Hot yoga is not for the faint of heart. Sounds like an exaggeration, maybe, but if completing a class at a normal temperature is already challenging, then imagine how much more difficult it is to finish a steaming hot class. We’re gonna tell you now, it is TOUGH, but strangely fulfilling once you’re done. And for sure, you couldn’t wait to do it all over again. There’s just something so invigorating about sweating buckets, and you’re gonna feel like you’ve unloaded a bunch of toxins (this is not a scientific statement, we’re just talking about how it feels!).
Hot yoga is said to be great for loosening your muscles and deepening every stretch, and all that effort means that you’ll be dripping with sweat even after just a few minutes. That’s why hydrating before, during, and after class is an absolute must. Here’s how you’re going to survive a hot yoga session.
First, you’re going to drink water even before you get to the studio. Have a glass of water when you wake up, and take regular sips of water throughout the day until it’s time for your hot yoga class. You never want to chug a whole glass of water or two mere seconds before class starts. Doing that will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable while hitting the poses.
Then, you’re going to have a bottle of water with you during class. Make sure it’s insulated so your water is going to stay cool. And we said cool, not ice cold. The temperature difference between the room and ice-cold water might be a shock to your system, so stick to either just slightly cool water or room-temperature water. You might also want to bring something else other than water, like an electrolyte drink or coconut water. You’re not just losing water as you swear; you’re also eliminating sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and you need to retain or replenish these to combat fatigue and muscle cramps post-workout.
Next, you’re going to take advantage of every water break your teacher will give you. And when you do, sip your water slowly, no matter how tempted you might be to down the entire water bottle. You don’t want to feel like water is sloshing around in your belly when class resumes.
If you start feeling lightheaded or dizzy in the middle of class, take a break. You might be tempted to push through to show how tough you are, but you do not want to risk heat exhaustion. Sit on your mat or take child’s pose. It’s perfectly fine to take a quick break, and your teacher will understand why.
After class, drink all the water you need (it’s going to taste A-MAZING at that point), and eat something nourishing and rich in water. Recovery is essential at this point, and make sure to cool down before heading for the shower.
Hot yoga can be an intense experience, but it doesn’t have to be too difficult and uncomfortable at all, especially once you’ve gotten over your worries about the class. The next thing you know, you’re joining a class again and again. Just remember to keep up with the hydration no matter how accustomed you might get to hot yoga.
Photo by Allan Mas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-unrecognizable-sportswoman-resting-with-bottle-of-water-5383504/