If sweating profusely in a room full of strangers is one of your worst fears, hot yoga might seem like something to avoid. However, it’s within this nearly 100-degree environment of slimy, slippery confusion where I found spiritual enlightenment. Who knew that self-consciousness and fear could be shaken off so easily in such a vulnerable environment? Besides that, hot yoga leads to improved well-being (at least according to scientists!).
Here are the four things I wish somebody had told me before I hit the fiery-hot mat in my very first hot yoga session.
1. Yes, you’re going to slip around
It was honestly so much hotter in a hot yoga class than I expected. It’s the kind of “hot’ that makes you want to get up and walk out once the heat hits your cheeks. Of course, there’s no backing out now.
The magic is in the heat. The cathartic, adrenaline-inducing release that comes from hot yoga is downright visible. Expect to see buckets of sweat pouring off your body. We’re talking about sweat dripping from your scalp, eyelids, elbow, knees, and many more places you didn’t even know you could sweat from! Yes, your mat will be slippery. Yes, you will lose your footing here and there. Aside from a few giggles in the mix, the tumbles and slides are mostly just overlooked by everyone.
2. This isn’t a beauty pageant
Don’t show up with a full beat of makeup to hot yoga class. Additionally, you don’t need to obsess over how you look as you’re hitting each pose. Everyone here is simply riding the flow instead of looking over to see who might be flailing around or wobbling on their mat.
3. The struggle is all mental
As I walked into my first hot yoga session, I thought the experience was going to be all about physical endurance. I soon learned that my mind would quit long before my body would. It was shocking to see how quickly my mind began coming up with excuses for why I should stop. They honestly felt so valid at the time!
My mind told me that there was no point in working so hard when I wasn’t going to get results out of one measly session. My mind reminded me of all of the work emails that still needed to be addressed that day. I suddenly had visions of a relaxing, cooling shower after slurping down an iced coffee from my favorite coffee place down the street. My mind created a million reasons to give up on the spot. This was where I discovered that learning how to quiet the mental chatter during hot yoga was every bit as beneficial as the physical stretching and strength building.
4. Sweating is spiritual
I mean this 100% literally when I say that I felt lighter at the end of that first class. Each ounce of sweat that squeezed out from my pores represented burdens I didn’t even know I was carrying until they had been released. You will feel raw, strong, emotional, and powerful all at the same time. I remember that I was shaking and crying when I got back to my car. However, the shakes and tears felt like they came from a place of power instead of weakness.
My promise about hot yoga
It won’t be what you expect! I promise you that. However, hot yoga may be exactly what you need if you feel like nothing you’re trying is creating the “release” you crave. My advice? Pack your water, your sense of humor, and your ability to be messy and vulnerable to get the most from your session. If you’re ready to experience your own indescribable hot yoga session, sign up for a beginner class at Ignite Yoga Dayton today.
