Beginner's Guide to Midtown Yoga

So you’re thinking of signing up for a hot yoga class.. Congrats! Your world is about to change for the better. Here’s a quick beginners guide of what to expect at Midtown Yoga to set yourself up for success in class.

Why choose hot yoga?

It’s HOT… but for good reason. A heated room provides a lot of benefits, both physically and mentally.

Pros of practicing in a heated studio:

• The heat actually aids in moving safely into postures by increasing blood flow and literally warming up your muscles.

• The intensity of the heat promotes a mind-body focus that will make you mentally tougher. 

• The heat will help you sweat out unwanted toxins & chemicals in the body.

Learn more about why practicing in the heat is so beneficial in this blog.

Discovering MY classes

From energizing flows to restorative practices, our classes are designed for every body, every mood, and every day. Meet our signature class formats that you can find regularly in our studios.

• MY hot flow is our signature vinyasa flow inviting you to leave it all on the mat. This is a great starting point for your first class. (heated 100°)

• MY strength blends weighted exercises and cardio into our signature flow for a mindful full-body experience. This intense class will get you stronger in your body and your mind, but don’t be nervous, it’s adaptable to all-levels. (heated 90°)

• MY core flow seamlessly weaves mat-based core work into the vinyasa flow you know and love. (heated 100°)

• MY warm flow is identical to our hot flow, just with a little less heat. This is a great way to immerse yourself into a heated class if you are not familiar with it. (heated 85°)

• MY unwind is our take on yin-yoga that begins with long, slow stretches to soothe the body before melting into deep stillness. Embrace yourself for the most glorious wind-down imaginable. (heated 85°)

What to expect at MY

Trying a new studio is always a little nerve-wracking, so we’re mapping out what you can expect once you walk through our doors. Here’s a glimpse for your first day at Midtown Yoga:

• Arrive 15 minutes before class is scheduled - free parking is available at each studio, but please allow yourself plenty of time to find a spot. Out of respect for our teachers and students, we start classes on time and do not allow students to enter class after the class has begun.

• Check in at the front desk - our team will greet you and show you around the studio.

• Upon entering the studio room, phones & talking are not permitted. We kindly ask you follow our yoga etiquette guidelines to provide for a respectful & welcoming space for everyone.

• Your teacher will guide you through class and then leave you resting in Savasana until you’re ready to exit class.Once you’re done in Savasana, quietly remove your items from class and your teacher will be in the lobby to greet you and take any questions you may have.

• Spoiler alert: these classes are challenging, especially if you are not used to hot yoga. We strongly encourage you to listen to your body and take breaks or modifications as needed. Remember to always return to your breath and you’ve got this!

What you need for class

Want to be prepared for class? Here’s some items you can bring with you to ensure a great class. Forget something? No worries, we probably have it for you!

Bring with you:

• Your yoga mat. Rentals are available in the studio & your mat & YogiToes rental for your first class is complimentary!

• A water bottle. We have a water fountain for refills and also sell bottled water, as well as other beverages at the front desk. 

• Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move and sweat. You won’t need shoes or socks for any of our classes.

• A positive attitude! We believe you will love our classes & can’t wait to have you in the studio.

We will provide you with:

• Sweat towels for class

• Showers

• Shower towels & basic toiletries

• Yoga blocks

What to eat & drink before/after class

Everyone’s bodies & needs are different, but here’s some pointers when coming to your first class:

• Skip the heavy meal before class. This is a workout, you do not want to do it on a full stomach. 

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after class.. 

• Make sure to properly fuel your body throughout your day with essential nutrients like protein and healthy fats.

Scheduling your next class

You made it through your first class! Ready to book your next one? Here are some pointers to keep in mind when scheduling:

• Download the MY app for easy booking, track your classes, buy class packs & memberships + much more!

• We have several different class formats. We encourage you to try as many different ones as you can to find your favorites!

• Classes can fill up quickly, so make sure you secure your spot by signing up ahead of time.

• See a waitlist? Don’t be scared—these can move very quickly! Hop on the list and we will let you know when a spot opens up. 

• Make sure you subscribe to our emails & texts, and follow us on Instagram to stay in the know of exciting themed classes and specialty events/workshops coming up!

We can’t wait to flow with you!

Starting something new can feel intimidating, but you don't have to do it alone. At Midtown Yoga, you'll find experienced teachers and an amazing community that's ready to welcome you exactly as you are. No matter where you are starting from, we're here to help you build confidence, discover what your body is capable of, and enjoy the journey along the way. We hope to see you in the studio soon!

Did we miss any key points? Check out our website FAQs for more information or feel free to contact us directly with any questions or help getting started!