Your safety
Please make sure you have created a safe space! This is good for your mind and body! Step into your safe space and let go of the outside world.
Make sure…
- that there is enough space AROUND your yoga mat, aiming for about 2 feet in all directions
- your space is free of obstructions as much as possible (but be careful if you balance something on top of something to make space!)
- there are no sharp corners or breakable things in your safe space
- you use a level, slip free surface, if you don’t have a yoga mat you can practice on the carpet on a blanket but NOT on a blanket on a hard floor where the blanket could slip. If you are practicing outside make sure that the ground is level, don’t practice on a hill! (It’s a lot harder than you think)
Safety Check:
This ‘safe space’ check is something that every yoga teacher does before every class in any location. As I’m not actually in the location with you, the responsibility now falls to you to make a safe space, but I’m here to help if you need it.
Your health
If you have any health conditions or concerns that might affect your practice please let me know via email before class. I will always treat everything in confidence and will help you adapt based on your body and what you have to hand at home.
By attending the virtual class you are agreeing to the following:
Viewers must follow all safety instructions before beginning the class and throughout the session. When participating in any exercise program, there is a possibility of physical injury. If you experience any discomfort, you should stop immediately and seek medical advice. Please check with a health professional if you have any concerns. If you engage in this activity, you agree to do so at your or own risk. You are voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all responsibility for risk of injury to yourself. The teacher accepts no responsibility for any damage (to possessions or persons) while undertaking the activities in this video.
Practising Yoga in Hot Weather
Please be extra mindful when you practice yoga in the heat. Because I’m not in the same space with you I can’t add in the stops or pauses into the practice if you or your house is particularly warm. I can’t see you sweat on Zoom.
Some general rules –
Drink at least 250ml of water before and after class (within 30 minutes). This is about the size of a mug.
Hold back on effort! Give about 80% of your usual effort if you start the practice hot.
Have a wet cloth close by to cool you down – pat your face arms and chest with it or wear it like a scarf.
What happens when you don’t do these things?
It was a lovely warm summer’s day and off to yoga class she popped. She got sweaty on the way, from just the short walk. When she arrived the room was very hot and she started to perspire even more, drops of water sliding down her back unnoticed by anyone but her. The class started with meditation and before she knew it her body was moving – just a little more and her fingers would touch, she would make that bind! Hold a little longer – the teacher didn’t say to come out just yet… water (sweat) was now on her feet and dripping from her face in her downward dog. This would be cleansing, right? …. right?
After class no relief. Outside was now a furnace. She walked home. Finally a cool shower. She just needs to sit down on the couch that’s all… but lunch came and went – she wasn’t hungry. That’s ok she told herself, we listen to what our bodies need…
Still on the couch two hours later, her arms felt heavy and she was nursing an awful headache.
A banana, a glass of water and two more hours later she was starting to feel like herself.
In case it wasn’t obvious …
- This can be what heat exhaustion looks like!
- It is NOT cleansing
- It is NOT healthy
Our yoga practice is always intended to support our health – not harm it.
Only you know how hot you are, so only you can choose to rest or not.