I didn’t write this post yesterday when I got home from the Bikram Yoga (also called hot yoga) class because I promised myself that I wouldn’t speak ill of it for at least 24 hours.
You know, to give it a fair shot.
It has been 24 hours and 9 minutes since I left that 110 degree heated room, and I have been dying to write this post ever since.
How about we start with some hot yoga facts?
(That way I won’t seem too biased.)
1. This is an actual Bikram Yoga pose:
(and people actually did it last night)
2. Bikram yoga is a 90 minute yoga session, which consists of 26 poses.
3. The class is taken in a room that is heated. to. 105. degrees. (ours last night was 110 degrees. Because apparently, yogis in Tucson are overachievers).
—–
Here are some of my personal hot yoga opinions.
1. I like yoga. I really like Hatha yoga.
2. Yoga in 105 (or 110) degree heat makes me feel like I am suffocating.
And dying a slow, slow death.
3. You haven’t really lived until your sweaty eyelashes are stuck together.
4. It took every ounce of self-control that I had in me to not walk over to the switch on the wall labeled “heat” and flip it off.
And scream at the 20 or so people in the room.
“Seriously?”
“Really?”
“Aren’t you HOT?”
But I’m all about giving everything a fair shot.
—–
Just to make sure that my point is clear, let me share with you some hot yoga observations.
1. Your elbows can sweat. Trust me.
2. When you reach the point where you are sure you’re suffocating from the intense heat in the room, take a deep breath and hang on. You can last another 90 minutes.
3. When signing up for your first hot yoga class, think hard about why the 2nd class is free.
4. When you sweat profusely for 90 minutes, you don’t smell anymore.
Spill it.
Who has taken a hot yoga class, and which of you crazy people would do it again?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Good for you! Trying something new. I like regular yoga. Never tried hot yoga. Probably won’t! Have a great day!
Although I don’t mind the heat, i get overheated very easily. It makes me queasy and anxious.
Just the thought of not being able to breathe while sweating from my elbows made me get a stomach ache!
Kudos for giving it a try. I love yoga, but my Downward Dog requires some A/C. ;)
kellie@LaVidaDulce´s last [type] ..Summertime
I am laughing, but not at you. At the idea of that hot, STINKY room (Kristin told me), and how I too, would want to just die. I don’t think I’m meant to even attempt it, so good for you! Also, I wouldn’t be caught dead in that cute red bikini in one of those hot stinky rooms with other people. I’m afraid it would be soaked in areas I wouldn’t want to be seen. Ickk…
I never have… and by reading this post, probably never will. I live in MN for a reason…. too hot is just TOO HOT. If I’m bothering to exercise, then I’d rather do it in AC or with a fan nearby. just sayn’
Amy´s last [type] ..Rock-stars & Hospital Underwear.
Not for me either, but I have a sister-in-law who teaches it… sometimes even twice a day! The body must acclimate to it after a while. Funny post!
just go naked next time…will probably help with those super easy poses
Eileen´s last [type] ..Happiness
I have to tell you, this was HIGHLY amusing to me. :)
I have never heard of this hot yoga, and it sounds foolish to me.
That is all.
Kristenkj´s last [type] ..Three
‘You can last another 90 minutes.’ ha ha ha ha – okay – so maybe I will still try it and see what I think.
I’d rather run a marathon up a mountain.
Chelsea´s last [type] ..Where is Chelsea?
Do people really wear bikinis? Will I look like the woman in this post if I do it?
Eileen´s last [type] ..Happiness
I can’t believe you didn’t mention the smell! Funny post, as always and yes, I get it, you won’t be taking advantage of your free class. Thanks for trying it with me. You’re a good friend.
I’ve always been curious about it… I’ve heard that it’s VERY effective. It sounds like a nightmare to me, though.
Either way, I applaud you for trying it! :)
Because you took this class in AZ, was it a dry hot yoga class? You know, like the “DRY” heat?
Oh man…no way never gonna happen…EVER. I like Yoga, but that would be pushing my limits a LOT.
Kellyn´s last [type] ..NOW Summer Can Begin!!!
LOL! I enjoyed your opinions about hot yoga. They’re offering the 2nd class for free because they know nobody’s taking the offer.
Melissa Silversmith´s last [type] ..The Shashankasana
I practiced Bikram for a year. It was insane! Then I was invited to a Hot Power Yoga class which was 10 to 15 dregees cooler, yes 90 to 95 degrees instead of 105 to 110 degrees which makes a big difference. I could breath… The energy was so positive in power yoga plus each class offers a different asana / flow along with the variety made such an incredible experience. I felt inclined to share, wishing you a great experience on your next venture into a new realm on your mat.
Namaste
I’ve taken Birkram classes before and thought I was dying too! They said ” You have to do at least 4 classes before you begin to adjust and benefit.” Yeah right. However, I have been taking heated yoga at CorePower yoga and the temp stays between 90 and 97 or so. Light years better. You can breathe and the sequences are actually challanging if you did them in a non-heated room. Food for thought!