What to know beforehand: A little encouragement for new yogis
New experiences can be exciting but also give you butterflies in your stomach. When we try something new, we have to let go of already knowing, and that is part of the fun and excitement! We learn a bit about ourselves and get to stretch and expand our previous boundaries. In an attempt to mitigate the butterflies, here's some expert advice on common objections and tips for those trying hot yoga for the first time.
1. When I invite people to hot yoga, one of the first objections I often hear is, "but I am not flexible." Surprise, hot yoga can truly be easier for those of us who are less flexible, or as I like to tell myself, more stable. When you have built in boundaries, you can only go so far. The correct alignment in the poses can be more obvious than for someone with a million options. People who are really flexible not only have to find the correct stretch, but also have to use a lot of strength to create a boundary. Those of us with less flexibility have a built in limit that makes finding the end range more obvious. We get more satisfaction with slightly less effort. Plus, the heat truly helps our muscles be a little more flexible, so it feels great!
2. A second objection I hear is, "everyone will be looking at me" or basically judging me and I won't know what I'm doing and feel embarrassed. It's true, yoga tends to be humbling and no matter how long you have practiced, there will be times you feel like you don't know what you are doing. However, no one will be looking at you! Years ago, Jay Leno asked Demi Moore about her hot yoga practice. She said she loved it because it was the one place she could go where no one was looking at her. If no one was checking out Demi Moore, our odds are pretty good. Seriously though, everyone is so focused on themselves, working in a way where there is no room to be judging anyone else. You may look around to see what other folks are doing, but the atmosphere is like a team where we are all doing our best to get through class together. The only person looking at you is the teacher and that's only to support you in your practice.
3. Another common objection is related to heat. A big part of yoga is listening to your body and taking care of yourself. No matter how advanced and regular someone's practice is, there will likely be times when that person takes breaks. It's part of the fabric of the practice and is highly encouraged. So, before you feel overwhelmed, try taking a break. In Vinyasa practices, child's pose is usually the resting pose, and in the Original Hot class standing still, sitting down or laying down is suggested. To better support you and for your safety, we encourage you to try and stay in the room, but if you do need to leave, we would support you in that too. Half the time I practice, I convince myself I will lay down the entire class. This would be a completely worthwhile practice and possibly more challenging than doing all the postures. It gets me in the room which is often the most challenging step. Over time, your body gets acclimated to the heat.
4. If it's your first time, you do not need to sign up online at Expand Yoga, but it is a good idea to arrive early and well hydrated. Doors open about 30 min before most classes, but if you arrive about 15 min early, that is plenty of time. Expand Yoga has a pretty easy parking situation at both studios in Tacoma and Federal Way. But make sure you budget some time needed to park, take off shoes, check in, use the bathroom, and get settled in the room. If you have any concerns, medical conditions or old injuries, please do share this info with your teacher before class so they can be aware and supportive as you practice. If you are brand new, someone may take you through a breathing exercise or posture or two just to give you a head start on class. For your first time we offer a free mat and towel rental too, so simply bringing yourself!
5. What to wear? Almost anything goes, but of course within appropriate boundaries. Clean and comfortable is a good guideline. Back in the day, people used to wear bathing suits and you may still see that works for some folks. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sports bras and yoga pants are all common now. Breathable fabrics tend to be better than sweatpants which will likely leave you feeling wet and hot. Hot yoga clothes can get smelly, so it's a good idea to wash your clothes and towel soon after each use. Even if you typically do not sweat a lot, you will likely sweat during hot yoga, so you'll want a change of clothes for afterwards, and possibly anything you need to shower. We also recommend you bring a water bottle and feel free to bring a lock for your locker.
Every single one of us teaching at the studio remembers our first hot yoga class. We are so excited that you're embarking on this new journey with Expand Yoga. We hope that you will come to love and appreciate the practice as we have. We may simply leave you to your practice knowing that it will unfold in time. If we give you a tip or correction, it is only because we think you can do it and want you to have the best experience possible. We appreciate your courage in coming to class and we hope yoga will become a friend to you for life, as it has become one for us. Take a class at Expand Yoga today!