Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?
Just show up about 20 minutes early for Hot Yoga classes.  Hot & Gentle Yoga classes are drop in and fill up on a first come, first serve basis.  Taoist Yoga require preregistration.  Arrive just 5-10 minutes early for Meditation class.  All classes are open to all levels.  When you arrive to take your first class, you will be greeted by an instructor and asked to fill out a brief form. After that, please sign the attendance sheet and get ready to begin.
 
How hydrated should I be before hot yoga class?
VERY hydrated. Drink, drink, drink!! You will find that class will be much easier if you drink water throughout the day. Try to avoid caffine and alcohol as much as possible before class. Hydration levels vary for every body type, so err on the side of caution and drink lots of water (3 Liters+) all day long!

What about eating before classes?
Do not eat anything heavy for 2-3 hours before class...you may feel nauseous or tired. 

What should I wear/bring to class?
The Hot Yoga classes are heated and are a vigorous 90-minutes.  Women wear close fitting shorts, leggings or yoga pants/capris and a sports bra or tank top.  Men wear close fitting shorts and t-shirts/tanks are optional.  All other non-hot classes wear fitted comfortable clothing.  Please avoid loose, baggy clothes and long pants, you will sweat a lot and your clothes will feel heavy and get into your way.
Bring a yoga mat, if you have one, a large bath-size towel and a bottle of water.  We do have mats & towels for rent at the studio. You may also buy bottles of water, yoga clothes, yoga rugs and mats.

Do you have separate classes for beginners?
No. All classes are open to all levels, beginners and advanced students alike. Having advanced students in class with you is helpful. Use them as resources. Remember, they, too, had their first class once and look at how far they’ve come!

Why is the room heated in hot yoga?
The heat is your friend in Hot yoga! The studio is heated to an average temperature of 105 degrees to help each student achieve their goals of increased flexibility, detoxification and mental clarity. Cold, stiff muscles have limited range of motion. When the room is warm…so are your muscles. Warm muscles are more receptive to transformation enabling you to get a deeper stretch. Other benefits of the heat include: body detoxification (a full body facial), blood thinning to clear the circulatory system, increased heart rate for a better cardiovascular workout, and improved strength by putting muscle tissue in optimal state for reorganization.  Warm bodies are much more flexible which dramatically decreases the chance of injury. Using heat enables students to maximize each class by getting deeper into each posture. The result for each student is breakthrough levels of flexibility, strength, and balance.

What if I hate the heat?
If the heat creates extreme discomfort for you, don’t get discouraged; all you need is the strength and determination to take four (4) classes in one week. This will dramatically increase your tolerance. If you are not a fan of the heat now within four classes you will be. You will be amazed at how quickly the body adapts to the high temperature.

Is the routine the same every time in hot yoga?
Yes. However, the body and mind are always different so the postures, and their order, don’t ever get boring.  The series is scientifically designed so that one posture opens a specific area of the body in preparation for the next posture. By practicing the same order every class you will be able to mark your improvement. Remember, this is a lifetime practice that can always improve, deepen and advance!

Can I lose weight?
Absolutely! However, consistency is the key to success. Losing weight is easy but maintaining the results can provide a challenge. If you practice this hot yoga with dedication and patience you WILL absolutely LOSE WEIGHT and KEEP IT OFF! You will also gain muscle tone and strength to give your body definition and beauty.

Is hot yoga a cardiovascular workout?
You’ll be amazed at the cardiovascular workout you get in a short 90-minute class! No matter what level of fitness you are this yoga will be a challenge you never outgrow. To get the most cardiovascular work you must HOLD the posture for the full count and work with an honest 100% effort.

What are some of the benefits?
There are unlimited benefits of all types of yoga.  There is much evidence both scientific and anecdotal to support the benefits of practicing yoga on a regular basis. Problems of alignment, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, insomnia, high and low blood pressure, and so many other medical problems have shown much improvement for so many with regular practice.

Some of the Hot Yoga benefits include:
* Works every organ, gland, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle in the whole body every Hot Yoga session * Expands your capacity to breathe deeply and fully * Prevents injury and may improve symptoms of chronic illness * Promotes better sleep, you may even need to sleep less * Impressive and rapid body toning effects * Weight loss or gain, depending on your body's needs * Improvement in posture and body awareness * Improve the healing and regenerative powers of your body * Improvement in T cell function and your immune system * Improvement in your lymphatic system * Lengthening and strengthening of muscles * Increased flexibility * Improvement in peripheral circulation * Improvement in metabolism / digestion * Gives the body a cardiovascular workout without negative impacting forces * Endocrine and exocrine glands are massaged and stimulated to better function * Muscular and skeletal network are enhanced * Weight bearing exercise will help prevent osteoporosis * Improves heart and lung function * Improves back conditions of pain and misalignment * Improves the flexibility of your spine within its range of motion in all directions, allowing improvement in the function of your central nervous system. Better nervous system communication means a better functioning body and mind * Helps cultivate a sense of well being and a more peaceful mind * Integration of both sides of the brain to improve memory, learning, body coordination and balance * Builds mental strength and trains your mind to maintain a focused and meditative state *

How often should I come to hot yoga class?
How quickly do you want good things to happen to you? It’s simple. The more you attend class, the faster the body will blossom. For good results, students are encouraged to attend at least 3 classes per week. For life changing results, students should strive for 5-7 classes a week. There is no such thing as too many classes a week.

What if I can only come once or twice a week?
Coming only one or two days a week will provide you with all the wonderful benefits only you won’t see the results as quickly. You will, however, feel the benefits after every class, no matter how infrequently you practice. Come when you can and make each class your escape to a world of wellness.

What if I’m not flexible?
Have no fear. Most first time students share the same concern and that’s why we are here! Flexibility is your birthright…you’ve just got to get it back. Don’t let your inflexibility keep you away! You don’t have to be flexible to do yoga. Just come, try, and see your flexibility improve!

Can I do hot yoga if I’m pregnant?
Yes. If you’ve been practicing the Hot yoga you may continue to attend class as soon as you become pregnant. However, if you are new to this yoga, we ask that you wait until after your first trimester. If you have never practiced Hot yoga and you are not acclimated to the heat, we would suggest waiting until after you have the baby to come in and try! When you fill out the medical form please let the instructor know that you are pregnant so she/he can help you modify the postures accordingly. This yoga has helped many women deliver beautiful, healthy babies. After you have had your baby you may resume class with your doctor’s approval.

During my first class I felt dizzy, nauseous, overwhelmed and after class I had the worst headache and felt nauseous all day! Why?
During your first class, it is not unusual to feel nauseous, dizzy or headachy.  Practicing yoga in a heated room reveals to us our present condition, and inspires us take much better care of ourselves.
It might be that you are working too hard and not listening to your body during class. You MUST respect your body and take breaks throughtout your class on an as needed basis. Approach this yoga carefully, respectfully and with a smile.
Usually the problem is that we do not drink enough water for daily living, let alone for exercising in a heated room. Nutritionists tell us that we need 64-80 ounces of water a day to help the body function properly.  
In the heated yoga room, your body needs adequate fund of water to allow perspiration to release heat from the body as you  practice. So we estimate you need another 64-80 ounces (sometime during the day) to allow for your 90 minutes in the room.  Once you are drinking enough water your body will tolerate the heat better and you will actually enjoy the heat.
A headache and/or dizziness can be a sign of dehydration. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER and make sure you keep up on your electrolytes (Emergen-C, O.N.E. coconut water or kelp tablets) before, during and after class. Stay hydrated.
If after your class, you feel disoriented or like you need a good nap after your first few classes, this is likely because your body has begun to cleanse itself as a result of the yoga practice. Don't be scared. After the first few classes as you work deep into your internal organ system this sensation will pass.

What can I do to alleviate those side effects?
Keep coming. The worse you feel the more you need this yoga, remember, this yoga reveals to us the present condition of our bodies. Take care of yourself, stay well hydrated and take your electrolytes. Remember the four (4) class goal. The body will adapt and quickly begin to equalize. Have no fear. we’ve been there!

I purchaced a pass and then got sick or had to leave the country and I never got to use all the classes. What should I do?
Take a look at our class pass policy on our classes and fees page.