I've always, always heard and practiced not drinking water during yoga (and, when I can help it, up to an hour prior to my practice). I've heard different reasons for this: some having to do with being more receptive to energy sources and others have to do with more simple physical health, such as avoiding cramps and discomfort.

Can someone tell me if there's one main reason, or several depending on your practice?

Thank you.
Namaste

My position is that if you need a drink of water during yoga, then take a drink of water! But, if you are taking drinks of water throughout your practice without fully needing to, then you might be using the water drinking as a way to distract yourself and take yourself out of the moment and challenge of the class.

Drinking too much water before and during yoga can definitely effect your level of comfort, but can also "dull out" some of the aliveness in the belly that can be activated during yoga.

As with everything in yoga, try it and see for yourself!