I used to be a big fan of hot yoga. In fact, 10 years ago when I started my yoga practice that’s all I did. I lived close to what was YogahOMe Symmes and is now Root Down Yoga and because it was convenient, I went. It was really that simple. I didn’t care about the yoga style. I didn’t care about the heat. I didn’t care about some Indian Guru, and I didn’t know what a lineage was or how to speak sanskrit. I just knew it felt good and was fun.
Also, I have always hated working out. I hate running, I hate biking (unless it’s for leisure), I hate weight lifting and I could go on with all the focused physical practices I just don’t like. They bore me. I hate the gym. I hate the noise. I hate the TVs. I hate the energy of the people looking at each other. I end up hating my body when I go to the gym. I hate the mirrors. I hate the dude that is benching 250 and the tiny little 20 something that can bounce quarters off her abs. Even 10 years of yoga, compassion, and kindness cannot cure the loathing that builds in me when I find myself in a gym. I join, I quit. ick.
I never hated yoga. Ever. I loved it. I went 6 days a week in a hot sweaty room and at the end of 5 months my chronic pain was minimal and I was in the best shape of my life. Of course, the more I studied yoga, the more of a snob I became. Hot yoga became “fitness” yoga and therefore not “real” yoga. It wasn’t “authentic.” blah blah my stupid ego.
Well, I’ve come full circle and I laugh at my snobbery because (1) hot yoga is where I was first introduced to the spirituality of yoga, (2) hot yoga actually was critical in helping me to heal, and (3) I am now managing a hot yoga studio and pretty curious to get back at it! Karma. God laughs.
Still. How am I going to get back in that room? It’s so hot.
Well, here are the COLD hard facts. I turned 45 this year. I also entered menopause. Since February, I’ve put on about 7 pounds that WILL NOT MOVE no matter what. I joined a gym. I started lifting weights. I tried boxing. It’s not like I’m not active. Are you kidding me? No budging of the bulge. So, herbals are now adjusted. Diet is good. I did yoga every day for 5 days straight a few weeks ago and lost 3 pounds. I am sold. I am back to daily yoga and am going to use my yoga as a little fitness for this aging body.
The reality is, at my age, you need more fitness in your life in addition to the spiritual practice of yoga. You need a way to burn more calories (yes..I just said the “c” word). Why not go to a hot yoga class, hear a spiritual message, sweat, relax at the end, meditate, and call it a day? I’ll hit some hatha where I can play with my breath. I’ll hit some Kundalini where I can transcend, but this aging body is going to start kicking some buddhi!
Join me Wednesday at 7 pm if you can. We are going to do some 80 degree hot hatha. Suffer with me and let’s do this.
*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.