4 Essential Tips For Practicing Southern 26

Stepping into a heated yoga room for the first time can feel both exciting and intimidating—especially if you’re preparing for Southern 26, one of Southern Om Hot Yoga’s signature heated classes in Greenville, SC. The warmth, the sweat, and the intensity of the postures create a powerful experience—but they also ask for mindfulness, preparation, and self-awareness. Whether you’re new to hot yoga or attending Southern 26 at Southern Om Hot Yoga for the first time, these foundational tips will help you practice safely, confidently, and with greater enjoyment.

1. Know Your Body’s Limits in Southern 26

In a sweaty Southern 26 class, it’s easy to feel motivated to push yourself further than usual. The heat can make muscles feel more pliable, which may mask sensations of strain that you would normally notice in a non-heated class. Often, it’s only after you leave the studio and your body cools down that discomfort—or soreness—becomes apparent.

During a Southern 26 class, check in with yourself often. This class is designed to be powerful and accessible, but honoring your body’s signals is essential—especially in a heated room. Use your breath as feedback, rest when needed, and remember that consistency—not intensity—is what builds strength and flexibility over time.

2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Fabrics for Hot Yoga in Greenville SC

You will sweat—A LOT. Wearing the right clothing can make a significant difference in your comfort and focus during class. Avoid fabrics like cotton, which absorb moisture and become heavy, trapping sweat against your skin.

Instead, choose moisture-wicking materials. These fabrics pull sweat away from your body, helping you stay lighter, cooler, and more comfortable throughout the practice. Fitted clothing is often preferred in Southern 26 so instructors can see your alignment and you’re not distracted by excess fabric. Our Woodruff Road studio has a lululemon store inside so be sure to visit us for all your new favorite gear!

3. Start Slow if You’re New to Hot Yoga

If you’ve never tried hot yoga before, jumping straight into a Southern 26 class can feel intense. Southern 26 is practiced in a heated room of 105 degrees and follows a consistent, strengthening sequence designed to build resilience over time. This style of yoga is practiced in a hotter room and follows a fixed sequence of postures, which can feel intense for beginners.

At Southern Om Hot Yoga, we always encourage students to honor where they are. Consider starting with simply taking class to acclimate your body to the heat and understand how it affects your breath, stamina, and focus. This gradual introduction allows you to build confidence and determine whether the hot yoga environment feels supportive for you before refining the 26 poses in the sequence.

4. Hydrate Well for Your Southern 26 Practice

Hydration is essential for a safe and enjoyable hot yoga experience. Because you sweat so much, your body loses fluids quickly. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day leading up to your class—about six cups is a good general guideline.

That said, avoid chugging water right before class. A stomach full of water can lead to bloating or nausea once you begin moving and sweating. During class, keep a water bottle near your mat and sip as needed. After class, continue hydrating to help your body recover and rebalance.

You can grab an electrolyte drink after class to support your recovery! We have coolers in both studios with several options for you to choose from.

Southern 26 is a transformative practice, offering benefits like increased flexibility, improved circulation, and mental resilience. By respecting your body’s limits, wearing appropriate clothing, easing into the heat, and staying hydrated, you set yourself up for a safe and empowering experience.

Remember: yoga is not about how far you go—it’s about how deeply you listen. Let the heat be a teacher, not a challenge to conquer.

See you on the mat!