Bikram's Yoga College of India

Your first hot yoga class at Bikram's Yoga College of India

Nervous about your first hot class? Almost everyone is, and a good studio expects beginners to walk in the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: the room is heated, so it feels intense for the first few minutes — rest in child's pose any time you need to, no one will bat an eye. Hydrate: drink water through the day before class, not just as you arrive, and bring a bottle. What to bring: a mat and towel, water, and a change of clothes; wear something light you don't mind sweating through, and skip a heavy meal in the couple of hours beforehand. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and set up. It gets easier fast — most people say their third class feels completely different from their first.

Heat and intense exercise aren't right for everyone — if you're pregnant or have heart, blood-pressure, or other health concerns, check with a doctor before your first hot class.