Warm Vinyasa ~ Slip & Slide Tips

Picture credit: Vegan Explosion

Yesterday I taught my first ever warm vinyasa class. Well, let me be a bit more clear....warm meant about 95 degrees. The student's at Betsy's Hot Yoga Louisville studio...... like it hot!

Picture credit: One love hot yoga

Normally I teach yoga without adding additional heat, never-the-less, the room still heats up and students sweat even without adding heat. Try doing a few rounds of Surya Namaskar A with one breath, one movement...and I guarantee you will be sweating. But add vinyasa yoga and 95 degrees.....you will be soaked, dripping.....well at least I was, and I was teaching it not practicing (not to say teaching is 'easy'.....but to a certain extent I'm not doing all of the poses, so I wasn't expecting to sweat so much).

It got to the point of class where I wanted to demonstrate a few arm balances, we were working with Bakasana and AstaVakrasana in class ..... well let's talk about slipping and sliding all over..... I felt a little embarrassed as the teacher.... I have to admit.

Lessons Learned ...and tips for teaching a Warm Vinyasa class (& even taking a heated vinyasa class):

• Wear pants or at least crops that cover the knees, so when you are doing arm balances there is a bit of traction so your knees can stick/squeeze to your arms a bit easier

• Towel(s) ~ Bring multiple towels to wipe off excessive dripping. The towels can also be used in between  your arms and knees to help maintain the traction and reduce slipping and sliding

• Smile ~ Bring your smile and sense of humor with you....knowing that you will be really wet, it's possible that although your body may be able to do the pose, you may not be able to maintain it or hold for long periods of time if you dripping wet. Just let the judgement and pressure you are putting on yourself roll off with your sweat....remember, it's just a yoga pose (try it at home when you are dry later in the day)

What are some tips you have for practicing 'warm' vinyasa? I'd love to hear them!