Ok, ok — it’s only a 28-day Hot Yoga Challenge. But only because the month of February is missing a few days, not my fault! It’s still a full 4 weeks.. so, there.
Here’s how it works — for the next 28 days, I’m obligated to take at least one hot yoga class each day. Ideally, it’ll be the 90-min Hot Hatha class, but it’ll count if I sneak a 60-minute power in there, too. It’s hard, and still very hot — trust.
I think we’ve talked about Hot Yoga, but you still might not know exactly what it is, or why I think it’s such a big deal. I didn’t really have any idea, up until I took that first class — I figured, it’s yoga? Uh.. yeah, I think I can handle that. Ha-ha.
Here’s the reality — It’s tough. It’s serious. You will love it, you will hate it, and you will keep coming back. And if you DO keep it up, you’ll become a lean, kick-ass machine. It’s worth going even just once, just to see how fit everyone is. It’s impressive.
So, here’s the whole idea about what Hot Yoga is –
- The temperature is always at 105, and humidity 40%
- You need only a mat , one large towel, and a bottle (or two) of water
- 90 minutes from start to finish, with 3 specific water breaks
- 26 postures, two breathing exercises, and you repeat everything twice.
Sounds pretty simple, right? Exactly. Which is why it works. The class is the same, every day, no matter who is teaching it. The first posture is to get into it — the second is quicker, for depth, to push your limits. You recognize the pattern, and you know what’s next. It’s always going to be hard. It’s never going to get easier. You are just going to get better. And you do.
So, that’s nice & all. But what’s the purpose for the challenge.. why do something crazy like this, every day for 28 days??
- You burn up to 1200 calories per class.
Yeah, I could stop right there. There’s no other work-out that you can survive, that you could mentally subject yourself to every day, that can get those kind of results. You just have to mentally convince yourself, I am going to class today. It’s manageable. All you have to do is show up.
But what else…?
- You feel better.
- You eat better (really).
- You sweat out the toxins.
- Your skin looks better.
- You become more flexible.
- You become stronger.
And those are only the physical benefits. But you know what I’ve noticed the most? The mental.
The Zen.
The confidence that this competition with yourself builds — my practice, not yours. I zone you out. It’s just me. I am pushing my limits. This is my time, for me. You don’t even exist.
Yeah, I love it.
So, started things off right.. went to class this morning at 9:30 am, which is perfect — now, I can’t talk myself out of it, when I want to do something else tonight. And during the week, I’ll just have to make time after work. In addition to this, we’ve got a good-food only rule in our house right now, effective immediately. Lee says it’s like a “new-month” resolution lol.. or maybe, just a time-to-get-this-over-with mentality. Not sure what I’ve been waiting for. Best not to ask questions, and just run with it.
I’ll be checking back regularly, just to give myself some accountability.. because really, that’s how these things work the best. So wish me luck — and any newbies, I’d be happy to have some company at a class or two (hint-hint).
P.S. Elliptical here.. good news. Elliptical not easy to move up the stairs.. bad news. Calling movers, so that nobody gets killed. Happy medium.
