New to Hot Yoga – What's Next ?

Hi Chan

Wow, that’s amazing! Thanks for your trust in me! I am very grateful.

You have asked some excellent questions.

Actually there is some good advice in the form of a “Getting Started Guide” that comes with your whole package. It really does help you work out how to use your Manual and DVDs with an integrated approach. It also has some instructions on how to set up your studio at home.

I would REALLY recommend you read the entire first section of the manual. They are the introductory chapters. It’s really only 54 pages long. There is a section on the way we learn and how you can apply that to taking on new skills or improving your old ones.

Also in the introduction is plenty of information that will help form the foundation of your yoga practice with some interesting concepts that are really generalized principles you can apply to your whole practice.

If you’ve never done yoga before then you will probably should watch a class of yoga. But if you’re like most people you won’t really want to watch a whole class without getting up and trying something too! It’s not supposed to be as entertaining as your favorite movie.

So when you do, start with Volume 1. Watch either the whole 90 minute class, or for a smaller bite do the standing poses (the first half of class) or the floor poses (second ‘half’ of class).

Volume 1 has classes with 2 sets of each pose. So for your first viewing(s) you can watch the first set and if you like DO the second set (join in wherever you like).

But watching how to do it is a great way to get your bearings. If you really do want to get a taste without practising along, then watch the full 60 minute single set class on Volume 2.

One really important thing about ANY exercise video (particularly yoga) is that there is NO PERFECT place to set yourself up. You will always have to move your body or your head or something in order to see the screen for MOST of the class. I tend to pop the TV screen spatially at 10 or 11 o’clock.

This means your mat will be at an angle to your screen.

Once you get familiar with what you’re doing you will not have to look at the screen very often, if at all.

The idea of my videos is that whenever you look at the screen you will see exactly what you need to see. This is why it’s not a live class. You will see onscreen instruction. Plus you will see correct pose and the correct thing to do pretty much as the instruction is heard. Where it’s appropriate you will see mistakes (marked with a red cross) so you can work out how to fix any potential problems! Where there are 2 figures on the screen you clearly see which one is right!

So when you first get your materials:

>> Read the “Getting Started Guide”
>> Read the introductory chapters in the Manual
>> Watch the video (any class will do, but I think a double set class will allow you to get involved rather than just watching)
>> Your learning curve should not be overwhelming. Allow yourself to review a pose at a time using the manual and Vol 1 DVD before watching a class and you can focus on that specifically in class. The rest of your class will improve little by little just by carrying over these techniques.

As far as practising morning or night: Honestly, it really does depend on your schedule. Practically, if you’re not normally an exerciser, then start your practice firstly, in the afternoon or evening because your body will be more pliable at that time. It is not really about flexibility but more about ease of movement and lubrication! Also when one starts a hot yoga practice it’s very normal to feel a little tired. So starting later in the day usually makes for a good night’s sleep! 😉

Just do what you can. Yoga can be practised at any time.

Last one: Advice for newbies. Read the first part of the manual. It will give you a well rounded way to approach your practice. Have goals about what you want to do, but don’t get attached to them. Yoga is about observation and self-awareness. I don’t like to prepare people too much for what they should expect because there is no blueprint. However I can tell you that you are likely to feel fabulous (at least after class! 😆 ).

So my advice is, just go ahead and do it. Make sure you allow yourself a learning curve that caters for making mistakes. Your practice will evolve. Take electrolytes and drink water. Read the forum as you need to about these important things when you get around to it!

And as usual, I (and thousands of others) will be here to lend a hand whenever you need it.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂