Hot Yoga, Your Body's Winter Salvation
Dark cold mornings, sun hiding, long metro rides with coats and gloves- you know what I'm talking about: winter. For all the winter weather and the depressing feelings it brings, I've found my solution to the cold- hot yoga. Don't be fooled by the misconception that yoga is only for the flexible, or simply for meditation. Yoga, specifically hot yoga, is nothing like what some people make it out to be.
Image Credit: Manuela Diago
I am the stereotypical yoga-loving human so I might be biased, but whether you are a newbie or a pro everyone goes through the same class experience. To prove this I documented my own hot yoga experience at Bikram Yoga studios.
I arrive at Bikram Yoga Rive Gauche and skip down the stairs where I am greeted by a smiley instructor, Dominique. I check in with my key card as he pulls out a mat and towel for me and wishes me good luck in my class (he knows I need it).
Image Credit: Manuela Diago
Feeling prepared, I walk into the room and feel a wave of heat; it's hot in the rooms - remember to bring water! I lay down on my mat and immediately start sweating. Everyone around me is stretching and moving about, but I decide to stay as still as possible until I am obligated to move by the instructor. Finally, this incredibly good looking muscular guy called Benjamin walks in and starts the class by getting us all up on our feet. The class is all in French, but you can get away with copying the person in front of you if you don't understand. We move from twists to warriors, to downward dog, and I can feel my clothes getting wet with sweat as thousands of drops fall from my forehead onto my towel. At this point all I can think to myself is damn girl you are seriously burning a lot of calories, so keep going you can do this. I go about the practice continuously doubting whether I should just give up and lay down. By the end of the class, everyone settles into Shavasana (laying down on your mat like a dead corpse) as the lights turn off.
I stay after class to talk to Emma, one of my friends at the studio. She also works there and speaks fluent English, so she can help with any doubts or questions you might have.
Image Credit: Manuela Diago
As much as I would like to vividly describe every minute of the class, I'd rather leave you with the facts. Yoga has immense benefits for our bodies, minds, and souls, but when you do it in a hot room it can doubles these effects.
1. You will sweat out all kinds of toxins and cleanse your pores from al the dirt you accumulate during the day making your skin as soft as a baby's butt and as glowy as the sun.
2. According to some sources, you burn around 1000 calories per an hour and a half of class.
3. Working with the heat makes you breathe in and out through your nose which forces you to use your core throughout the whole class, so say hello to abs.
4., The benefit of respiration in an out of your nose forces your lungs to increase in flexibility, so as you age your heart and lungs will stay strong.
5. Through proper respiration and proper movement of the body, as you flow, you eventually create the connection of the mind and body, which is the ultimate goal.
I urge you to go ahead and try hot yoga; I personally recommend the studio Bikram Yoga Rive Gauche, because most of their personnel speak English quite well. The studio offers a great offer for newcomers: 39.99 euros for a 10-day trial. You can also take advantage of the Yoga Club at AUP, and join one of their great classes; they might not be hot, but you will get similar benefits. Trust me, your body will thank you.
