FAQ

• Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to register.
• Wear something you are comfortable sweating in. Breathable fabric is most desirable.
• Come to class fully hydrated. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you are prepared.
• Bring a large bottle of water with you to class or purchase chilled water at the studio.
• Come to class on an empty stomach. Most people find they need to leave at least 3 hours between their last meal and the class.
• Yoga mats and large towels are required in the studio. Please bring your own or purchase at the studio.
• Stay in the studio during class. Feel free to sit or lay down if you feel dizzy or nauseous. As you build the ability to focus your mind and still your body, the struggle will disappear. If you need to leave class early, please let the teacher know before class begins, and do not leave before savasana (resting pose) begins to avoid disturbing other students.
• Remember that savasana is a crucial element of yoga class – and it does not take more than a few minutes.
• Yoga is a practice as well as a life long process. It is not about doing the postures perfectly. As long as you give your best effort, you will receive the same therapeutic benefit as someone who has practiced for years and obtained a high level of flexibility, strength and balance.
• We recommend practicing 4-5 times per week to obtain the maximum benefits. Of course, you will receive the same benefits with a reduced practice – just in a longer time.

• You might feel very tired after class. This is absolutely normal and a good sign that your body is cleansing. Your energy levels should be restored to normal within several classes.
• You might find yourself feeling extremely energetic and experience difficulty sleeping. Don’t worry – this is a good sign that the yoga is truly filling you up with energy. You don’t have insomnia. You just have more time to do the things you enjoy.
• You might feel sore or stiff the day after your first class. Come back to class as soon as possible! Your body is waking up and coming alive and you want to keep the process going!
• You might feel nauseous, dizzy or have a headache after class. This could be a sign that you are dehydrated. Please drink lots of water before returning to class. Or it could be a sign that you were trying so hard that you weren’t breathing normally. Please breathe normally during every posture.
• You might experience some skin irritation. This too is normal, it means that the skin is releasing toxins. Showering directly after class will wash the toxins away. It will also help normalize the body temperature.
• You might feel very hungry after class for a while, or you might lose your appetite completely. Both reactions are normal. If you are concerned about your weight, don’t worry too much either way. Once you get into a regular practice pattern, your appetite and your weight will normalize. You’ll find yourself feeling and looking leaner and younger.

• The heat makes muscles more elastic and pliable which allows for deeper safer stretching.
• The heat helps you sweat; sweat detoxifies your body by flushing, toxins from your blood and metabolic waste from your muscles.
• The heat enhances blood flow so that more blood (and oxygen) is delivered to the muscles, the joints, and the endocrine, thyroid, and lymphatic systems bringing natural healing and balance back into your body.
• The heat speeds the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
• The heat thins the blood, increasing the heart rate for an excellent cardiovascular workout.
• And it feels really good to just let the sweat pour out of you!

• Flexibility is a result from yoga practice. In order to practice yoga I need to be flexible, is a misconception.
• Yoga is about stretching your spine and body in all directions. From the very first class you will learn the concept of “trying the right way” enabling you to receive the benefits of each pose according to your own ability.

• Yes! Regardless of your fitness level, hot yoga can be challenging. Muscles are toned and strengthened. All of the body’s systems are brought into balance.
• With consistent and dedicated practice you will lose pounds and inches.

The benefits you receive from a regular, devoted yoga practice will vary depending on who you are, your health history, what you put into your practice, and what you may be struggling with physically or mentally. The most frequently reporting benefits include the following:

• Escalation in energy and metabolism;
• Reduction in heart and respiratory rates;
• Weight loss and increase in muscle tone;
• Increase in balance, strength and flexibility;
• Decrease in blood pressure;
• Improved functioning of the internal organs;
• Reduction of insomnia and depression;
• Strengthening of the immune system;
• Alleviation of symptoms of chronic disease and energy;
• Reduction in stress; less reactive in stressful situations;
• Rejuvenated sense of calm and well-being;
• An inspired positive outlook on life.

As with anything, the amount of effort and focus you put into something is directly proportionate to the results you will achieve. Try your best. Your postures do not have to be ‘perfect’ in order to do yoga. It’s called yoga practice for a reason. All we can ask ourselves is to try the right way with our best effort. The benefits will follow.

• If you have high blood pressure, particularly low blood pressure, or are pregnant or nursing you should check with your doctor before trying a class.
• If you simply do not like the heat, you might find that your body learns to like it after a few classes!

• Yoga is more than simply the physical poses; it is a process of understanding and respecting ourselves and those around us;
• Please remove your shoes upon entering the hot room;
• Keep street clothes and other personal belongings in the cubbies provided in the changing rooms.
• No cell phones or beepers in the classroom.
• No gum in the studio.
• Don’t wear heavy perfumes or colognes to class.
• No talking in the hot room before, during and after class.
• Stay in the room during class AND feel free to take a break at any time by either sitting or lying quietly on your mat.
• At the end of class, please leave quietly being mindful that some people use that time for silence and meditation.