What?!? 105 degrees in Anchorage? No way...oh yes...I've been introduced to one of the few places in Anchorage where it gets over 100 degrees...
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| *DISCLAIMER* This is NOT me in this photo...unfortunately... :) |
It's 'Hot Yoga' aka 'Bikram Yoga' ~ it's probably just considered plain old yoga in places like TX, or FL or anywhere else extremely hot and humid. The room is heated to 105 degrees (on purpose) with humidity and you SWEAT like a pig for 90 minutes...none of that delicate feminine 'glow' that you hear about...it's a full on sweat running down into your eyes, your ears, dripping off your head, legs, arms and other places you didn't know could sweat.
I've been twice so far ~ thanks to my friend, Rebecca...a truly dedicated individual who has been working to complete a challenge of 30 days of yoga through the local studio where she is a member. She convinced me to go with her the other day ~ I survived the first class...barely...about 60 minutes in, I was convinced that I had to get out of the room...but I managed to hang in there....and that first class was *only* 95 degrees. The room was almost full with 48 students (in a room that can hold 52 students). The second class was at 105 degrees, and it was actually somewhat *easier* for me to do - I'm not sure why ~ but I didn't feel the urge to get out of the room like I did on the first day.
I definitely have a lot of room for improvement in both my strength and flexibility ~ there are some people in the class that have been practicing yoga for quite awhile (either that or they only have tendons in their body - no bones) and can contort themselves in any number of ways...but there are also a lot of average people (or less than average in my case), so it's not as intimidating as I first imagined it would be. For now, I have a month to decide what I think...I could see where it would be appealing once winter arrives to escape to a 'tropical' climate even if it is only for 90 minutes. :)
Have you tried any hot yoga classes? Or any other kinds of classes you'd recommend?
8 comments:
I'm so impressed!! That's so "cool" ;-) that you are doing this! I would die in a class like that!
,,,love yoga, when i lived in AZ we participated in yoga outdoors because when it's a 115 degrees outdoors who needs to go indoors where the room would be much too chilly,,,is that a photo of the yoga class you attended?,,,i'm impressed with the man (in black shorts) and his form,,,WOW, he can hold a pose,,,have you tried pilates? if you like yoga you'll like pilates too,,,
Wow! Love yoga but don't like bikrim because of the sweating...I'm impressed you did it!! Yay!
Did you go to Anchorage Yoga? I tried a few classes there when we lived in Anchorage and loved them! I'm glad you found a place to practice and enjoy yoga. I need to do the same- so so busy!
Ashley, YES it is at Anchorage Yoga! :) I should have gone again tonite but I opted for some retail therapy instead - nothing exciting - just some groceries and aisle wandering at Target...
Rebecca - no, neither of the pix are from the actual class I was in, however there WERE people who looked just like that guy
WOW!! You're crazy! I could never handle the heat while working out. People must be nuts to go into 105 degrees to work out by choice~way braver and tougher than I am!!
I tried hot yoga once at the studio here in Parker--I ran and never looked back. I prefer Pilates for stretching and flexibility, and Zumba for sweating.
I haven't tried Hot Yoga but know women who say it's great. Zumba is lots of fun and yes you do sweat, but you have to do Pilates or Yoga to get flexibility and core strength built in to your workout. I have a trainer who is preparing me for 5 and 10K racing. We are currently working outside (Houston) where yes it is over 100 degrees and has been for about 3 weeks. Hydration is key and a desire to do something different for your health - body and mind:) Melody - don't give up on the Yoga - you will love it before long. I Love your blog!
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