Bikram/HOT Yoga--is it really hard?

I have been wanting to try this out since I could see that the health and physical rewards are outstanding.

HOWEVER!!!--I am NOT good in the heat and I am the type that needs my water bottle with me during an entire workout.

What are your tips for a first timer? I am scared i will faint/run out due to teh heat lol

thanks so much

Re: Bikram/HOT Yoga--is it really hard?

I have never seen anyone pass out in Hot Yoga although it is definitely everyone's fear.

If you are going to go to a class, first and foremost you MUST pre-hydrate. You MUST start hydrating the day before if you are that sensitive to heat & needing fluids. You should also make sure you drink that day before attending the class. Don't eat at least 2 hours before class but make sure you have had something nutritional to eat that day.

You can bring as much water and/or sports drink as you like ( I go in with at least 32 oz). They will urge you not to drink within the first 4-6 poses but after that it's usually drink as you need. They should just ask you not to drink during poses but tell you that you may during the transition from pose to pose.

Don't expect to do everything that everyone else is doing with the same intensity. Don't even have expectation about doing all of the poses. The first time you may experience waves of nausea---totally normal---it's okay to lay down and compose yourself. Take your time. They understand!!! Even people who have been practicing for years, find that there are days that they have to sit out for a few poses. Some days are just harder than others.

Do bring a yoga mat, a big towel to go over your mat and an extra hand towel because you will be drenched like never before. Wear as little as you are comfortable in....shorts, sports bra, tank....that's about it...it's hot as blazes!! I usually bring a fresh shirt & shorts to change into afterward for the drive home. I could wring out my yoga clothes so I certainly don't want that on my car seat. Bring a plastic bag for your wet clothing.

Re: Bikram/HOT Yoga--is it really hard?

Thank you for the tips!!! I appreciate it! Maybe i will lose that last 8 lbs after all!!!

Re: Bikram/HOT Yoga--is it really hard?

Lucky gave a pretty good summary. Hydration is the key.

If you have not drank a lot of water throughout the day, you will have a tough class.

I don't often attend morning classes for this reason.

I also try to avoid big heavy meals at least 3-4 hours before class.

If I am really hungry, I will have a small piece of fruit or maybe a small handful of crackers an hour or two before class.

You also should never compare yourself to others in class. It can take years to get certain postures down, and even then, you may still struggle with certain ones.

I have been practicing for just over a year now and have difficulty with many of them, and my knees do not often lock.

I tend to just hang out in the back in "my spot" where I can do my own thing.

No one is really focusing on anyone but themselves, anyways, which is the "cool" think about "hot" yoga.

Lucky and I actually attend the same studio, and it's very much geared to beginners.

I range on average 3 classes a week which I think is what you need to notice a difference in your body/life in general.