As a part of my health track, I decided to try hot yoga. I
have always liked doing yoga in my room with Yoga With Adriene
videos, but I needed to step it up. A friend of mine has been helping me out
with my healthy activity, and she was considering getting a membership to a
local hot yoga studio. I had my hesitations. For one, my body doesn’t handle
heat very well. I’m very susceptible to heat exhaustion, and I wasn’t sure if
my ability was up to snuff. I tried it, loved it, and I got my own membership.
These are my suggestions for anyone considering hot yoga.
1. Try it first.
Like I said, I had hesitations about
getting into hot yoga. Most workout places give potential members a chance to
try it before they commit. I went with my friend and got a free class. I wanted
to see if it was going to be too hot and if I could keep up with an actual
class. Whatever your reason is, try a free class out first, and don’t feel
obligated to buy a membership if you don’t like it.
2. Bring a towel and LOTS of water.
I cannot stress this enough. I’m not super
into this, so I don’t have that micro-something towel that every serious yogi
seems to have. A small cotton hand towel has done me wonders. I always bring a
towel because there is nothing worse than getting sweat in your eye. It also
gives you a chance to step away from an exercise if need be. Also, make sure
you bring water. I almost passed out a couple weeks ago because I was
dehydrated.
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3. Consider mirrors.
When you’re scoping out yoga studios, it’s
important to consider mirrors. It seems so small, but it makes a big difference
to me. I typically go to the studio that’s close to my house, and it’s big with
huge mirrors on two sides of the walls. When I’m in that studio, I tend to feel
more self-conscious and also judgemental of other people. That is a major
faux-pas in yoga! The smaller studio does not have mirrors, so I find myself
focusing on myself more. Yoga should be judgement-free, so do what you need to
do to make that happen.
4. Find a class you like.
If you do decide to get a membership,
great! Try out as many classes as you like and pick one that makes you feel
really good. I, personally, love a yang/yin class. The first half is tough and
works you hard while the other half focuses on deep muscle stretching and
relaxation. It’s the best of both worlds. I’m not a fan of power flow which is
one long and tough sweat session. You may also find teachers you like in the
process.
5. Days will differ.
Just like any other workout, some days will
be better than others. One day, you might be killing it with all the planking
and take minimal breaks. The day after, you might need some extra time in
child’s pose. Sometimes, you may feel like pushing it. Sometimes, you may need
to stick to a simpler version of poses. All the instructors I have had been
supportive of your ability and needs. Everyone is different, and you don’t need
to catch up with the person next to you. If you find yourself getting
frustrated, one of the things that helps me is knowing that your mind wants to
give up before your body does. When I’m feeling disappointed in my efforts,
this thought pushes me to go beyond my mindset.
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6. Mantras are important.
Yoga has a distinctive spiritual element to
it, but that’s not a prerequisite. However, I like setting mantras. Most of my
instructors invite their students to set a mantra or intention for their
practice. Personally, I love it. This doesn’t have to be intense or serious. My
favourites in the past have been “I will return” and “I can do it.” I like
having mantras because it starts your practice off in the right spot. I also
come back to it when I have moments of frustration.
Overall, I have loved my experience with hot yoga. I find it
to be emotional sometimes (I’ve cried twice during the final relaxation pose).
Unfortunately, my membership will be expiring soon. I still plan on doing the
$5 community classes when I can (another option if you don’t want to commit),
but I think I’ll get an actual gym membership for the summer since I need the
24 hour flexibility with work. My final note is on the one thing everyone fears
–farting in class. Have I done it? No. But, my body, WITHOUT fail will ALWAYS
become gassy right before a class starts. I think half of my workout comes from
holding it in. And that is okay, my friends.
-Daniella
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