So You Wanna Try Hot Yoga…
While taking my first hot yoga class I’d like to say that I was calm, enlightened, and inspired by this new aspect of my yoga journey that I was about to embark on… but my friend Maria will most likely read this and call me out in 30 seconds about my actual actions that day. Here are some of the 100 texts I sent her before going to class.
Long text thread short: I was a nut (even though I’d heard nothing but positive things from anyone and everyone who has ever tried). After taking my first class, I am officially in love. It was not easy, but it was one of the best workouts I’ve ever done. I’m so happy that I didn’t let my (mildly psychotic) fears get the best of me. Here are some of the best things I took out of my first class.
- The heat does not hit you in the face walking in the door like when you open the oven like I thought it would. I have issues breathing in saunas and was afraid this would be the same type of situation, but I barely noticed the heat when walking in.
- The importance of water cannot be stressed enough. Bring a big bottle with you and continue to drink throughout the class (not just when you start to really feel the heat).
- Listen to your body! Child’s pose and modifications, much like coconut oil, can solve all problems.
- Unless looking like the joker is a passion of yours, DO NOT wear makeup to this class. If you’re going straight from work pack some makeup wipes in your gym bag!
- Since I’ve established you’ll be sweating a lot, the greatest thing I learned is to not care about your appearance. Everyone is sweating, and being self-conscious about it is only going to get in the way of your practice.
Yoga has taught me to embrace things both in and outside my comfort zone. It’s okay if you fall on your face doing crow 9 out of 10 times; celebrate the tenth. I might not be as spiritually connected as some (chanting om still makes me uncomfortable), but I’m enjoying the path I’m on and I’m excited to add hot yoga into my practice.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about checking out their first hot yoga class? Comment below!
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12 Comments
Judy
January 19, 2016 at 7:12 pmI really want to try hot yoga but have exactly the same anxieties as you! Just have to remember that if other people think yoga is a “club”, then that’s their issue. I’m coming for you will all my lumps and bumps and high-5-ing myself for not falling over!!
Tammy Hall
January 20, 2016 at 1:30 amHot yoga is an amazing workout! You don’t notice the heat near as much as you think you are going to.
The heat cleanses and helps your body to relax into the stretch. For me hot yoga is absolutely beautiful!
My advice… Drink lots of water. Wear loose clothing. Bring a towel or 2. Listen to your own body – child’s pose is your friend! Be prepared to sweat…a lot! Enjoy!
Alyssa
January 20, 2016 at 3:08 amMake sure you don’t eat too much before hand… And be hydrated all day! I LOVE hot yoga, and this is coming from someone who hates 90 degree Wisconsin weather! :’D
Michaelyn Palamar
January 20, 2016 at 4:53 amI’m not going to lie, I kind of feel like a bad ass when doing hot yoga – dripping sweat in Warrior II. Now are we talking Brikram hot yoga or other forms of yoga in the heat? I go to hot yoga (not Brikram) almost everyday (because it’s the closest studio to me), and I love it! I agree on the IMPORTANCE of water before and after. I, myself, use a towel or at least have one handy to wipe the sweat from my face – it’s no fun when it drops down your nose in an inversion. Anyways, I would say be mindful not to over stretch. You know your body and its limits. The heat allows the muscles to become more loose, which can lead to straining and other possible injuries. Best to be careful. Being that you are soaked in beautiful sweat also be careful of possible slipping. That is why I recommend a towel. Anyways, that’s all I have.
Andy
January 20, 2016 at 9:01 amThe breath takes priority. Sit out of you need to but don’t forget to breathe. Breathing is the only part that’s compulsory. Listen to your body, not your mind. Your body LOVES it! Your mind thinks you’re an idiot.
Shirley
January 20, 2016 at 10:42 pmI practice and teach at a hot yoga studio in Wellington, New Zealand. Alongside all these tips, I swear by having a good sticky mat. The minute I get even the tiniest bit sweaty I’m slipping all over the place. But a good mat and/yoga towel saves the day.
Jim
January 21, 2016 at 5:12 pmAs an older guy who’s practiced yoga on & off for over 20 yrs (basic hatha, some iyengar, ashtanga etc) i’m scared of hot yoga. All the pictures i see, from online, mags and even local studios – well, they all show the most fit 20 yr olds doing it. All the girls are wearing tiny booty shorts & tiny tank tops, all the guys are wearing tiny shorts and are topless. How does an out-of-shape guy or girl expect to feel comfortable in a room full of beautiful bodies?
My advice – if you’re overweight, lumpy, bumpy – don’t go. If you have even a shred of self-consciousness you’ll probably feel overwhelmed. And the girls will probably think you a dirty old man!
Please! Someone tell me i’m so wrong. I really want to try it.
Chelsea
January 22, 2016 at 4:06 pmYou’re so wrong! Haha… I say that because I totally think you SHOULD try it! I usually have a shirt or tank on with leggings because I just don’t care to be in shorts and a sports bra at a studio (even though there are plenty who do). I am DRIPPING WITH SWEAT by the end of it. So there’s definitely that to think about. Get some moisture-wicking (sp?) shirts if that’ll make you more comfortable. But I guarantee that I’m not watching anyone else during my hot yoga. I’m way too focused on myself. But I have been in classes with bodies of all sizes and ages, and I say rock on! Make sure your comfortable, but I absolutely think if you WANT to be there, then you HAVE to try it at least once! You won’t regret trying it out, but you might regret never giving it a shot. 🙂
Lucy
July 19, 2016 at 1:28 amThat’s not just the best anwres. It’s the bestest answer!
Neeraj Raana
April 7, 2017 at 3:11 amI really impressed with your title “hot yoga”. But I am interested in Hatha yoga even I am doing 200 hours yoga teacher training from Chandra yoga international located in Rishikesh, India. I am learning so many things about yoga and also having a wonderful experience.
Shanine Dennill
March 21, 2018 at 10:40 pmGreat blog, very informative. Thanks for sharing!
Maurice c
January 2, 2019 at 6:41 pmHot yoga is a diamond mystery for health issues. Sore back. Go hot. Muscles soreness. Go hot. Burn body fat. Go hot. It’s a never ending cure for health problems.