Things Your Hot Yoga Teacher Wants To Tell You

I have been teaching hot yoga for a few years not incredibly long, but long enough to notice that sometimes no matter what we say some people just don't pay attention. Which is understandable given that being half naked in a hot room with a bunch of strangers can be a lot of stimulus. But in case you didn't catch some subtle hints here is what you teacher is trying to say to you. 

1. Take A Break:

I know every workout you were ever taught was followed up with "finish strong" or statements like "pain is just weakness leaving the body". Well yoga is taught for life, not wreck your body which can easily be done if you are trying to force flexibility on a person who hasn't stretched a day in their life. Your number one goal is to breath! Passing out is not breathing. It takes time and believe me your teacher will not judge you for taking a little savasana to catch your breath. If we are standing right next to you and repeatedly suggesting a break.... we are subtly trying to get you to lay down. We want you to feel good when you leave!

2. Quit Talking To Your Friends

"OMG IT'S HOT IN HERE!!!" No shit it's a HOT yoga class. We know. The thing is, myself as a teacher I don't mind people talking. But everyone else in the room does. Have you ever tried to relax while someone is just chatting away next to you? Or study in a library and someone is on their cell phone? Better yet someone on the phone while in a movie theater...... you want to punch them in the throat for ruining your happy place? That's what it feels like to the other people in the room. Respect your fellow students space.

3. Gum and Phones

Most hot yoga studios have waivers.... please read your waiver. Nearly every one I have seen says something along the lines of "I will not bring my phone in the room" and "I will not chew gum in the classroom". Here is the reason for no gum besides choking. Try doing deep breathing exercises

with a mouth full of gum. It's one more thing to distract you. Cell phones are a distraction from you, to everyone in the room and the heat in the room can damage them. You are in yoga to relax not anticipate the next Facebook update or worry about a text convo. Leave that stress outside.

4. Quit Trying to Compete 

That bendy chick/dude who literally looks like a pretzel in space is not in competition with you. Trying to do what they are doing is silly. I can damn near guarantee they have been practicing for YEARS and have had to endure falling on their faces hundreds of times before attempting that headstand with effortless grace. You will get there, but trying to do what someone else is doing won't help you. What will help you get there is paying attention to your body. It will let you know when to advance. I pinky promise. Also as an addition..... doing other workouts while is yoga is kind of rude. Shadow boxing in tree pose just seems a little douchey.

5. Stop Giving a Shit

Your make-up is going to sweat off your face, your clothes are going to move around in weird places, your hair is going to look like a tornado. There is a chance you're going to come out of class looking like a drowned rat. No one goes to hot yoga with out coming out sweaty and soggy. It's just the name of the game. So fixing the way you look or looking around to see who is looking just takes time away from what really matters. Time with yourself. Your wonderful sweaty truly amazing self.

In the end we are all searching for a little miracle. Something to make us thinner, less stressed, happier, more organized, the list never ends. Yoga may not cure all but it can cure most. Remember all good things take time and patience.... and water. Remember your water.