I have been working out for so long without stretching that my muscles were tight and stretching them was out of my body's comfort zone. This was one reason I fell in love with hot yoga. In a heated room, you do not immediately feel the effects of stretching because the damp heat lubricates tight muscles; but in 24 hours, it might be quite a chore to move those sore muscles. I started using an msm supplement once a day to get through the first weeks of muscle soreness; a godsend because soreness can make you feel heavy and lethargic.
It's never a good idea to borrow a gym mat. You don't know when the last time it was washed was and what kind of germs you can acquire from it. At the same time, you should not let others borrow yours. It's not that you're being selfish you're just being hygienic pilates memphis and careful.
Yoga works on many levels. Its strengthens the mind, body and spirit. In the long run, after regular sessions of hot yoga, the benefits will slowly seep into your conscious. There are some instant benefits too that will make you feel relaxed, energized and completely destressed.
Commune as much as you want in the reception area...but once you enter the yoga room, silence is the mantra. It pays to start your practice peacefully. I recommend you lie on your pilates mat and fill your mind with things that feel good to you; let the heat bake those good feelings into your limbs. Really. So - zip the lip in the yoga room and open your heart to... whatever you want.
Yes and no. I get into weight lifting zones. I find it exhilarating and relaxing... much like what hot yoga delivers. I've always loved weight lifting. Therefore, interrupting yoga poses with weight lifting sets doesn't have any adverse effect on the effectiveness of yoga. Instead, I gain flexibility, rest and fast workouts.
This is especially true for those who live in very cold climates. Get there at least 10 minutes earlier than the scheduled time of the class so you'll have plenty of time to sit in the hot room. This is necessary for warming up the muscles. As you know, warm ups are very important during workout as they prepare the muscles to minimize injuries. For a quicker warm up, do a few sun salutation poses.