Water is one of the most precious resources we have. It filters our body, keeps our internal organs functioning, and flushes out viruses and lactic acid. There are best practices for drinking water during yoga class, but I wanted to also take the time to cover what kind of water you should be drinking to ensure you’re filling your body with the best water possible!
Photo Credit: Chelsea Prestin Photography
Before
Drink water from stainless steel or glass.
Plastic bottles not only create unnecessary waste, some plastic can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol-A which has been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, insulin resistance. To top it all off, bottled water is less regulated than tap water!
Drink filtered tap water.
I recommend a simple carbon filter, like a Pur Water System that can be mounted on your faucet and purchased at a local retailer like Target or online. Carbon filters catch many heavy metals, pesticides and other harmful chemicals without stripping the water of nutrient (like reverse osmosis systems).
Drink water well in advance of going to class.
If you drink too much water right before class you’ll have a full belly which will make your yoga practice feel nauseous and hot.
During
Avoid water during the first “party time” break.
If you skip water after the warm up postures, and instead focus on your breath, you will notice the Standing Series will be much easier.
If you need a sip of water after the Standing Series, go for it.
Just make sure not to guzzle down a lot of water.
Take your time when drinking water during class.
If you’re rushed you’ll gulp a bunch of air that will make the Floor Series uncomfortable. Besides, it’s always good to be mindful when drinking and eating!
Drinking water is simply a distraction.
If you’re having a hard class, don’t reach for your water bottle. Stand still and just breathe. This will let your body recover and give it what it needs: rest and air. You think you need water, but what you really need is your breath.
Drink plain, room temperature water.
Drinking ice cold water will actually make you feel more hot during class rather than cooling you down. It’s a shock to the system and will make you crave water throughout class. If you need supplements or salts in your water, try adding those before or after class. Drinking plain water keeps your practice simple and focused; there is so much happening during hot yoga, save yourself the extra distraction of a sugary drink.
After
Hydrate well after class.
If you practice yoga in the evenings, hydrate before you go to bed and then again in the morning. A little trick I have is to make sure my water bottle is full on my drive home from class, I drink water on the drive home and then by the time I’m home I’m already 40 ounces ahead!
Try making a simple “homemade Gatorade” mix.
This is great for replenishing your body of water, salt and sugars. I simply mix a pinch of salt, honey or pure syrup, and fresh lemon and drink away.
Be grateful.
Water is a precious resource that travels from far ends of the earth to end up in our glass. It’s treated, filtered, and transported all to keep us alive!
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