Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stephanie P on January 20, 2011 at 12:49pm

I just started doing Hot Yoga a couple weeks ago, and love it. I haven't done any form of regular physical activity for several years now, and had the same concerns, but also worried that the heated room would just be too hot for my body to handle (I'm used to long, cold winters, not humid heat).

 

A) A lot of hot yoga classes are beginner classes. If you are somewhat fit and follow the instructions, you may surprise yourself. You may not do the postures perfectly (I sure don't) but you may find that because you are heated from the inside out, you will have great elasticity in your joints. I am not a flexible person, but I did a lot better than I thought I would.

 

B) Pee when you get there, and you shouldn't have to after that. I don't think you can over hydrate before the exercise. I have been to several classes, and no one has ever had to leave the room for any reason. And you sweat a lot. So I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Permalink Reply by Sarah on January 20, 2011 at 3:18pm

I've done five classes now and I'm hooked!

 

I found the same things you did. I just pee when I get there and I'm totally fine for the 90 minutes of Bikram I've been doing. I was worried about the heat too and it is quite the contrast coming out afterwards into Canadian winter, but it really does make me much more flexible!

Permalink Reply by Stephanie P on January 20, 2011 at 3:37pm

Totally! I am a huge advocate for Bikram now, and conveniently have a certified studio literally around the corner from my condo. So nice! I am excited for the many health benefits, and my husband is excited for my yoga body, haha.

Permalink Reply by CeCe Savage on February 28, 2011 at 11:25am

I'm all about the hot yoga. But it takes preparation. You have to be hydrated, well-rested, and fed. It takes planning to endure that a couple times a week.

 

Seriously, don't just bring the water bottle to class. Carry it around all day. Drink until you're not thirsty, and when you go to the bathroom, drink again.

 

Well rested is a given, right? If you didn't get a lot of sleep, you will be totally useless after a hot yoga class.

 

And fed. You should start eating 3 hours before class and be done before 2 hours to go. That way you have time to digest, but all your basic needs are met.

 

I don't know what to say about the peeing. But don't stop hydrating or you'll have a bigger problem on your hands.

Permalink Reply by Jing Li on January 18, 2013 at 2:29am

I tried the Bikram hot yoga classes and loved them... except for the fact that the floor smells like sweat and BO. Its sometimes hard to relax when you are lying down on your mat but all your nose can focus on is that smell haha.