Hot Yoga Forum
The following question was asked on Reddit:
I'm taking my first hot yoga class this week. It's only going to be heated to 90f, but I have my health issues so I'm a little nervous.
My studio is one big room (check in, lockers, studio all in one space). There is a small separate hallway with a bathroom but other than that the door leads straight outside.
What would be the appropriate thing to do if I get overheated? Would it be ok to go to my car until the class is over and then return to get my mat?
Also recommendations other than child pose for resting?
Traveling, one breath at a time.
Firstly- the idea behind staying in the room is so that the instructor can keep an eye on you. The last thing we want is for you to exit the room, faint and hit your head. The chances of that are low, but they are non-zero.
Secondly- child pose is actually NOT recommended in the standing series. It is better to remain standing, or kneeling (or sitting cross legged). Entering child pose (or laying down) will make it much harder to re-engage with the class. Instead, sit. If you need to skip a posture, skip a posture. if you need to skip 10 postures, skip 10 postures.
Generally speaking -- for regular students -- follow the strategy of "do less better". When you walk into the room, you have control of yourself. Try to practice in a way where you don't lose that. Perhaps that might mean practicing one set of each posture. perhaps that might mean doing way less of Standing Head to Knee and Standing Bow. The practice is not supposed to be one where you hanging on by your fingernails for every second of the class. Not only is this not enjoyable, nor is is healthy, it is also not sustainable.
When it comes to new students, the idea is to practice in a way that allows you to come back again. One of my first teachers said something to the effect of "nothing worthwhile was ever learned in 10 easy steps". This is another way of saying that judging hot yoga after 2-4 classes is insufficient. Instead, do what you need to do to come back. Get more evidence, learn about the practice, and learn about yourself.
Traveling, one breath at a time.
I actually had a top 5 "worst class of my life" the other day. I was really hot and just couldn't participate in many of the postures. I knew it was going to be bad when I was already suffering in standing bow! I remembered what you said about skipping a posture or two if you had to and to not lie down. It was hard because my ego was saying, "What is wrong with you? You should be able to do this! You're not a beginner!". I really had to look inside and be kind to myself. It was definitely humbling! I made it though the class and got a lesson in self compassion --- win, win! So to answer the question of what to do if you get overheated in class....I just took a big break and focused on breathing.
I actually had a top 5 "worst class of my life" the other day. I was really hot and just couldn't participate in many of the postures. I knew it was going to be bad when I was already suffering in standing bow! I remembered what you said about skipping a posture or two if you had to and to not lie down. It was hard because my ego was saying, "What is wrong with you? You should be able to do this! You're not a beginner!". I really had to look inside and be kind to myself. It was definitely humbling! I made it though the class and got a lesson in self compassion --- win, win! So to answer the question of what to do if you get overheated in class....I just took a big break and focused on breathing.
I wonder- do you feel a distinction between "its too hot" vs. "its too humid" ? do you notice if one is more consequential for you than another..?
Traveling, one breath at a time.
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