Frequently Asked Questions
It’s my first class. When should I show up? The studio opens 20 minutes before class starts. If it is your first class, arrive at the studio 15-20 minutes early so we can get you set up and show you around.
Where are you located? Is there parking? Bike racks? Public transit? We are located at 3232 Georgia Ave NW Suite 105, Washington DC. If you drive, give yourself 10 extra minutes to find street parking on Georgia Ave or the surrounding streets. There are several bike racks outside the studio for you to lock up your bike or scooter. We are an equidistant 10 minute walk from the Columbia Heights and Petworth metros on the green and yellow lines. The 70 bus drops off next to the studio. There are also cross town H buses a short walk away. Ride shares sometimes drop off on the lamont cross street, if so, just look for the reunion hot yoga sign on georgia Ave.
What do I need for yoga class? Wear clothes you feel comfortable moving and sweating in. Bring a mat, towel and water bottle to the studio. If you forget yours, we have towels and mats for rent and affordable reusable water bottles for purchase (we do not sell single use plastic water bottles). You are required to put a full size towel over your mat for hot yoga so you don’t slip and slide.
Where do I put my shoes? When you arrive at the studio, take off your shoes and put them under the benches to the right in the lobby. Most folks walk around the studio barefoot. You are welcome to bring a clean pair of indoor slippers or sandals to walk around in. outside shoes are not permitted in the studio.
Where do I change? We have a men’s and women’s locker room with ADA accessible showers and bathrooms. We also have a smaller all gender changing area, but it does not have a shower or a toilet at this time. Reunion Hot Yoga has worked to create a safe and comfortable environment for people of all gender identities. We encourage yogis to use the locker room that best aligns with their gender identity.
Where do I put my stuff? Lock up your valuables in the locker rooms. The men’s, women’s and gender neutral changing areas all have lockers with keys. Find a locker with the key still in it, put your valuables in the locker, lock it, and bring the key with you into class. After class, remove your items and leave the key back in the locker. Cellphones are not permitted in the hot room. Smartwatches must be put on airplane mode before class
I signed up online, can i bypass the check in line? Members who have been to the studio before, signed up online and don’t need to rent anything can bypass the line by checking in at our ipad station to the right of the front desk.
For first timers who like to do extra research before going somewhere new, we’ve got you:
How should I prepare for hot yoga? It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink water before you come to class so you are properly hydrated during your practice. While everybody is different, we recommend you do not eat heavy food or drink caffeine for at least 2 hours before yoga.
What Specifically should I wear? Wear clothing that you feel comfortable sweating and moving in. Most people wear shorts or leggings, tank tops, shirts, or sports bras. You are welcome to practice shirtless.WEAR SUPPORTIVE CLOTHING APPROPRIATE FOR BEING IN PUBLIC. NO COTTON BOXER/BRIEFS OR TIGHTY WHITIES PLEASE!
What should I bring into the hot room? bring an open mind, towel, mat and water bottle with you into the hot room. You might also want electrolytes or a tissue. We don’t recommend a hand towel because wiping your sweat will just make you sweat more. don’t sweat the small stuff. let it roll off you. Set up somewhere you can see at least a slice of yourself in the mirror. Do your best to stagger mats with your neighbors so everyone has space. Once you’ve put your mat down, put your towel over your mat so you don’t slip and slide during class.
What should I leave in the locker rooms? Leave your worries and cares behind. The yoga studio is a community sanctuary. Lock up all your valuables and electronic devices. Cellphones are not permitted in the hot room. Smartwatches must be put on airplane mode before class.
For many people, yoga is the only space to truly disconnect from the outside world. We encourage you to explore any discomfort being away from your phone might bring up. If you are required to be on call for work or a family emergency, please notify your teacher before class.
I rented a mat and towel. What do I do with them after class? If you rented a towel, put it in a hamper after class. Towel hampers are located right outside the hot room and in the locker rooms. If you rented a mat, thoroughly spray down both sides with our mat spray. Leave your mat hanging on the ballet barres in the yoga room or on the iron bar in the hallway, depending on where there is room.
What happens before class? Once you sign in at the front desk, take your time to change and set up your mat in the hot room. make friends in the lobby and locker rooms. Library voice greetings to your neighbors are welcome in the hot room before class. Once class starts, everyone is expected to practice silence.
What happens during class? Your first hot yoga class can be quite an experience! Like anything else you try for the first time, there is a lot to take in at once. Keep in mind that this is intended to be a lifelong practice and you aren’t expected to “get” everything your first time. Your teacher will walk you through each breathing exercise and yoga posture. Sit somewhere where you can see people around you. Keep an open mind and remember that everyone else you see in the room was also once new to this.
Try your best to stay on your mat during class. If you need to take a break, you can sit or lie down until you are ready to join in again. We encourage you to stay in the hot room for the entire class. Standing up quickly and running from a hot environment to the colder locker room can shock your body. If you do need to leave the hot room, give your teacher a thumbs up so they know you’re okay.
Do not leave the studio while class is in session. The door to the outside needs to remain locked for security purposes. If you have an emergency and need to leave early, alert your teacher so they can lock the door behind you. do not come to class if you know you can only stay for part of it.
What happens after class? The studio closes 20 minutes after class ends. Continue to practice silence in the hot room after class. Take a few moments on your mat and sit up slowly before you leave the hot room. Getting up too fast can cause dizziness. Once you’re out of the hot room, talk with your fellow yogis as much as you want! Your teacher will be at the front desk to answer any questions you may have. Continue to hydrate after yoga. Come back as soon as you can!
Do people shower after class? Some people like to shower after class and change into clean clothes. If you want to shower, bring toiletries, a second change of clothes and a towel for the shower that is separate from your mat towel (trust us, you will not want to dry off with the towel you put over your mat). We have bath towels for rent if you forget yours. You may also want to bring a bag to put your sweaty clothes in so they’re separate from your other items. We have adorable totes for sale at the front desk if you’re in the market! The studio closes 20 minutes after class ends. We ask you to keep your shower time to three minutes.
How often should I practice? You will see the best results with a consistent yoga practice. We recommend yoga at least twice a week if this is your primary form of movement. Some people practice every day! Practicing even once a week can be a great compliment to other exercises, especially with high intensity or repetitive movements (running, cycling, basketball, etc).
Is yoga right for me? Yes! Our yoga system is designed to meet you where you are on life’s journey. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, gender and sexual identities. You- yes, you- are welcome here. If you are pregnant, have an injury, illness, or other medical concern, please talk to your doctor before joining class. Your teachers are happy to offer insight and modifications if you have an injury, but they are not doctors (or therapists).
Keep it simple, do your practice, and all is coming.
email holly@reunionhotyoga.com if you have further questions