Skinny Chef: As an author, I’m curious—how has yoga helped with your writing?

Radhika: Oh, yoga has been a total game-changer for my mental clarity and focus. Hot Yoga, in particular, is like hitting the refresh button on my brain. The heat, the focus on breathing, and the intensity of the practice force you to stay in the moment. After a class, I’m mentally clear and energized, which flows right into my writing. It’s like all the mental clutter just falls away, and I’m left with this sharp, focused creativity. Plus, yoga has taught me self-discipline—showing up on the mat even when I don’t feel like it. That same discipline helps me push through writer’s block and stay motivated.

Skinny Chef: Hot Yoga vs. traditional yoga—what’s your take?

Radhika: I wouldn’t say Hot Yoga is for everyone—you’ve got to love the heat! But honestly, most people who try it fall in love with it. At our studio, Yoga Experience, we’ve created a blend of traditional Ashtanga and Vinyasa with Hot Yoga, which we call “Hot Flow.” It’s a power-packed, one-hour class that combines the strength and flow of traditional yoga with the added intensity of a heated room. The heat allows for deeper stretches and a detoxifying effect that you just don’t get in a regular class. If you love a challenge and want to push your limits, Hot Yoga is for you. But in the end, the best kind of yoga is the one that makes you feel your best. Try it—you might be surprised how much you love it!

Skinny Chef: I’m all about nourishing the body—what does your diet look like, and what’s your go-to meal?

Radhika: Since I started practicing yoga, my body naturally craves lighter, healthier meals. I’m anemic, so I focus on iron-rich foods like lentils, beans, and spinach. I love making hearty soups with mushrooms or potatoes—perfect comfort food! My favorite? A simple, warm bowl of lentil soup with roti. It’s nourishing and delicious!

Lentil soup pictured above : assists with heart health and Iron supplementation Source :InspiredTaste

Skinny Chef: Any advice for new yogis gearing up for their first Hot Yoga class?

Radhika: Hydration, hydration, hydration! Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but don’t chug a bunch right before class—it’ll make you feel heavy. As for food, aim to eat about three hours before class and keep it light. Smoothies, salads, or whole grains work great. When it comes to what to wear, comfort is key—think shorts and a sleeveless shirt for guys, and sports bras or tank tops with leggings for the ladies. After class, I love rehydrating with coconut water or homemade juice—grapefruit and lemon with a pinch of salt is my go-to. And most importantly, listen to your body! Hot Yoga is intense, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Once you’re done, you’ll feel like a rockstar!

Skinny Chef: There you have it, my fellow skinny chef readers! Let’s get our sweat on and dive into the world of Hot Yoga. Until next week—stay healthy, stay skinny, and remember, same time, same place. Love you all