Happy Baby

Ok - so this post has nothing to do with actual babies.  But it does have a lot to do with the hot yoga class my friend and I took tonight... and it is the name of one of the many moves we tried to maneuver in our 60 minute sauna/yoga session.  You may not be able to read the last pose on the chart; it is called "modified corpse" which is similar to how I felt when we took that pose at the end of the class.

I've taken a few pilates classes here and there, but have never put too much time or effort into it.  When my friend suggested we buy a Groupon for hot yoga, I thought... I'm not too sure.  Personally, I despise being hot, so the thought of having to work out in a room that is purposely 105 degrees literally sounded like hell on earth.  The Groupon was $39 for 20 classes and I've really been missing having some sort of fitness class in my routine, so I manned up and got it.

If you're like me and like to research the crap out of something you're about to jump into, then you'll understand why I extensively Googled how I should prepare for Bikram.  After going to one session, I think these are the basic things you need to know in advance: 

• Dress accordingly.  You're going to get hot.  And I mean really hot.  Most people wore loose fitting tank tops and capris.  I went with all black so that my sweat marks were a little less obvious.  Gap Body makes my favorite Pima Cotton Tank and gFast Capris.

• Drink water in advance and definitely bring a bottle with you to keep from dehydrating.

• Bring your own mat.  Once you see how much sweat gets dripped on the rental mats, you definitely don't want a pre-used model.  You can get an inexpensive one at TJ Maxx or Target, like this YogaDirect Deluxe Extra Thick Mat. 

• Wear a headband to keep your hair out of your way.  You will quickly learn this if you don't have one.  I love these Goody Stayput ones because they don't slide off your head.

Once you've covered all of these easy steps before your first hot yoga class, you'll be downward dogging your way into an awesome calorie-burning workout.  I actually really enjoyed it, even with the heat on blast.  Modified corpse and all.