I’m not a yoga expert, I practice these days about 1-2 times per week but when I was working for lululemon, I practiced at least 3 times per week. Sometimes twice per day.
These days with a little bit more time on my hands, I’ve started going again and my yoga mat feels like home.
But last night, in my “intermediate” hot yoga class there were a couple newbies and oh my. I wish they had read the website.
If you’re going to a hot vinyasa class here are some of my personal best practices to get you through the sweatiest 90 minutes you’ll ever encounter (unless you practice bikram.
1. It’s a yoga class, you’re not going for a run. Don’t wear running shorts that will likely be see through once you sweat through them. Also, you’ll never wear socks during yoga and you won’t want to put the socks back on when your feet are soaking wet. Think leggings and a tank top and slip on shoes. I wear flip flops in the summer/spring/fall and some sort of boot (usually my Uggs – gross I know) in the winter.
2. Drink water. Before. After and during. That’s all. Also, bring a towel. Or rent a towel. I usually bring my own though.
Case in point. Towels are necessary.
3. If you’ve never done yoga before? You probably don’t want to start with a 90 minute hot yoga class. Also, if you’re a newbie and have problems with the poses, let your instructor know, he/she will help you out and adjust you. Also find a spot towards the back of a class so you can see your class mates and go off them if you have to.
4. If you’ve never done yoga before, check out a community class first. In the Annapolis area lululemon in the Towne Centre has free yoga in their store every Saturday AM and Charm City Yoga has a number of beginner/all level community classes that are only $6! Also, if you “like” the Annapolis Yoga page, you get info on all sorts of classes and workshops in this area!
5. Not sure which studio is for you? Check out LivingSocial or Groupon deals. I’ve seen some AMAZING deals for yoga classes ($30 for 30 days of Bikram, $15 for 30 days of yoga, $20 for 5 classes…etc…).
My (PERSONAL) yoga essentials
Personal Yoga necessities – wunder unders, cool racerback, no limits tank, flow y bra, the mat, yoga tote
Now, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars at lululemon or Lucy to get good yoga gear. Athleta (by the Gap) and Old Navy have great reasonably priced yoga gear and the Champion C9 line at Target is great too! Most studios have mats to borrow or rent, and though the Mat (above) by lulu is a whopping $64 (thank you employee discount) there are other brands that make great yoga mats also.
