and Finding fulfillment in slow progress
I’ve always had a passion for yoga, but two months ago I decided to get a hot yoga membership for the semester, and that has changed yoga from an occasional practice to part of my almost-daily routine. Hot yoga has slowly become one of my favorite forms of movement due to its stress-relieving properties and the variety of classes.
Last semester, I enrolled in a yoga class, which helped me with my form, balance and consistency in my practice. The class met once a week on Fridays, and it was the perfect way to start my weekend. This semester, I knew I wanted to be even more consistent, and now I take 3-5 classes a week.
One of my favorite aspects of hot yoga is the variety. I have tried a few different flow classes, ranging from slow flow to aroma flow. Additionally, I enjoy power flows when I’m looking for a tougher workout and yin classes when I want deep relaxation. The studio I go to also offers aroma yins and yins with sound baths. These are perfect for a Sunday or Monday night, to start the week off calm and refreshed. When I want to feel energized and get a good sweat in, I attend a heated HIIT-style class that’s sure to get my heart rate going. Heated classes are definitely not for everyone, but I personally love them. With classes ranging from 85 to 105 degrees and all levels of difficulty, it’s easy to find a class that matches the vibe I need each day.
I’ve also found that yoga has unique modes of progression that keep my practice exciting and challenging, without the pressure to increase weight, speed, or distance. The most noticeable improvements I’ve seen are in my balance, flexibility and transitions between movements. I also love how fulfilling it is to see progress in single-leg poses and inversions.
Additionally, I have integrated some aspects of yoga into other parts of my life. Both on and off the mat, I have become more grounded in the present over the past few months. I’ve also been increasingly in tune with my breath and using it as a tool to calm my nervous system. While these benefits have contributed to a more peaceful life, I’ve also adopted more positive self-talk. In the past, I have felt guilty about not pushing my body hard enough or giving it the extra rest it needs. Yoga has taught me to give myself grace, taking the movements I need and leaving what I don’t.
Overall, practicing yoga has brought peace, joy and a mind-body connection that is more difficult for me to find in other forms of exercise. Because I also love lifting and running, I’ve found that a balance of all three works best for my needs.