Winter Yoga Practices to Stay Warm and Energized

While the winter chill might feel cozy at first, it can also lead to stiffness, sluggishness and that instinctive desire to huddle under a blanket. But don’t let the cold weather get you stuck in “hibernation” mode. Dottir believes winter is the perfect opportunity to ignite your practice and transform those frosty mornings into moments of vitality and strength.

By focusing on poses that boost circulation, open the chest and keep your body engaged, you can stay warm, grounded and centered no matter what the thermometer says.

Sun Salutations: The Ideal Winter Warm-Up

When the cold hits, there’s no better way to begin your practice than with Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar). This sequence of flowing movements warms the body, boosts energy and promotes alignment, making it the perfect way to fight off winter fatigue.

Each round combines forward folds, backbends and lunges to get the blood flowing and heat building. Take your time with each movement, breathing deeply and noticing the warmth spreading through your body. The rhythmic flow of Ujjayi breath will help create internal heat, like a cozy fire that stokes your energy from within.

Pro Tip: Challenge yourself by linking together multiple rounds of Sun Salutations A and B — you’ll feel the warmth radiate throughout your body.

Heart-Opening Poses to Invigorate the Spirit

During the winter months, it can be easy to feel a bit closed off, both physically and mentally. But instead of retreating, let’s open up and feel expansive! Heart-opening poses are the perfect antidote to the cold and dark of winter.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), and Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) stretch the chest, lungs and heart, allowing fresh oxygen to circulate while helping you feel more alive and energized. These poses also have an uplifting effect on your mood — a welcome bonus as daylight hours grow shorter.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling particularly chilly, place a blanket under your hips in Bridge Pose for extra support. This helps maintain warmth in your lower body while still allowing your chest to open up fully.

Twists for Detoxification and Better Circulation

Twists are an essential part of any winter yoga practice. They not only help maintain spinal mobility, but they also promote circulation and help detoxify the body — great for digestion after enjoying holiday treats.

Start with gentle Cat-Cow movements to stimulate blood flow and release tension in your spine. From there, you can move into more intense twists like Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) or Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana). These poses work wonders for loosening tight hips, shoulders, and the rest of your body, especially when the temperature drops.

Breathe Deeply: Cultivate Warmth from Within

Winter is a time to slow down, reflect and replenish. But that doesn’t mean your energy has to retreat along with the season. Deep, focused breathing is one of the best ways to maintain warmth, energy and vitality through the colder months.

During your practice, focus on the Ujjayi breath, which helps cultivate prana — your internal life force. By breathing deeply and intentionally, you’ll create internal heat, helping to maintain warmth throughout your practice and keeping the winter blues at bay.

The Power of Community to Keep You Energized

Winter can sometimes feel isolating, but one of the most powerful ways to stay connected and warm is by practicing with a community. At Dottir Yoga, we believe in the magic of shared energy. Whether you're rolling out your mat in a heated class or just enjoying the soothing atmosphere, the collective energy of our community will help keep you motivated and grounded.

Located in the heart of Nordhavn, Copenhagen, we invite you to step inside Dóttir Hot Yoga studio and leave all your thoughts and worries outside. Whether you're a beginner eager to dive into an exciting new practice or a seasoned yogi looking for a revitalizing challenge, Dóttir Hot Yoga has something for everyone. We offer a wide variety of hot and warm yoga classes to allow your body and mind to get the absolute most out of your practice. From complete relaxation and flexibility to flowing with the breath and working up a sweat, you will find exactly what your body and mind are craving.

Have questions or want to learn more? Feel free to contact us. Ready to see what we’re all about? Access our new 21 Days of Unlimited Classes here.