How to Survive Bikram Yoga Classes

So September came way too quickly? We are on the same page then. Bus stops are busier, lines are longer, and yoga class sizes are picking up! Post-summer rehab is in order! First steps? Exercise, nutritional adjustments, and relaxation to ease the pressure of fall stress! We decided to put together a quick survival guide full of first-class-back necessities. Remember, if you’ve been away for the summer and are getting back into your practice it is important to gradually ease into intensity again. Don’t expect to be where you left off right away! Here are a few things to keep in mind upon returning to yoga class:

Breathe

The breath is what leads you through the entire class. Breathing steadily and calmly in and out of the nose will keep you calm and focused. If you begin to panic, feel dizzy or slightly uncomfortable, just lie down on your mat and focus on the breath.

Hydrate

Drink a liter of water at least an hour before class. Doing the 6am? 5am alarm clock with a glass of water next to your bed!

Avoid food right before class

If you are taking the 4pm, try and eat your lunch between 1 to 2pm. A meal takes (on average) between 30 minutes and 2 hours to leave the stomach and enter the small intestine. Starving? Have a piece of fruit. Interested in a quick blurb on digestion, read here.

Wear the right clothes!

This is called hot yoga for a reason people! Ladies: it’s a good idea to wear a sports bra/bathing suit top and tight bottoms. Having to tug on your t-shirt or pull up loose bottoms in class can be extremely distracting. Get some from us here. Guys: it’s best to go with shorts/tight bottoms and no shirt. Most guys opt for bike shorts, gym shorts, or stretchy board shorts.

Electrolytes

Scientists have found that to avoid fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps during intense workouts, instead of simply drinking water, it is a good idea to replenish electrolytes. (Medical News Today, June 2009) What are electrolytes? Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, and chloride all serve as these vital compounds. We have various electrolyte sources for sale including VEGA sport, Coconut Water, and Emergen-C.  .

Be on time

Come at least 15 to 20 minutes early to get changed and settled before class. Coming into class late is disturbing for yourself and others. We do not tolerate late entries. Be on your mat before the teacher walks in! Make coming early part of your practice.

Take it easy and do the best you can

Tomorrow is a new day. It is called yoga practice for a reason not yoga perfect.

Namaste,