Hi Sarah and Robert
It is not unusual to experience difficulties in the heat. While going into the room 15 minutes early to get used to the heat was a good idea, it wasn’t really acclimatizing you to it.
The process of true acclimatization takes about 2 weeks. There is a real physiological process that is associated with being or exercising in the heat.
In the same way that an athlete has to go and train in a high altitude location for a couple of weeks before a big race you body (let alone your mind) takes some time. Over that time processes in your body will ‘reset’, your heart will become stronger, your cardiac output will improve. Besides that the humidity will facilitate better breathing over time as your lungs enjoy an increased capacity.
So Sarah, don’t be concerned about your own process. What you can notice is, as suggested, the color of your urine, you can take electrolyte supplementation if you want to, and you can also notice whether at times of stress in the class whether it is a real physical inability to do something or whether it is your mind sabotaging your efforts. Both happen. It is your mastery of your mind that will surprise you more and more!
Have fun!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
