Water, Water Everywhere!
As I trip over my millionth water bottle I have decided to address the issue of drinking water during practice. It seems that almost everyone sets down their mat, their towel, their props, and their water bottle to prepare for practice. During class there is much sitting back, wiping away sweat and taking a sip of water, and of the sound of me kicking over someone’s bottle. For many of us, the water bottle is a sacred part of any exercise routine. When you bike, there often is the water bottle holder, when you run you can use your camel back, and during aerobics there is often a water break. Well, I hate to bring this to an end but I must. There are a number of reasons not to drink water while practicing yoga, some are from the physiological point of view, and some from the yogic and energetic point of view.
First the physiologic prospective (one benefit of having a master’s in physiology is knowing how to spell it!):
Sipping water does not hydrate you! The best way to hydrate your body is to drink at least 16 ounces of water 1-2 hours before practice. Most of us are perpetually dehydrated, but drinking little sips of water will not help. The body needs lots of water. You have all heard the 64-ounces-a-day suggestion. Honestly, the more water you get into your system, the better. Water helps keep your skin and digestive system healthy, cool your body, metabolize your food, and basically run the body smoothly. Those cramps you get in your feet during practice are often caused by dehydration. Those of you who get lightheaded during class, especially coming up out of forward folds, could be helped by being more hydrated. I have very low blood pressure, so if my blood volume goes down due to lack of water I get really lightheaded. Here’s one I and many of you have done. Go to class first thing in the morning (blood pressure and hydration levels low), after having a large cup of coffee (diuretic). That is a good recipe for a crappy practice! The other physiological piece is that drinking water starts the digestion process. Think about how your body responds first thing in the morning after you have something to drink. This draws energy and blood flow away from your muscles and into the digestive organs.
Yogic prespective:
The classical definition of yoga is “the effort toward steadiness of mind.” This means we are practicing to stay focused and to learn how to pay attention and keep our focus on the present moment. Sipping water during practice is a diversion, a fidget— you are checking out. Also, the whole point of the locks and the ujjayi breath, along with the asanas, is to get a fire going. This is called tapas, in which you are burning off impurities and heating your body up to allow for more flexibility. The water puts that fire out. We very specifically do not open the mouth during practice. This is a way of maintaining heat and energy inside the body. So, again, water drinking stops and reverses that process.
Am I saying never drink water during practice? For beginners, no. I think beginners need a bit of a diversion at times. This practice is intense and demanding. However, the hydrating bit still stands. Hydrate before practice, don’t assume you are hydrating through sipping water. That goes for any kind of physical activity. Water drinking during an activity is important during prolonged (hours) exercise, not a 75-minute class. Experienced students, I would suggest you keep the water bottles out of the practice room. One of the things I find most helpful to a solid yoga practice is being prepared mentally and physically. This means coming to class prepared. Try to get your body well hydrated, especially if you plan to practice that day. Get to class a bit early and get your mat set up and your body on it so you can get centered. Get rid of distractions such as jewelry, your hair in your face, and lots of stuff around your mat, including the water bottle! Practicing in a messy space makes for a lot of clutter in the mind! Teachers, by all means drink water during class. In essence, you are working, it is a great time to get yourself hydrated. I can get a good 30 ounces in me while teaching a class.
Those of you with other jobs, keep your O2 Yoga stainless water bottles sitting on your desk, in your car, or wherever you are during the day. Believe me, I am all about shamelessly marketing O2 Yoga whenever I can. Keep filling it up! Keep it as visible as possible in public places. One more reason not to bring your water bottle into class, the metal ones make a heck of a noise when I kick them over!
Peace,
Mimi
