Some like it HOT....

About 6 weeks ago, a friend from work mentioned that she'd been trying hot yoga. I'd heard of hot yoga, was intrigued by it, and I always love a challenge, so...what more do you need?

Well, maybe a couple of things....like strength (INSANITY), modesty (INSANITY), acceptance (INSANITY), and well...an insane level of commitment (MORE INSANITY). Oh, and did I mention it's a little insane? No?

Well, it is.

Let's be honest, you tell the "average person" that you want to perform yoga (or any exercise, for that matter) for 90 minutes straight and they're liable to look at you like you're a bit off-balanced.

Now....back up....and try telling them it's in a studio that's kept at a toasty 110 degrees F (minimum).

Are they looking at you like they aren't sure whether to run the other direction, or find a way to recommend committing you to the nearest mental institution?

Yes?

Well, fair enough....because that's how insane it is.

Here are my thoughts on the matter, thus far:

1) Be prepared to see people in minimal clothing. Yes, that means (practically) underwear.
2) People have tattoos. Lots of tattoos, in many different locations. (And you see them)
3) You have approximately 30 seconds at the beginning of a class to observe people in minimal clothing with lots of tattoos, because once you get started, you're so focused on not dropping dead that if you notice anything other than the sweat POURING off of you, you may be my new hero.
4) You sweat.
5) Let's be real - sweat doesn't even really come close to describing what happens in that studio.
6) After 90 minutes of what some may call pure torture, you actually feel pretty dang good. Now, whether I've massaged my ascending or descending colon, or regulated my blood sugar (as they claim a couple of poses do - let alone mention what the others do), who knows? And really, who cares? I sweat. My heart rate gets to a crazy level. I feel good. Success!

Here are the facts:
1) "Hot Yoga" is otherwise referred to as Bikram Yoga.
2) Bikram is a person, who apparently developed this genre of yoga.
3) It's practiced in a studio that is held at approximately 110 degrees F, 45% humidity.
4) No matter where you practice, this genre of yoga is purported to consist of the exact same 26 postures, and two breathing routines.

So, all that said....is hot yoga for everyone? Definitely not. Do I enjoy it? Yes, in a self-punishing kind of way!

One last thought....it SERIOUSLY helps with lung capacity/breathing. I ran a half marathon in June of 2009 (not being a runner of any kind prior to that training) and had not run a substantial distance since October, but when I hit the treadmill earlier this month, it was almost as if I hadn't even been off. Maybe we can attribute it to other things, but I'm giving significant credit to the breathing ability I've gained via yoga.

Cheers! Enjoy the sweat!