Beginner Tips for Hot Yoga

MY NEW OBSESSION:

HOT VINYASA YOGA

So I've been doing this whole fitness thing for a while now- sports, running half marathons, spinning, all different types of group exercise, and realized I want to incorporate something new into my fitness routine.. ya know, to keep the body guessing and always improving. 

It just so happened that a little yoga studio about two miles from my apartment, Charm City Yoga, was having a summer membership monthly sale for $25.

 Perfect timing right!? 

So I hopped on that and got a membership and have been taking as many

 hot yoga classes as my schedule (and body) allows. 

Hot Yoga is probably the most challenging type of exercise I've ever done. 

No lie. 

It is not just physically challenging, with all the sweat and slipping,

 (definitely recommend bringing a towel to put over your mat 

AND an extra hand towel to wipe off with-yes that much sweat) 

but mentally challenging as well. 

For those that are not familiar with hot vinyasa, 

it is a yoga class (usually 90 minutes) conducted in >90 degrees, 

getting up to around 110 degrees in some studios. 

Crazy huh. 

And extremely mentally challenging, 

thinking that the waves of heat are closing off your airways and 

feeling your heart rate skyrocket out of your chest. 

It is exhilarating and I'm obsessed with the hot yoga high. 

On a good note, every class is getting easier and easier and I no longer feel

 like a beginner/freaking out I might pass out and die at any minute. 

I definitely recommend trying hot yoga at least once.. 

if you are up for a challenge. 

Some useful tips for any new beginners: 

• Hydrate A LOT during the day previous to your practice
• Bring and drink a lot during the session, taking breaks whenever you want - seriously whenever no one will care
• Hydrate after your practice. Lots and lots of fluids!
• Bring a yoga towel or beach towel to put over your mat - or else its like doing yoga on a slip-n-slide
• Put your hair up in a bun and take off all make up - now I wear waterproof mascara that does NOT come of in the shower, but sweats completely off during hot yoga
• Be open minded!! It doesn't matter if you need to sit down or lay back in child's pose for a minute or two. It is YOUR practice! Have fun with it and be proud of yourself that you are trying new things :)
• Don't run to the studio - lesson learned 100%