Last week I decided to check out a new (well, newish) yoga studio in Seattle, Haute Yoga on Queen Anne. They offer hot yoga and power yoga classes, and despite the groan-inducing name and Lululemon profile they have a good list of teachers.

When I got there the staff at the front desk were friendly, and as expected I had to sign a waiver that it wouldn’t be their fault if I injured myself on the premises. What surprised me was that no one asked if I had ever done yoga before. Is that not important in these more exercise-focused studios?

The studio is nice and clean with a view of a small back garden, and even if I went for a class listed as power yoga the room was really hot. I know lots of people like to sweat and feel that they are getting a good workout, but I just don’t get it. I much prefer to generate heat through the practice. The class was as expected more workout than yoga, including rap music and instructions to “pick up the pace, people!” I left feeling more worn out than calmed down, and the next day I got a head-splitting migraine. Coincidence?

I have a theory that power yoga/hot yoga aggravate the nervous system, while a more breath-focused practice triggers the relaxation response. For migraine sufferers the hot room might also lead to blood vessels in the head and neck expanding, another link to migraines. A regular yoga practice has helped eliminate most migraines for me, so I find it surprising that a yoga class can actually trigger an attack. Has anyone else had this experience? I’m planning on going back to Haute Yoga to test my theory. Not that I want a migraine, but I’m really curious if there is a connection.

To cheer me up after the migraine: I just found out that I’ve been included in the list Top Health and Wellness Blogs to Watch in 2010 by the Medical Assistants site! Thanks for adding me to this great list of health blogs