Hot Yoga: A 40-Day Challenge

What’s the big deal about 40 days of stretching in a hot room?  It doesn’t sound like a big deal right? Wrong!  As a Kinesiology professional, I have always been passionate about my personal health & fitness. I have participated in a variety of workout challenges from boxing, running, kettle bell training and weightlifting. This has been one of the most challenging workouts I have ever done. As a New Year challenge I began a 40-day hot yoga routine. This particular hot yoga is Vinyasa Power Yoga, which is 75 minutes long, in a heated room of 95 degrees, and focuses on continuous flow and movement from one powerful pose to another.  Power yoga is much more challenging than stretching because it combines cardiovascular, flexibility, and strength benefits and staying hydrated is really the only danger that you face.

I have experienced some ups and downs this last week as I reached my 20 day mark.  My body was so sore one morning that I found myself thinking bad thoughts about my instructor as she continuously pushed us through a flow of torturous poses. I walked out of there feeling like I had just maxed out in squat!  As I thought about crawling up the stairs to my apartment, I realized that I felt equally amazing and miserable at the same time.  It was an intoxicating feeling and the positive changes have far outweighed the challenges.  I have lost three pounds and can feel and see my body getting tighter, leaner, and stronger.  My energy has increased dramatically throughout the day and I have also found myself requiring less sleep to feel well rested. I have subconsciously found myself being more aware of what I am eating and making my choices based on nutrition rather than cravings.  I feel much more at ease and relaxed in frustrating situations like deadlines, traffic, and challenging people.  I didn’t expect yoga to physically and mentally change me this fast so I can’t wait to see how the next 20 days turn out.  Please check back February 15^th to see if I resort to the evil eye for my instructor or give her a big nice smile instead!!!