Hot yoga classes can be a great and much needed break from your normal workout routine, unless you have no idea how to prepare for your first class. Aside from the awesome benefits that come from practicing yoga, there are a few other things you should know before your first heated session.
Maybe I’m an idiot, but I didn’t know that Bikram Yoga and hot yoga were the same thing. I thought Bikram was the name of the studio. Needless to say, my yoga buddy AKA my brother and I showed up a little unprepared. But we stuck it out, limbered up, and made it through. The journey was long and painful, but we felt better afterwards. To spare you from the agony I endured, I compiled this brief list to help you prepare for your first hot yoga class.
1. Drink some water before your hot yoga class
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Drink a little more than you normally would, but not too much. Yoga is best done on an empty stomach and DON’T FORGET TO PEE BEFORE YOU START. You don’t want to be the person to get up ½ hour in and let the hot air out of the room.
2. BRING EXTRA WATER
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I brought half a plastic bottle of water and shared THAT with my brother. After 15 minutes the water was near boiling and we were pretty much dehydrated.
3. Don’t eat a big meal before
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Don’t even eat a small meal. Have a small snack, like a banana or a granola bar, before your session. This is the best way to prevent vomiting (or gas) mid – downward dog.
4. Wear as little as you can
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Hot yoga is not the place to be modest. It will get hot, and this is the last place you’ll want to wear the mesh cut-out leggings from your athleisure-filled wardrobe. For your first hot yoga class, I’d recommend a pair of yoga shorts/Nike Pros, a sports bra, and a loose fitting tank top.
5. Sit near the window
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The room will be upwards of 85 degrees, but some of that heat escapes through the window, and sometimes a cool breeze sneaks in. If you have a nice instructor, he might crack the window when he notices that you’re about to pass out.
6. Clip that hangnail
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Yoga is best done barefoot, and slippery socks might take you further into that Warrior 2 than your body can go. If you’re easily embarrassed by your gnarly toes, give them a trim the night before. That way, you can focus on taking deep breaths, not on snagging the mat.
7. Bloody Mary’s and bacon are the perfect post yoga noms
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That first class was a challenge, and after you complete a challenge, it’s only right to reward yourself. So what’s better than a spicy cocktail and sizzling breakfast meat to refuel after a detoxifying yoga session? Well, maybe a green smoothie or literally anything not fried. Baby steps, people.
If you follow these tips, your first hot yoga flow will be a breeze. Namaste!
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