Bikram yoga or hot yoga in layman’s terms can be quite overwhelming for those who have no idea about yoga in general. If you are not used to being inside a room that’s a massive 105ºF, chances are that you would probably be the first one to turn down the idea of attending a class. The thought of being around strangers in CorePower Yoga who are probably better or more flexible than you are starts to send panic chills down your spine, because you are too scared that you might break a bone or break your neck during the process. But, once you start to conquer the overpowering heat, hot yoga can actually provide you with some of the best workouts of your life. Before you give up on trying a class or two, Here are some things you should know before attempting to try it out for the first time:
- Be aware of the atmosphere – Before trying out the class for the first time and continuing, try going in for some trial runs with someone you can make mistakes with, like a friend or a family member. There are some hot yoga classes that will allow beginners to try out the atmosphere for the first time to have them get used to temperature changes. At first it may seem a little awkward that you have to sit in a room full of strangers, with a temperature boiling like the Sahara desert. It wont be the best experience of your life, but if you try to sit quiet for a while and try to get used to the temperature, you’ll find that it can actually be pretty relaxing and it can help you gather your center. Think of it like you are just entering a sauna, its pretty much the same thing, only everyone is not covered in a towel. Also, if you are the claustrophobic type, it is better that you give this class a test run first, because the temperature can really affect your breathing. Make sure to consult with doctors first before giving this a go.
- Bring the appropriate gear – When it comes to gear, hot yoga requires more preparation and accessories than normal. It is advisable to bring your own things like: a yoga mat, towels, and a huge bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated during class. Though there are some mats available at the gym, it is not always hygienic. For yoga, bringing your own mat is recommended since you will be sweating more than you’re used to throughout the class.
- Wear the right clothing – For yoga it is recommended that you wear clothing that are “sweat resistant” or in other words made out of athletic material. Avoid wearing any baggy clothing or clothes that are made from cotton, because cotton will make you feel heavier and will trap most of your sweat in the material. When it comes to yoga, it is always better to wear something that is light on your body since you will be stretching throughout the class.