My First Hot Yoga Class

[bakert]

I just finished my first hot yoga class and I think I'm hooked already! Wow, it was fantastic. A new hot yoga studio just opened up right down the street from my house and I just had to try it. I was a little intimidated because the class was full and there were only 2 brand new people in the class (myself and one other). But thankfully everyone has to focus on themselves and there's no time to look at us newbies as we topple over when trying to keep our balance . After the class there were two teachers that mentioned how well I did and I credit that to Cathe's workouts. Without Cathe I probably would have made it through about 10 minutes of the class.

Sure was an incredible workout. I imagine I'll be sore over the next couple days. If you're on the fence about whether or not to do it, you should go for it.

Tracey

 

[Farah636]

I *love* hot yoga. What kind did you do (I think there are several types)? I've been doing Bikram yoga off and on for a few months now. Honestly, I would LOVE to do it a few times a week at least, but the class is 1 1/2 hours, and with a full course load + job that barely pays but takes up all my time, I only end up going a few times a month, usually on weekends.

It's pretty great though, isn't it? I mean, halfway through I kind of want to die, but by the end of it I feel amazing. I'm a bit curious about the research done on it -- the health benefits and stuff.

Also curious, b/c I don't know anyone who's taken it at other studios, but what's the instructor's style of teaching? All the instructors at the bikram studio I go to are very boot camp -ish...constant cuing, not really relaxing/meditative as you'd find in a traditional yoga class...and I'm wondering if all bikram yoga classes are like that or if it's just our studio here where they get a little intense/crazy.

Farah

 

[NancyAZ]

From what I understand, all Bikram classes are exactly the same -- you can go anywhere and have the same class. And this is what makes it different than a generic "hot yoga" class. Not that there is anything better or worse than either one, just that that's what differentiates them.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

I haven't been to one in a while. But I took about 5 and OMG, they are a sweatfest. Once you learn to pace that heat, it gets better but initially I thought I was going to lose my cookies in front of everyone. I felt like a slippery fish trying to get into the poses. Tough stuff!

 

[bakert]

Those are great questions Farah. I'm not sure I know enough about yoga to answer them correctly. The class I took was listed as a "Power Yoga" class and it almost seemed like a pilates/yoga type of workout. The instructer even had us doing pushups at one point. It was very mellow in that she was definitely not a drill instructer. There was a lot of instruction given on proper breathing and pose alignment and there was even some "om" sequences. There was some music about half way thru but it was more like crickets and outdoors type of sounds. All in all it was really tough, but I really did feel wonderful when it was done.

Thank you Cathe! I felt ill too about 3/4 of the way thru and stopped and rested for maybe 1 minute, had some water and got back to it feeling much better. Glad to know I'm in good company there

I'm going to try the "Hatha" yoga tonight which is still in the heated room. From what I understand it's much more mellow and also more about stretching and healing.



Tracey

 

[Farah636]

ah ok, it doesn't sound like bikram yoga then but a different type of hot yoga. w/ bikram (or at least where I go) they're like drill instructors. It was a shocker when I first went -- I've taught vinyasa yoga for a while and I (and every other instructor I've ever had!) always had a mellow manner of teaching. Still..liking it b/c it's so freaking challenging. I wish classes weren't so expensive though...well, ok, $10/class (student discount ) isn't too much...but it is when you're a TA. Plus I used to teach at my rec center and just got used to taking classes for free. Oh, how I do miss that perk...I need to start teaching again.