People who are new to a physical yoga practice may complain about sweaty feet or be a bit embarrassed by it. If you are practicing Ashtanga, Bikram, or a class called "power," "hot" or "vinyasa flow" yoga, you are supposed to sweat. The heat you create is a form of detoxification. Deepak Chopra, MD, describes toxins as a build-up of ama and there are many ways to detoxify, including building up a sweat during yoga class.
Shower Before Class
If possible, take a brief shower before you practice. Kriyas or cleansing practices are an important part of an overall yoga practice. If you don't have time to take a shower, splash water on your face and your feet. This is a way to quickly cool off before practice and it also demarcates your yoga time from the rest of your work day.
Use a Microfiber Yoga Towel
If you have sweaty feet during yoga practice and you find you are sliding on your mat and have trouble keeping your footing, use a yoga towel. There are microfiber yoga towels, though while not cheap, do the job of sticking to the mat, giving your sweaty feet a drier surface for better traction.
Yoga Socks or Shoes
Wear thin yoga socks or yoga shoes that are designed for yoga practice. There are a few on the market, including yoga socks that have a "pebbled" surface on the soles of the socks so you can better grip your mat. Some people have used yoga shoes or adapted other athletic footwear for yoga class. Just be certain your feet can really move freely, and that the shoes do not restrict movement. One type of shoe fits like a glove for the foot. While originally designed for walking or running shorter distances, they have been seen in yoga classes.
Swipe Deodorant on Clean Feet
Use a non-scented deodorant on your clean feet before yoga class. While not scientific, you could wash your feet before class and apply a roll on or spray deodorant on your feet to see if it helps to keep your feet somewhat drier.
Many yoga studios ask students to refrain from wearing heavy perfumes or colognes, as the close environment can make it too heavily scented for everyone to breathe easily.
There is a type of deodorant that is a combination of mineral salts, called "Le Crystal Naturale" that is a dry "rock" deodorant that can be used. It is available as a spray called "Crystal Rock."
Recognize Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Learn to recognize heat exhaustion as more than just sweaty feet. Bikram yoga classrooms can be as hot as 106 degrees Fahrenheit. If, however, you are pregnant, overweight or have a history of diabetes or cardiac disease, excessive perspiration that leads to dizziness or nausea is more than detoxification. These are signs of heat exhaustion, according to Randell Wexler, MD. Cool down right away by drinking water and moving to a cooler place in the room or step outside of the hot practice room to get immediate help.
