As the heat increases outside to match the heat inside the yoga room, it becomes especially important to maintain good hydration. Studies show that 80% of the US population is chronically dehydrated.... We want you to remain among the 20% that is consistently well hydrated, so please remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. The water that you drink during class is more a reward than anything else. If you wait to hydrate yourself until you are in class you're going to have a miserable class. The hydration that your body uses during the class itself happens long before you start Pranayama Breathing!
If you are seriously dehydrated, during or after class you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Sharp thirst
- Dry mouth
- Dark urine
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chills
- Head rush
- Headache
- Increased heart rate (not related to balancing stick or triangle pose ; )
- Increased respiration
- Increased body temperature
- Decrease sweating
- Decreased urination
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling limbs
All of this can be easily avoided by mindfully consuming enough water throughout the day to keep your cells hydrated.
If you take class often, it's also extremely important that you replace your electrolytes. Electrolytes are chemical substances that become electrically charged ions that regulate and conduct electric currents in the body; they are vital for the function of your nerves and muscles. It's easy to deplete your electrolytes by sweating heavily and drinking copiously, which are hallmarks of Bikram Yoga. If you start to feel "flu-ish" that's an early warning. You need to stay well hydrated, but that can also contribute to flushing the electrolytes out of your body. Everyone who practices BY regularly should pick up an electrolyte supplement at the health food store, or (my personal favorite), drink Zico coconut water after class. It will taste like pure ambrosia and at the same time will take care of your electrolyte replacement.
Summer is just getting started. Please take good care of yourself.
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P.S. I'm still in my first 10 classes. I absolutely LOVE the classes.