If you have never done a yoga class in your life, you are taking a step in the right direction.
Yoga (and all that is good for you) should be explored in a cheerful and welcoming fashion. We encourage you to smile and laugh during class. Maintaining your health is serious business, but life should always be fun!
We understand being a beginner can be intimidating but come with an open mind as well as a willing attitude. Experience and flexibility are not necessary……you just need enthusiasm and a little positive energy.
If you are unsure please, give us a call! We love to talk about all things yoga and we encourage you to ask questions whenever you want more information!
Please aim to arrive 20-30 minutes before your class to allow time for registration. We ask all first time students to do our Introductory Offer*, a drop-in class is not available.
It takes time to acclimatise to the heat so please take it slowly, especially for your first few classes and sit down and rest anytime. If you’re getting confused with the instructions you can follow people in the front row or just stop and watch for awhile.
The correct way to breathe is through the nose…it will take a few classes to master but breath is key.
Being hydrated will make a big difference to how you feel. Try to drink at least 1-2 litres of water before coming, take water in the class and re-hydrate sufficiently afterwards. Adding in electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) will help you rehydrate more effectively, especially if you’re getting headaches or dizzy…check out the blog on the website for our electrolyte drink.
Do not eat a big meal in the 2-3 hours beforehand, you want to feel light!
Please stay in the room for the full duration of the class, practice in silence throughout and only drink between postures if possible.
There are a few things you will need for your class as well as your bare feet and a willingness to try something new. We provide yoga mats at £1 per class but you’re welcome to bring your own. You will also need two towels (one for your mat, one for showering), a large bottle of water, and comfortable yoga clothes suitable for heat. We have towels and water to purchase if you need.
The key is to come regularly to acclimatise and to receive the benefits… within 20 days you will already start to see a huge difference!
* We recommend that all new students start on our introductory pass which entitles you to attend an unlimited number of classes over 20 consecutive days. A single class will not give you a full understanding of what Hot Yoga is all about. It also takes a while to get used to the heat and to gain some understanding of the sequence of postures. Try to come at least 2-3 times a week during these 20 days to give yourself a chance to get used to it. The intro offer is our “try before you buy” offer to you before you sign up to a package. With a little determination and commitment you can get everything you need from this amazing yoga!
Some Hot Yoga Tips:
Doing Hot Yoga is a marathon not a 100m sprint. Once you have adjusted to the heat and your body has gone through the initial opening up and detoxification stages you will start feeling the incredible health benefits this miraculous system offers. At first it is completely normal to feel a bit daunted at the beginning, but with a little patience, a smile and a willingness to try you will quickly improve.
Take you time with your practice. Be patient with yourself as you bring this yoga into your life. The postures will challenge you in different ways and you are different both physically and mentally every time you practise. Work with this to move yourself along your yoga path. Your goals will move closer, and you’ll enjoy harmony of your mind, body and breath. Patience is a gift when we find it in our lives.
Stay in your breath. The breath is the thread that ties your practice together. Breathing in and out through the nose is your body’s natural way to help you stay present, calm, focused and in control. Lose your breath and you lose your practice. Stay connected and it will become your teacher. It will tell you exactly what you can do, and gently guide you through your practice.
Focus on your alignment. The way you hold your body directly affects the quality of your postures. First focus on getting the correct alignment of each posture and then the depth of them will follow naturally. Try not to be concerned by how other students are performing – this is your yoga practice, and yours alone.
Stay in your stillness. When you come out of a posture, try to bring yourself back into your stillness. You will probably feel the urge to fidget or wipe away the sweat. Ignore this if you can. Instead focus on breathing calmly and stay in your stillness (however intense it gets). You will then build clarity, focus, confidence and control into your practice. This will ultimately move into your everyday life too.
Smile (the master posture) and enjoy your Yoga journey. You will gain amazing new physical and mental qualities. It’s far more about recognising these than about worrying about your final destination.