Either you love it or hate it. I was super intimidated at first, but as soon as I started I could. not. stop.
Unfortunately, the studio I like isn't the closest to where I live, so I don't go as often as I would like. It also doesn't help that this trendy form of fitness can cost a pretty penny BUT the benefits are amazing. I will share with you a few of my favorite reasons to go sweat in pretzel positions.
1. It is the best stretch- I used to be flexible because of being an ice skater (you can read a little bit about that here). However running quickly ruined that. Running makes everyone really tight and because "us" runners sometimes aren't the best at warm ups or cool downs (I refuse to take all the heat for this. I have talked to a lot of runners. We all suck at this.) The heat in the room really allows you to get the BEST stretch.
2. It's warm- Duh? right....well to be honest, in the winter I actually get excited about being stuck in a HOT room, rocking out to Florence + the Machine. Plus sweating like you do in this class is serious business. You feel like you have finally detoxed from your college years. If nothing else it is amusing and sure makes you feel like you are working harder than you ever have in your life.
3. Strength training- Another thing "us" runners aren't the best at. It is the last thing we want to do but it is good for us and yoga (especially power yoga) really helps do this without using weights. When I attend these classes regularly, I really start to see some tone and definition.
4. Breathing- One of the major issues I remember with running a few years ago was my breathing. I would always cramp up because I was most likely NOT breathing or just doing it wrong. It just so happened that right when I started running this year, I was also taking hot yoga classes. I honestly believe this helped me so much. I am really connected with my breath now and aware of it while doing all types of exercise. I don't know about you but I sure feel like I take the simple act of breathing for granted. It is probably the most humbling and calming experience to really learn how to control it.
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If you have any more questions on my experience let me know!
Have you ever tried hot yoga? Thoughts?!
I have tried hot yoga, and I absolutely LOVE it, but it's so darn expensive! The studio that I used to go at at home would always have Groupon specials of like 20 classes for $40 or something and I LOVED taking advantage of that, but I can't bring myself to pay a crazy amount of money to go consistently. Waaa, because it does work!
ReplyDeleteYes! I started because of Groupon too!!! I got a small package after it was over and now I try to go about twice a month...hopefully one day it will be more reasonable. Thanks for your comment :D
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