Hot Yoga

Thought I would share with you all... went to my frist Hot Yoga class (at Yoga Flex in Ballantyne) last night and I loved it!!! It definately wasnt a class for beginners since it was challenging and you needed to be familiar with yoga poses... it was HOT... I think I sweated a gallon! The heat really helps to loosen up the muscles and make you very flexible and limber... I always love checking out new classes and keeping my exercise interesting so this is something I will do again! Heres some info for those of you who are not familiar: Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga,is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 50%. Classes are guided by specific dialogue including 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Classes last approximately 90-minutes. People of all levels, ages and body types practice together.

Being a man and not into this unique lifestyle I have a question. What is the purpose of yoga? Is it actually exercise or just crazy body contortions?

There are different types of yoga that have different purposes... basically overall you increase strength, flexability and range of motion - yoga is also big on body acceptance and having a purpose in your workout (an intention) and being thankful for things your life. Some yogas are more spirtual... some more physical... on the physical side there are ones where you stay in positions for a long time and others you do multiple positions in a row (more aerobic!). So yes... its actucally exercise... Ive been taking Astanga Yoga since June and I sweat my butt off in it... you are moving 75% of the time in series of poses and you also work on strength and flexability a lot. Yoga is great because you can never really "master" it... theres always ways to challenge yourself and something to learn! If you like golf... yoga is great for golfers!

I have been going to a beginners yoga class, not the hot yoga, and like you say - people of all levels, ages and body types practice together, and I love it. The stretching and breathing feel so good. I try to practice the breathing techniques in other activities as well. Our instructor keeps the lights low and flute music playing in the background; each session is really wonderful. Our classes are more geared towards relaxation, letting go of stress, and keeping your mind free of thoughts. Joanna in Boone

I started yoga right after I had surgery in June... I found when I started weight training all my yoga work had helped so much... my trainer was amazed at how flexiable I was. Its also given me great awareness in my body... how to sit and stand properly, good balance... how far I can push myself... its really great. I was also taking the more spirtual yoga that was aimed at relaxation, stress reduction etc but I prefer sweating more !! I dont think people realize how challenging it really is and what a great workout!

Sounds interesting, if a little painful. I was still holding out hope for the Brad Pitt instructor. Take care. ~Ellen

http://www.oxygen.com/Inhale/ I watch this yoga show sometimes. No way can I keep up with them but I try a couple of poses. OT - I posted a photo of me but it doesn't show up on these forums, what do I need to do? Joanna in Boone

Sounds very interesting. I'm not sure if I really undertand it all. I can see the benefit in the hot yoga but I'm not sure about the relaxation. I relax by doing the hobbies I enjoy and walking seems to relax me as well. I supose any exercise you get whether it's yoga, walking, or olympics training is a great stress relief. I do love stretching though. It feels really nice. If nothing else I imagine yoga is great for this!

At the end of all yoga there is a few minutes where you lay on your mat, completely relaxed... eyes closed... lights off... just breathing. In this hot yoga class the instructor came by and put a cool damp wash cloth over your eyes.... it was nice! Then you also take a few minutes at the very end to thank yourself, thank your body etc... sooo the hot yoga itself isnt one of the relaxing yogas but you get to relax a bit at the end!! There are definately more relaxing yogas... if you like stretching you should check it out! Many studios offer the first class free and there is usually at least 1 guy in there... and alllllllll those women ;)