by Adi Westerman
Whether you are brand new to yoga, or a seasoned practitioner one thing is for sure… there are always ways you can enhance your practice to suit your needs. Here are some of our top tips for helping improve your yoga experience at Hot Yoga Asheville.
Tip#1: Keep an Open Mind Sounds simple, right? However we often find ourselves sure of “the right way” to do things. When you find yourself judging the heat or the teacher or the sequence… the easiest thing to remember is that you are unique. Your experience may not be your neighbor’s experience. So keep an open mind. You’ll begin to appreciate the things you hate.
Tip #2: Tell the Teacher what YOU Want Though as yoga teachers we have been honing our superpowers for a long time… we still haven’t quite figured out how to mind read. We get tons of feedback from students… and the funny thing is… much of the feedback directly conflicts. One person wants more hands on adjustments or corrections, the other doesn’t want to be touched or told specific adjustments. One person has an injury, the other came in with super human strength. We do our very best to accommodate all of you… but we could use your help! Want more one on one corrections or adjustments? Speak up before class! Let us know! We want to help round out your practice!
Tip #3: Mix it Up At Hot Yoga Asheville we now offer Hot Power Flow, Hot 26, Hot 26 Plus, Yin and Restorative, and Inferno Core. Feeling sluggish or at a plateau? Switch it up! Don’t be scared. We got you in good hands.
Tip #4: Precision It happens to all of us. We fall into auto pilot. It’s not a crime. But the more precise you can be with your yoga postures, the safer and more quickly you will improve. This means doing your best to listen to all the little details of instruction. At first maybe you try and nothing happens. No big deal! The next two insights will help… read on…
Tip #5: Intensity Come to class with purpose. Whether it’s to relieve stress, feel better, heal an injury (the list goes on)… when you feel tired, remember your purpose and intention. This will help tap you into the intensity you desire. And intensity can even be a super intense savasana! Zzzzzz…..
Tip #6: Consistency Keep coming back! Don’t give up! The transformation you desire is around the corner. The more you practice the quicker the results. 1-2x a week is maintenance. 3x a week or more… you’ll start to feel the changes more immediately.
Tip #7: Stay Hydrated You’re sweating in hot yoga, right?! Staying hydrated will be key to feeling good. A good basic formula is to drink half your body weight of water in ounces throughout the day. Add electrolytes to your water too. Kangen water is available for fill up at the studio. This water is not only alkaline, but it is rich in antioxidants and is restructured for easy absorption. You can even buy a machine for your home when you get addicted like us. You can also add electrolyte drops or sea salt to your water. This will help replenish your body after a good sweat.
Tip #8: Eat Nutrient Rich Foods Magnesium, minerals, vitamins… these are key to strong muscles and supple body. Make sure you are eating leafy greens, potassium from coconut water or bananas, magnesium for preventing cramping and soreness… the list goes on. A well rounded diet that is full of good fats, veggies, calories that are good for you will help give you the energy you need to keep strong in class.
Tip #9: Take Workshops As an autopay member you save 5-10% on all workshops and many of our workshops are free! Take advantage of these sessions to help with all of the above, especially precision and technique. See upcoming workshops here or download our MB App.
Tip #10: Have a Positive Affirmation One of our favorite things to say in my family is, “All you can do is do your Best!” As long as you are showing up, trying your hardest, you are getting the benefits… and remember, your best is going to look different each day. So don’t compare to yesterday. Be kind to your inner self and yoga on! Oh and always remember love and gratitude- the most powerful force in the world.
