A warm room, 40 people on mats and a teacher who seems to know everyone. Your first hot yoga class can feel like the first day at a new school. Here's exactly what happens, so nothing takes you by surprise.
The day before
Drink more water than usual, and keep drinking through the morning. Eat a normal meal, but nothing heavy in the two hours before class. Book Hot Restore or Warm Yin if you can: they're the gentlest heats on the schedule.
The 15 minutes before
Check in at the desk, pick up a mat and towel if you need them, and leave your phone in a locker. A teacher will meet you and cover three things.
Where to put your mat: near the door, where the air is a little cooler
How to rest: child's pose or lying on your back, any time
When to drink: small sips between poses, never big gulps
The class itself
The first ten minutes are the hardest, while your body adjusts to the heat. Breathe through your nose and slow everything down. By the middle of class most people find a rhythm, and the sweat stops feeling strange.
After class
Lie still for savasana, then take your time getting up. Grab a chilled towel and an electrolyte water in the lounge. Book your second class within a week: your 14 days are unlimited, so use them.
(06)
First visit
01
Hydrate early
Drink about a litre in the hours before class, not all at the door.
02
Arrive 15 minutes early
We'll show you the room, find you a mat by the door and lend you a towel.
03
Rest whenever you like
Child's pose is always allowed. Staying in the room is the whole first class.