Hot Hot Hot

I wanted to share a really great yoga experience I had yesterday when I did two essential things: 1) ventured out of my comfort zone; and 2) abandoned my ego.

I went to one of my favorite local studios (#HapaYoga) to pick up a TRX class. If you haven't ventured into a gym lately TRX is a type of equipment that consists of a long strap anchored high to a wall, with two stirrups at the ends. The strap lengths are adjustable and the stirrups have handles for gripping with your hands or securing your feet. You use your body weight and incline positions to vary the effort you need to stabilize yourself for certain exercises, lift yourself up or let yourself down; this mirrors some traditional "machine," free weight or even floor work exercises with the benefit of you controlling the weight and being supported by straps. I have received the most intense (and still enjoyable) core workouts using this system and am actually getting trained in June so that I can help teach some classes.

But that isn't what I'm writing about today. As I said, I went to the studio to try to take the TRX class. I arrived a few moments before noon thinking that was the class time, but found out it wasn't until 12:30. The instructor for the actual noon class caught my eye and said "Hey please join me in the class starting now." My friend at the desk chimed in with "Yes, try it! you can always do child's pose." I asked with a funny look on my face "well what's the class?" The both said (wait for it...) HOT AS A MUTHA. Exclamation point. The general description? 101 degree Hatha Yoga. Gasp.

I just started dabbling in this format and enjoy the the 80 and 90 degree classes; they are just like summers in San Diego and my hometown Chicago. However, once you get past 95, I start to wilt and my Pitta goes berserk. And as a midwest girl, I fear NOT the humidity (heck it even makes me look like I have curlier, fully hair.) But 101 degrees? I was skeptical and was pretty I'd spend the entire class gasping for breath. However, I looked at his as an opportunity to change up my practice, try something new from a really great teacher, and figured the worst thing that could happen is I get a nice sauna experience!

Water bottle and yogi towel in hand, I stepped into the room and found it not unpleasant, especially on a cold rainy blustery day. Short story long....the class was NOT a high-power super-flow, out-of-breath rush-between-the-postures, marathon of yoga. It was slow, deliberate, intense and deeply opening but strangely enjoyable. Hot, sure, but invigorating. Yeah, I took a few long down dogs and child's poses when my breath became ragged, but so what? I smiled as the instructor talked about just being in the moment, relishing the opportunity to be in class, and generating self love. YES, I thought, THIS is where I experience my yogic moments.

Dripping with sweat not as much from exertion but from the humidity, I took my water breaks, even stepped out of class for a minute. I took pleasure in (literally) marinating in the poses for long cycles of breath. My personal teaching and practicing style has more deep holds and breathwork inside of poses than a fast-paced vinyasa class, so this held great appeal for me. With the slowew pace you can have more accurate (and safe) alignment to maximize the benefits in a pose. Heat not-withstanding, this was real Hatha Yoga.

A nice series on the floor (where it was cooler) for back strengthening (and resting) was much appreciated as my low back rebels due to age, injury and overexertion. Moving within MY boundaries, I honed in on the muscular cues and celebrated just being able to stay in the class, keeping my heart and mind open to the experience.

My final overarching lesson (slash piece of advice) is a "don't just a class by its title" as the instructor and styles might be very different upon experiencing them. If you want to give this class a try, I highly recommend it (invest in a microfiber towel and LARGE water bottle too!). Check out the Hapa Yoga schedule, or just drop me a message - maybe I'll see you there!

Teaching at HAPA Yoga Friday 12/21/12 - Yoga Basics

HAPA Yoga

Check out this great new studio in Mission Valley - they run some fantastic multi-class passes, have great drop-in rate discounts for teachers/military, AND CHILD CARE!!!

And, tomorrow morning at 9AM yours truly will be subbing the Yoga Basics class. Come with your beginners mind no matter what your level of experience!

P.S. E-mail me for information about getting a free first class

New Studio In Town - HAPA Yoga

In the spirit of supporting local business, women-owned business, and YOGA businesses, I wanted to let you all know about a lovely new studio in east Mission Valley called HAPA Yoga. One of the best parts of this new studio is that they offer child care all day. HAPA stands in part for HAPPY PARENT and I am part of that group now!

They are running a few specials but the best for trying them out is their(wait for it...wait for it...) FIRST CLASS FREE!!!! If your offspring is with you, pay just $6 to have them entertained by some very sweet staff members that will even change a diaper for you.

Classes offered include warm and hot yoga, vinyasa, pilates, TRX, Yin, prenatal and more - their schedule is FULL and they have two class rooms for practice meaning there is always something good going on. They even have KIDS yoga classes! They have a complete locker room with showers so you don't have to go back to work (or home, or out) sweaty.

I took the TRX training class with the straps and was deliciously sore for days. Today I dropped in to the 80 degree class and followed it with a hour of Yin inspired practice and felt FABULOUS!

There is also a terrific Groupon out now for them that offers $29 for 10 classes, $39 for 10 classes with childcare, or 20 classes for just $52 (new students only). If the Groupon expired before you can grab one, they do have a $20 first week special.

Then, after your first package, you can pick up their awesome unlimited monthly deal for $125 ($145 with childcare) or just a single, five or 10-class pass. They even have a student discount.

Location is in the same strip mall as Tuesday Morning just a few doors down from the new Karma Boutique, and a ubiquitous (but convenient) Starbucks.

Check them out here - their website is fresh, upbeat, and easy to navigate, and they even have a mobile compatible format (bonus!).