Has anyone done hot yoga?

[birdistheword]

My friend begged and pleaded with me until I agreed to go to a class with her tomorrow. I'm afraid I am going to pass out and die. I don't even do regular yoga, so I have no idea how this is going to go. I've also read things that say it really isn't good for you. Anyone have experiences to share?

[dcannie]

i do bikram regularly and love it. i had to take a break for a little over a month after a surgery, so it's kicking my butt all over again. drink a lot of water tonight, don't eat at least an hour or two before you go and wear fitted clothing (no baggy t-shirt or long yoga pants.)

[HiC]

I do hot vinyasa about 4 times a week. Drink tonight and before you go tomorrow. Bring a bottle of water with you and a towel or two with you...one to put on your mat and the other to wipe off with. Wear something light and non cotton. Go into child's pose whenever you need to.....don't hesitate. Tell your instructor that this is your first hot class and first yoga class ever. You may love it!

Also I would eat a little something before you go. I can't do a hot class in the morning unless I have something in my stomach.....

[charlotte]

A friend of mine got me into it, and I love it. I haven't gone in quite a while because there's not a studio close to me. It's definitely not for everyone though. I do better on an empty stomach. I ate once too close to class and I felt like shit the whole time. Don't be afraid to modify poses or take a break if you get dizzy. I try to get there about 20 min early to get used to the heat before class starts, (I just lie quietly on my mat) that seems to help ease me into it. Also, I freeze my water bottle the night before class and it slowly melts while you're in class. The one time I didn't freeze I had to drink warm/hot water after class was over. blech!

[janegold]

Do you know if you'll be doing bikram or a hot vinyasa class? If bikram, then don't worry about not having much yoga experience. The poses are, for the most part, pretty basic and discrete (there is no "flow" between the poses.) If vinyasa, having some yoga background could be helpful but a good instructor should offer modifications for various experience levels. I personally do not like bikram, but I think it is decent for someone who is new to yoga who wants to try hot yoga.

Regardless, the most important thing is not to push yourself. You might spend more time resting than actually practicing, which is totally fine your first time. When resting, a lot of instructors will tell you to SIT rather than LIE to help keep your blood circulating properly and to decrease dizziness.

Try to get there early to a) acclimate yourself to the heat like booby said, and b) try to grab a seat in the back row. It is helpful to be able to watch those in front of you when you are new.

Have fun!

[Deleted]

I did Bikram yoga for a couple years and loved it. Ditto PP, drink tons of water tonight and tomorrow BEFORE class. If you show up dehydrated you are EFFED. Wear tighter clothing rather than baggy. Don't stress about the mirrors or people watching you. Everyone is concentrating on themselves. Have fun!

[venice2007]

Jul 9, 2012 18:08:59 GMT -5 HiC said:

I do hot vinyasa about 4 times a week. Drink tonight and before you go tomorrow. Bring a bottle of water with you and a towel or two with you...one to put on your mat and the other to wipe off with. Wear something light and non cotton. Go into child's pose whenever you need to.....don't hesitate. Tell your instructor that this is your first hot class and first yoga class ever. You may love it!

Also I would eat a little something before you go. I can't do a hot class in the morning unless I have something in my stomach.....

This I take hot yoga almost every day and love it. But go at your own pace, rest when you need too, wear light tighter fitting clothes, and bring a towel and water. It does take time to get used to but it's great! I love it.

[birdistheword]

Thanks for the advice!

[newenglandwifey]

LOVE IT!
Definitely try it- just go at your own pace and take a break if you need

[bab]

Wow I don't think there is any way in the world I could take a class like that. I am amazed by you people!

[birdistheword]

Jul 9, 2012 22:41:25 GMT -5 panicfoot said:

I do hot yoga everyday and am a total fat ass. The closer I eat to class, the shittier I feel. Like, I feel better with a hang over than I do after pasta for lunch six hours prior. You can try taking emergen-C or drink a bottle of gatorade an hour or two before and drink all the water you can. It is the most fun I've ever had working out. At least, after about ten classes. Just sit and relax and have fun...it is just yoga

so...basically I will want to off myself during the first nine classes? Good to know. lol.

[leahmel]

People here have covered just about everything. I just wanted to add that I am so in love with hot (vinyasa) yoga. I wish I could fit it into my schedule to go everyday, I definitely would. I go 3x per week and I am always looking forward to my next class. I say give it a few classes before you really judge it too harshly. You body gets conditioned and you really start to see the most benefit after going for a while.

[birdistheword]

Wanted to let you guys know I survived the class! I was totally prepared thanks to all your input. I wasn't sure beforehand whether it was bikram or vinyasa, but it was vinyasa. The class was 75 minutes and crazy intense, but so glad I went. The studio offers a two-week unlimited new student deal for $20, so I signed up for that and am going to try to squeeze in as many classes as I can during that time.