Water or Electrolytes After Hot Yoga?

After a hot yoga class, you need to replenish what you've lost, which is both water and essential minerals known as electrolytes. Therefore, while drinking plain water is a good start, following up with an electrolyte-rich drink is highly recommended for optimal recovery. During a 90-minute hot yoga session, you can lose a significant amount of fluid through sweat. But sweat is not just water; it contains crucial electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals are vital for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining proper fluid balance in your body. Simply rehydrating with plain water can, in some cases, further dilute the electrolytes remaining in your system, which can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. To effectively replenish your system, first rehydrate with water, and then introduce an electrolyte source. Excellent options include natural coconut water (which is rich in potassium), a low-sugar sports drink, or a dedicated electrolyte powder or tablet mixed into your water. This two-pronged approach of replacing both water and minerals is the key to feeling energized and avoiding the post-class 'hangover' that can result from an electrolyte imbalance.