What to Expect from Your First Hot Yoga Class

Your complete guide to hot yoga in Guildford (and beyond!)

Hot yoga regularly captures media attention - sometimes hailed as THE answer to modern fitness, other times dismissed as a total fad. With all these mixed messages, you could be forgiven for feeling apprehensive about attending your first class.

I certainly did. When I first moved to London, my friend Lauren raved about her hot yoga classes in Clapham - and to be honest, I thought she'd gone completely mad. Sweating in a room full of strangers? The gym was awkward enough!

Fast forward to today, and my opinion has changed completely. I teach and practice hot yoga and I think it's absolutely brilliant. If you're considering giving it a try, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your first hot yoga experience.

Expect to Sweat (A Lot!)

If you're imagining dry, desert heat, think again - many studios use humidifiers to create an environment that feels positively tropical!

Other studios use infrared heaters, which generally feels less humid. Hot yoga classes are typically held in rooms heated to 30-40°C (although some studios like Vayu in Guildford, have infrared heaters and also offer warm classes at 25°C).

Even if you're not usually a sweaty person, you're going to perspire in this type of heat. The jury's still out on whether we truly "sweat toxins out" (I'd take any claim like this with a big pinch of salt), but I always feel cleansed and refreshed after class (and after a shower - trust me, you'll want one).

Essential Preparation:

• Wear quick-drying sports clothes

• Bring a medium/large towel for your mat

• Bring a second towel for showering afterward

• Take small sips of water throughout class to avoid dehydration

• Never attend your first session when hungover! Trust me.

• Ensure your chosen studio has shower facilities (unless it's a short walk from your home).

Pace Yourself

Even experienced yogis and elite athletes can be surprised by the heat's effect. Many hot yoga classes run for 75-90 minutes, so treat it as a marathon, not a sprint.

There are wonderful benefits to practicing in heat - it helps release tight muscles and allows deeper stretches, plus a warm Savasana is infinitely nicer than a shivery one. However, it takes time to adapt.

When I first started, I spent much of the class sitting down. My low blood pressure and tendency to push too hard meant I often felt dizzy and occasionally nauseous. The good news? You do get used to it, and it gets easier every time you return. But you really need to pace yourself, and listen to your body. If it says you need to slow down or take a break, do it.

Heat Management Tips:

• Don't push yourself to high exertion levels. It's not a race or a competition. It's yoga.

• You should be able to breathe through your nose - if you start panting, dial back the effort

• If you feel a bit queasy / dizzy / weird, tell the teacher and sit out a few postures

• By sitting out a few postures, you'll usually start to feel better pretty quickly!

• If you don't feel better when you sit down and skip some postures, you need to let the teacher know so they can help you

• Try to stay in the room, even if you're simply lying down and enjoying the warmth

Be Considerate to Fellow Yogis

Yogis tend to be lovely, considerate people, and you'll likely enjoy practicing alongside them in your first class.

Studio Etiquette:

• Avoid moving around or drinking water when others are balancing

• Arrive clean (if it's been a hot day and you're a bit sweaty from traveling, have a quick rinse before entering the studio)

• When leaving the room, avoid dripping sweat on other people's mats

• Keep noise to a minimum during practice (this goes for all yoga, not just the hot room)

Most Importantly: Have Fun!

As with every yoga class, don't take it too seriously. It doesn't matter if you fall out of balancing postures or sweat off all your makeup. What's important is that you made time to build strength and flexibility, and find a moment of calm, while trying something new.

Ready to Try Hot Yoga in Guildford?

If you're in the Surrey area and ready to experience the transformative power of hot yoga, join me for Monday evening classes at Vayu Yoga in Guildford. This Guildford yoga class welcomes all levels and provides the perfect introduction to hot yoga practice.

Whether you're searching for "hot yoga Guildford" or exploring Guildford yoga classes for the first time, you'll find a supportive community ready to help you discover the incredible benefits of practicing in the heat.

Ready to sweat it out? Book your first hot yoga class and discover why so many people become completely hooked on this powerful practice.

Find Natalia at Vayu Guildford