What else do I need to know?

It is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration before beginning class; 8-10 glasses.

• DRINK during class

•  Bring a large towel

• We recommend not eating 2 hrs before class

• New yogis arrive 15-20 minutes before class time for a personalized consultation to prepare for your first class

• All students will be asked to sign a waiver form

• Wear light, non-restrictive clothing comfortable to stretch in a room that is heated to 80 degrees. No shoes are to be worn in the studio

•  Mobile phones on silent mode

• Always sign in before class begins

• Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the fire exits in the studio

• There are no showers at the studio, so bring warm clothes for your journey home after class

Why do it?

Practicing yoga in a hot environment opens the muscular/skeletal system, it stimulates the glandular system, and helps eliminate toxins to rebuild the body from old injuries. With continued Hot Yoga practice, what once seemed purely physical slowly transforms the practitioner towards a metaphysical state of being. At Hot Yoga Leeds, our goal is to empower each student to discover the teacher within. We hope that the classes you take will help you transform your thoughts, actions and body from the inside out. A regular hot yoga practice builds strength, stamina, flexibility, balance and coordination. Hot Yoga will keep your mind focused, relieve stress, purify your blood, improve circulation and restore health and vitality to your body and soul.

What if I am pregnant? Can I still do Yoga?

If you are currently a practitioner of Hot Yoga, feel free to continue your practice as long as possible, under the advice of your doctor or midwife. Many women have practiced right up until delivery. Once you complete your 13th week, your teacher can instruct you in the modifications for pregnant women. You may notice that the practice is very challenging in the first trimester as you are adjusting to hormones and increased blood volume. If you have never done Hot Yoga before, then please wait until after the birth and your 6 week check-up before trying your first class. There are specific pregnancy classes available in the area if you wish to enjoy the benefits of Yoga. Please ask for details.

Important notes for pregnant women:

• Practice at about 50% of your capacity and never to exhaustion.

• Be sure to stay well-hydrated.

• Feel free to bring a sports drink or snack into class if you find you are light-headed or hungry during class.

• Practice in a cooler area of the room or by the door. Feel free to leave class anytime to cool down.

• From the second trimester on, practice standing postures with your feet six inches apart for stability.

• Do not push your hips forward in the backward bends. The cartilage in your hips is preparing for birth by loosening and is less stable than it was before you were pregnant. • No forward compressions or belly-down postures after the first trimester. Ask your teacher for modifications