Not So Hot for Haute
I made a second attempt at a power yoga class at Haute Yoga today, wanting to test my theory that power yoga in a hot room can be a migraine trigger. Today was the last day of my two week introductory pass, so I’ve obviously not been too keen on testing this theory…
I made it to the studio just a few minutes before class, and the room was packed. And really hot. And it already smelled like sweat. I felt like I was going to the dentist.
So I bailed.
I literally ran across the street to Yogalife, remembering that they have a class at the same time. Natalie led a one hour Ashtanga-inspired vinyasa class, and I loved every second of it. I left feeling calm and energized, and I decided that if I don’t test this hot power yoga migraine theory, it’s okay 
(Note: I have nothing against Haute Yoga, it’s just not for me. Their studio is really nice, and if hot yoga is your thing you’ll love it!)
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I wouldn’t worry about it..it’s true, same thing happen to me..if your of a Pita nature the intensity of the heat will only aggravate you..too much fire..
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Nice work.
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I agree that not all studios are for all people….I practice a form of hot vinyasa style yoga at my current studio and LOVE it. But I’ve been to other studios and they just didn’t “fit”: an Anusura instructor scolded me about my hand position in up-dog; another instructor leading a ‘gentle on the back’ class tried to get me into poses that (I now know) were NOT good for my back….etc.etc.. I’m very lucky to have found my current studio, where they are not only very welcoming and respectful, but also close enough to be convenient!
I remember checking out the Ashram in Kirkland, and the floor was scorching to the touch. It was also super duper packed, like, Sardine Yoga.
Isn’t there a reason that there’s a sign in most saunas saying you shouldn’t stay in for more than 20 minutes?
“Sardine Yoga” is a great description
I wonder if people are so drawn to hot yoga because they feel like they really worked it since it’s uncomfortable? Or is this really a perfect example that your constitution really makes a difference in what kind of yoga you are drawn to?
I can’t speak for all the reasons why people are drawn to hot yoga. Judith Lasater once told me that people will do what they think is best for them in any situation, given the circumstances, so one possible reason is that they feel this is the best thing for them to do for themselves.
I myself did hot yoga for a long long time, starting in 2001 after 9/11, was super gung ho about it for a good six years, and quit for good in 2008 while in my yoga teacher training, and the big wake up call was after taking a workshop on the spine and back pain. It was a combination of thinking of all the things I used to do in hot yoga and seeing people much older than me who suffer from back issues.
I used to think that I needed hot yoga, both Bikram and Power variations, because I’m mostly Vata, and I needed to burn off my excessive energy. There are many ways to get grounded, but sweating profusely and running through the poses too quickly were not one of them, if anything, that aggravated my Vata even more.
I will say, though, that the heat did make me feel like I was working out a lot and really hard, and it felt good. Psychologically it made me feel very accomplished, but looking back, I see that it reinforced the “doing” or the “doership” mentality in me.