I have been working out for so long without stretching that my muscles were tight and stretching them was out of my body's comfort zone. This was one reason I fell in love with hot yoga. In a heated room, you do not immediately feel the effects of stretching because the damp heat lubricates tight muscles; but in 24 hours, it might be quite a chore to move those sore muscles. I started using an msm supplement once a day to get through the first weeks of muscle soreness; a godsend because soreness can make you feel heavy and lethargic.
The usual lightweight clothing, anti-sweat athletic wear that dries quickly will do just great. For men its light tees with shorts and women can wear a tank top or sports bra with shorts or lightweight pilates memphis yoga-style pants.
Yoga can also be connected to lower cholesterol levels, another important heart-related issue. It can even boost the body's immune system to fight of sickness.
A lot of people want to go for the thinnest mat that gives them the most padding. I strongly suggest going for a thicker body house lifestyle club mat for your hot yoga class. Many of the positions will be really strenuous on your joints, having the extra cushioning will do you wonders. I have even seen people have two yoga mat's in their Bikram yoga class, they will switch out for the thicker mat when doing these positions. I personally think that's a little excessive, but whatever you prefer!
I discovered yoga by chance in the bookstore. I stumbled upon Beryl Birch's "Power Yoga" book. I was interested because the hot yoga routine was extremely physical. I did Power Yoga for a number of years while weight lifting (sometimes I'd take a break from weight lifting).
Be sure to drink plenty of fluid (water) during lessons. Bring your own thermos or bottled mineral water, by doing this you can quench your thirst thus stemming off dehydration. Before taking part in hot yoga remember that it is not advisable to consume food at least two hours before. The reason being is you have nominated your body to take part in a strenuous workout.