In a world filled with tests, papers, homework and social obligations, it can be difficult to find a way to escape these pressures and simply relax and do something for yourself. Before I came to college and began to understand the true concept of “juggling a million things at once,” I used to think high school was actually overwhelming and would distress with hot yoga. However, when I came to college I had forgotten about my old yogi persona and let my stress get the best of me as many first semester freshmen do. It was not until second semester that I found a yoga studio on campus and was once again reminded of the myriad benefits hot yoga has.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a spiritual person. I will say though, one of the biggest misconceptions about yoga is that if you are not spiritual it will not give you the same effect. Although I do not connect on a mental level as much as some other students, coming to a workout that is not fast-paced and allows you to free your mind and think of nothing but the poses is relieving and relaxing whether you find your spiritual connection or not. In most yoga classes I have taken the ambiance is extremely peaceful with mellow music, dim lighting and the soft voice of the instructor guiding you through your flow.
Being in a yoga class for an hour surrounded by other yogis who are there for the same reason, allows you to free yourself from outside responsibilities and commitments for the short time you are in class. And for those short sixty minutes, your mind is free and focused on bettering yourself mentally, emotionally and physically.
Don’t let me kid you either. Despite what I have been saying above about the relaxing atmosphere of yoga studios, don’t plan on leaving a class looking the way you did when you came in. Hot yoga is relaxing and distressing but VERY hot and hard. While I enjoy yoga more and more each time I do it, it continues to be harder and harder as well. From the outside, it may seem like a few easy poses, but in reality that could not be further from the truth. Picture sweating out everything in your body in a 100 degree room while in constant movement, pushing your flexibility, balance and strength all in this sauna. Hot yoga is no walk in the park, but there is truly no better feeling than leaving the hot class and feeling the cold on your skin (especially for those of you in Michigan) and knowing that you just did something great for your body.
With such hectic schedules, college students often forget to save time to refresh and relax. However, devoting a few hours a week to exercise does not only help the body, but the mind as well. Hot yoga is the answer to your physical, mental and emotional desires all wrapped into an hour. Once you get passed the fact that you’ll sweat in place you never thought you could, you’ll realize it’s one of the best things you can do for your body. So grab your mat, sweat towel (because you’ll need one) and hit the studio! And as we say in yoga…Namaste.
Images couresy of: Julia Maxman