New Student Guide
Before Class
Review our FAQs for directions, maps and best practices.(Map is at the bottom of the page)
Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before class. Why? This will secure your spot. Classes sometimes have a waitlist. If not signed in within 5 minutes of class, we allow waitlist students to take place of no shows. Also, for the security of our students and teachers, we DO NOT ALLOW LATE ENTRY. Our teachers will greet you, check you in and address questions, etc.
Eating & Drinking
Try not to eat within 2 hours of class. A light meal is recommended 2-3 hours before class. Food left in your stomach can make some people nauseous during class. If you must eat within 1-2 hours of class, we find that fruit works well since it digests quickly. Make sure to hydrate before class. These are all just guidelines, as you get to know your body better, you will find what works for you!
What to Bring
(Please note that we cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items. We encourage you to bring only what is necessary along.)
Bring your mat, a towel long enough to cover your mat, and some water. You may also wish to bring a hand towel.
all of which are available for rent at our front desk($3 for each). We provide water fountains and a refill station with filtered water. Bottled water is also available for purchase ($2).
Bring a sense of wonder, curiosity and fun. Yoga is a journey—don’t worry about flexibility, age, or experience. Come as you are. Move at your pace and you will grow in mind and body.
What to Wear
Wear light, dry-weave fabrics and non-restrictive clothing. It is hot in here. You are going to sweat a lot. Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing (i.e. no underwear, lingerie). Clothing that wicks away sweat is optimal, but any athletic clothing will work just fine. Try to stay away from cotton as it retains moisture and will weigh a few pounds by the end of class! NO baseball caps or visors.
Studio Etiquette
Shoes: Leave them in cubbies at the door.
Personal Items: These can also be left in cubbies. While the door is locked, please note that we cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.
Electronics: To maintain an environment of comfort and mindfulness for all our clients, please leave your cell phone, cameras smart watches and electronics with your bag/shoes in the lobby or at home. Please double check to make sure your cell phone is turned off while you are practicing so it does not ring in the lobby during class. If you need to be “on-call” please let the instructor know. It is best to free yourself of the constant distractions these items bring.
Atmosphere: Please be considerate and abide by the following:
Avoid wearing strong perfumes, smells (vapeing/smoking) or lotions.
No phone conversations in the studio or lobby and no texting (phone or watch) during class.
No gum (choking hazard)
No recording of class (please ask instructor for approval and guidance).
No baseball caps or visors
Timeliness: Doors lock 5 minutes before class begins. Late entry is not permitted.
What Class to Take
At Red Hot Yoga, our classes are for ALL LEVELS (you just go at your own pace). That said, if you are brand-new to yoga, we suggest starting out with our Traditional 26, Hatha&Flow, SlowFlow or Yin (class descriptions for each is available here) . The most effective means of finding out what works best and when is to try all the classes. Over time you will be able to judge which practice best fits your needs for the day or moment. We also recommend taking any of our Foundations and Fundamentals workshops when they are available.
If you would like more guidance, contact us. We would love to help you pick a class, give advice and listen to your feedback.
Listening to your body during practice
It is very important to keep yourself safe. It is your responsibility to pull out of a posture that does not feel right for your body. Our teachers are highly trained, and they do their best to keep everyone safe, but teachers cannot know everything that is going on in your body, nor can they feel what you feel. Pain is an indicator that you have gone too far. Please honor your body. If you need a rest, rest. You are your own best teacher, heed your body’s warnings, rest and hydrate. The purpose of Yoga is to nourish and nurture; take care of you.
Why HOT Yoga? Why 100 - 105 degrees?
Research shows that practicing in higher heat increases the feel good neurotransmitters (endorphins) in the brain and blood flow which can boost mood as well as reduce tension and stress.
Heat and humidity helps draws your attention even deeper into your breath and demands your attention and focus remain in this precise moment. Our goal is to use the body to train the mind to be in the present moment. Stilling the fluctuations of the mind, withdrawing the attention from distractions. We train in the body to train the mind how to focus, i.e. balancing with heat sweat while your neighbor is flailing around or others resting or adjusting. Focusing into our engagement, checking in with ourselves, and bringing that all into the body to FEEL the pose…emerging anew. THEN we take that training off the mat and into our daily lives.
Is Hot Yoga For Me?
YES. However if you have any medical issues and conditions, we strongly recommend that you discuss them with your doctors. Our teachers are highly trained in dealing with issues and conditions and will provide guidance however if there is a question it is best to check with your medical teams.
Can My Child Do Yoga?
Certainly. Children must be 12 years of age to attend yoga classes (16 years to do any 105° classes) and a parent/guardian must attend class with them. A minor can do yoga without a parent/guardian starting at age 16, but a parent/guardian must come into the studio to sign a waiver.
Can I bring a friend or family member(s)?
Nothing better than flowing with a crew! To reserve multiple spots Look for the “Reserve# of spots:” (below “Additional Information”).
Existing clients look for the “Book without membership” under “Book Now” or log out of your account first.
As always, if you need assistance feel free to email us at info@redhotyogasmyrna.com
Still not sure where to begin? Contact us!
We want you to have the best experience and guidance through your yoga journey. Please review the information below for insight. Still need help or reassurance? Leave us a message, text or email anytime to talk though questions, concerns, or to give feedback.
Not sure what class to take or how to start hot yoga?
Concerns about injuries or conditions? *ALWAYS get medical input and clearance first*
What’s next on your yoga journey?