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Diet and exercise go hand in hand for a healthy lifestyle. If getting bendy in yoga poses is your workout of choice, we’ve got tips on the best way to fuel and hydrate.

Defining Yoga
Nowadays, the ancient art of yoga takes many forms. The very foundation of this craft involves joining mind and body to achieve emotional and physical gratification. When done properly, yoga can help benefit joint and muscle health as well as the neurological and cardiovascular systems.

Some of the most popular types of yoga include Hatha, Vinyasa and Bikram. Hatha is a more basic and simple style while Vinyasa is typically more aggressive and athletic. Bikram classes are conducted in a hot and humid environment – resulting in some super-sweaty participants! There also various types of yoga for pregnant women and moms and babies but be sure to check with your doctor before you start something like this.

For a list of more yoga styles, visit the Lululemon website.

Diet and Hydration Tips
Hydration, hydration, hydration is the key to successful yoga. Whether you’re sweating it out Bikram style or hitting up a Hatha class at the local park, the increased blood flow to all regions of the body demands fluid. A rule of thumb for any exercise enthusiast should be: the more you sweat, the more you need to drink afterwards to replenish. It’s also helpful to be drinking fluids leading up to class time to help ensure you will stay properly hydrated throughout the session.

Don’t forget to eat. It’s a common misconception that you don’t burn calories during yoga – a 140-pound person can burn more than 400 per hour during an intense session! Fueling properly both before and after workouts will yield maximum results.

Some delightful pre-yoga snacks include: a piece of fruit, crackers and string cheese, a yogurt with granola or a half of a  sandwich. These options are best consumed about 2 hours before activity.

After your yoga workout, refuel with a light meal – make sure there’s both protein and carbs in there to help tired muscles recover. Soup and a half-sandwich, a large salad with chicken and a whole grain roll or a bowl of cereal or oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and drizzle of honey are all good options.

TELL US: Is yoga on your exercise hit list?