Tips to get through your first hot yoga class

What is Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga, is yoga you practice in a heated room. There are a number of styles: Hot Dog Yoga emphasises a flowing practice, linking one pose to the next using the breath. This is in contrast to other hot styles like Bikram, that Bikram Choudhury developed around 26 specific postures.

New to hot yoga? Here are some tips:

• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water throughout the day leading up to your first class. Bring a bottle of water into class for when you get thirsty. Re-hydrate after class with more water or something with electrolytes e.g. coconut water.
• Avoiding heavy foods before your yoga class. Light snacks like fruit, particularly those that have a high water content, such as watermelon, or sodium content, like bananas, are great to eat before class. Other suggestions are dried fruit like figs, raisins, etc., seeds and nuts.
• Wear appropriate clothes. Yoga gear made of sweat-wicking materials are great. Steer clear of baggy / cotton clothing that absorbs sweat.
• Bring 2 towels (or buy/rent them from us) – one for your mat, to absorb your sweat and one for your refreshing shower after class.
• Listen to your body. The warm temperatures can make your body feel looser and more flexible than normal, which can make it easier to pull a muscle. Be mindful of your body and try not to overstretch or push yourself too far when first starting out. Remember, there is no ego in yoga. Take a break when you need to – child’s pose, downward facing dog and savasana are always there for you.
• Have no set expectations. Be open to everything.
• Breathe!

Good luck!