Although the hot yoga trend is relatively new, many people know what it's about or have heard of it. It's a relaxing way to find inner peace, balance, and get a good workout... or so I thought.
This past summer, one of my coworkers asked me to go with her to a hot yoga studio in town, since she had been a few times and liked it. With a love for new experiences, I said yes immediately.
Since the yoga studio was near campus, there are many college students who have memberships and attend classes regularly. I had even heard of the football and basketball coaches requiring the athletes to go to a few classes to loosen up and stretch out.
On a scorching hot Iowa summer day (good choice, right?), we decided to go to the afternoon session of Vinyasa Flow. This class was described as a “vigorous and revitalizing” way to exercise and meditate.
The session was free for me since it was my first time. I really liked this part of it. It’s a good way to get people to come in and try hot yoga, without wasting money if they don’t like it. The studio recommended bringing or renting a yoga mat, towel, and water bottle.
Since I was showing up to class with 15 years of dance and flexibility under my belt, I wasn’t too worried about what was ahead. How hard could it be? I mean, sure it’ll be hot. But all you’ll do is hold different poses... right?
To say I wasn’t prepared for this 1-hour class was an understatement. Towel, mat, and water bottle in hand, I stepped into the dark room. It completely took my breath away. The room is kept at around 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
With men and women of all ages scattered around the room, I felt pretty comfortable. Everyone had a different skill and experience level.
The instructor started the class by explaining the importance of taking deep breaths throughout the class. Inhale. Exhale. I got this.
The misconception I had with hot yoga was that it would be relaxing. Regular yoga might be, but my class wasn’t. The room was dimmed but there wasn’t any calming music. Also, the class was more fast-paced than I expected. There were a few times I was out-of-breath from how fast we would switch positions and hold them for extended periods.
Sweat. I have never sweated that much in my entire life. But it’s good to get a good sweat going. I expected to of course, but there was no relief to this dry desert of a room. At one point, I looked over to my friend as we both grabbed our towels and laughed at how pathetically tired we were.
Vinyasa focuses on the breath, so we were told to inhale and exhale when the instructor said to. This wasn’t so hard at first, but staying in tune with her proved to be more challenging toward the end once we started switching poses faster. At this point, I wanted to stay in downward dog for the remainder of the class.
Even to those who exercise regularly, this class is a challenge. It’s a special type of movement that requires different muscles and having complete control over your body. I applaud anyone who takes classes regularly.
Although, the process was exhausting, I actually felt great afterward. It may have not been everything I thought it would be, but I now have great respect for this form of physical activity. Hot yoga is an amazing workout if you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply try something new. I plan on trying again sometime, but it may be awhile.
