#1 Practice RegularlyAs with any new practice, consistency is key. Maybe you’ve been attending a class once or twice a month, but you’re just not getting the results that you’d like. In order to get more out of your yoga practice and meet your fitness, flexibility, or meditation goals, it’s important to show up regularly to your mat. If you can make it to two or more classes per week, you’ll be able to see more consistent progress. Maybe you simply don’t have the time or resources you need to make it to Hive multiple times a week, and that’s okay! One of the great things about yoga is that you can do it almost anywhere. When it’s too hard to get into the studio, you can always take 15 minutes to flow on your mat at home. Just turn on your favorite playlist and let your body guide you as you move, or tune into your favorite YouTube yoga instructor for a quick class. #2 Come PreparedIf you’ve ever attended a hot yoga class dehydrated or with a stomach full of food, then you know just how uncomfortable it can be. In order to get the most out of your practice, it’s important to prepare your body for the class that you’re about to attend. That may look a little different for each class (heated, non-heated, challenging, relaxed, etc.), but we’ll discuss a few ways that you can prepare for hot yoga below. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after class. Drink 6-8 cups of water two hours before your hot yoga class to avoid dehydration during class. Sip water when you feel the need to during class, and follow up with another 6-8 cups of water after!
Avoid eating 1-2 hours before practicing yoga in order to avoid discomfort or disruption during your practice. If you must eat, consider a smaller portion such as a banana with almond butter, a small smoothie, or fresh pressed juice.
#3 Use appropriate equipment
No seriously, you need the yoga towel and a hot yoga mat. It will TRANSFORM your practice! If you’re like me, then you might be using a $10 mat from TJ Max and a spare beach towel from your house. After all, it works right? I practiced hot yoga for a whole year on my yoga-on-a-budget setup before deciding that it might be time for an upgrade. Let me tell you, I waited a year too long! In just one practice with my hot yoga mat and a proper towel, I was able to deepen my practice, lock into postures that were previously too difficult, and get so much more out of the class. I no longer felt like I was on a slip and slide covered in my own sweat. Instead, I felt in control and like I could use the grip to stretch deeper and flow more smoothly between postures. If you’re not sold already, I’ve been using the same yoga mat, and two yoga towels for three years now, and they’re still in good condition! Do yourself a favor and get the right equipment, you won’t regret it. #4 Modify, Modify, ModifyIn a high-energy yoga class, it can be difficult to listen to your body and take a step back when you need to. However, if you’re looking to get more out of your yoga practice, it’s important to modify postures that don’t work for your body so that you can get the most out of them without hurting yourself.
Blocks: blocks are a great tool to help you increase stability and/or alignment in a variety of postures. For example, in any posture where you’re flexibility does not permit you to reach the floor, you can use a block to bridge the gap. This will allow you to relax further into the posture and help you to develop your flexibility over time. Straps: straps are especially helpful when it comes to alignment, deepening, and lengthening. For example, in standing big toe, a strap can be used to help you get your leg straight without sacrificing your posture. With time, you’ll be able to increase your strength and flexibility using the strap until it’s no longer needed. Modifications allow you to safely practice postures without risking injury. They help train your muscle groups and prepare you for more advanced postures over time. Remember, the first goal of your yoga practice is to listen to your body. If it’s asking you to step back, consider a modification!
|
