One thing’s for sure - for many, hot yoga is a new experience and will certainly be different to any yoga classes you’ve done before. Many people go to their first hot yoga class not really knowing what to expect and what to take - here’s a few points that might help!
The benefits of hot yoga are well known - this unique practice and set of poses is well known to improve the mind, body and soul. It helps to increase flexibility, releases toxins, boosts cardiovascular fitness, increases bone density and helps to ease stress and reduces anxiety and depression too - pretty powerful!
In saying that, it can take a few classes to really get used to the challenge of yoga in a hot environment, especially if you’re a newbie. While you’ll feel amazing afterwards, it can be really tough for those first few classes while you get used to the poses, the sequence and flow of the class.
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Sweat. Yes, you absolutely will sweat. Lots! It’s nothing to be embarrassed about - everybody will be dripping sweat. It’s healthy and helps you release toxins, so think of it as a good thing. But it does mean you need a great yoga mat (Hello, Hot Yoga Solutions!) to ensure the mat grips the floor tightly and to absorb the sweat for you. Don’t underestimate how important sweat absorption is. It’s worth making sure you have access to a shower - either at the yoga studio or in the office, if you’re heading straight to work afterwards - don’t make the rookie error of thinking you can just get dressed!
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Hydrate. All that sweating means you’re losing fluids. Make sure you drink a healthy amount of water and electrolytes before and after class, to replenish all those fluids. It’s worth having a water handy in class too.
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Breathe. Breath work is one of the most important aspects to yoga. Focus on your breathing the whole time you’re in class. It helps you to clear your mind, release tension and as you get a little more practiced, sink deeper into your yoga poses. The teacher will likely remind you to breathe, as you move through your practice.
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Sit in the class so that you can see other people. Often, the teacher will be walking around, helping and supporting other yogis in class, and so aren’t always demonstrating every move. Making sure you can see and copy those around you, so that it can help you to make the most out of the class. And don’t stress, you won’t be expected to pick up the moves and poses straightaway - this all comes with practice. Everyone’s journey is unique and so be kind to yourself as you settle into Hot Yoga.
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Persevere - if you find the first few classes tough, don’t give up. Hot Yoga is one of the most incredible practices, if you can just allow yourself the time and space to get used to it and to start seeing (and feeling!) the huge benefits. The beauty of yoga is that there is space for everyone on the mat - whoever you are, whatever your background is and no matter why you’re there. Move at your own pace. Remember, no two yoga journeys are the same.