How to Prepare for Bikram, Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Cycling Classes

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There are plenty of reasons people love doing yoga in steamy-hot temperatures—it can intensify your workout and warm up your muscles to get you deeper into a posture, for one. Plus, devotees swear they feel a runner's high type of elation after class. In fact, there are even hot Pilates and hot cycling classes now, in addition to your basic Bikram. So whatever hot class you're choosing, how do you prep for the high temps and make the most of your session? Here's what you should do before you hit the mat: Hydrate Long Before Class Starts You might down a bottle of water while you're in class, but experts say it's actually best to hydrate before you even start. "Don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate," says Hot Pilates founder Shannon Nadj. "Drink a lot of water the day before and during the few hours before you start your sweat session!" Another tip for the day of class: "Try not to drink any beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, which can be dehydrating," she says. Add Electrolytes to the Mix Does the heat really get to you? Nadj says it's good to add some electrolytes to your water too.
There are plenty of reasons people love doing yoga in steamy-hot temperatures—it can intensify your workout and warm up your muscles to get you deeper into a posture, for one. Plus, devotees swear they feel a runner's high type of elation after class. In fact, there are even hot Pilates and hot cycling classes now, in addition to your basic Bikram. So whatever hot class you're choosing, how do you prep for the high temps and make the most of your session? Here's what you should do before you hit the mat: Hydrate Long Before Class Starts You might down a bottle of water while you're in class, but experts say it's actually best to hydrate before you even start. Don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate, says Hot Pilates founder Shannon Nadj. Drink a lot of water the day before and during the few hours before you start your sweat session! Another tip for the day of class: Try not to drink any beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, which can be dehydrating, she says. Add Electrolytes to the Mix Does the heat really get to you? Nadj says it's good to add some electrolytes to your water too.