Monday, May 14, 2012

Thing #81: Attend a ‘Hot Yoga’ class

yoga2

Do you do yoga?  It’s the best! 

Hot Yoga is when the studio is heated to 105°F before a 90-minute class.  The heat enables deeper stretching (preventing injury), relieves tension and detoxifies the body.  Gráinne and I tried it at Bikram Yoga Galway and it immediately became a fond weekly ritual.  You can read about the countless benefits for body and mind here- for me, it made me feel calmer and induced a coma-like sleep afterwards.  I actually looked forward to the sleep I would get that night during classes.

When you try it for the first time, yoga can feel a little awkward.  I remember feeling frustration when my body wouldn’t do what I wanted it to.  Sometimes I felt like I didn’t fully understand the instructions- and the quiet of a yoga studio is no place to be raising your hand and asking questions.  Our instructor was always directing us towards our sweet goldilocks spot when holding a position… we had no idea what he was talking about until I realised one day, with a smack to my forehead, that goldilocks was always looking for something to feel juuuuuuust right. 

I read on Diana’s blog how the beauty of yoga is that your brain has to take a back seat and trust your body to guide it.  It’s so true- it gets easier as soon as you learn to switch off.  And I managed to find my goldilocks spot in the end.

€5 has been donated to UNICEF Ireland for the completion of this ‘thing’.  Click here if you too would like to donate online.

14 comments:

The Dainty Dolls House said...

I like yoga. It's great to do, although I fall on my face with most of the moves, but it still gives a great focus and workout!! I should do it more often really! x

A Life Un-Styled said...

I enjoy yoga too, it's amazing what even 30 minutes every day can do for you! I blogged about it as well today (as part of my goals) I've been using dvd yoga systems at home, as I'm not one for the gym ;) Well done on completing this 'thing' :)

Diana Mieczan said...

Aww I am so happy that you found your "goldilocks spot". Have a great Monday, darling. xo

Giovanna said...

I love Bikram Yoga! I just wish there was a studio closer to my house where I am now!

xx
Giovanna
www.oliveandanarrow.com

Emmylou said...

Love that term..."sweet goldilocks spot"! Totally stealing that:P Have never tried yoga before, but as soon as I get some time, I probably would try it as everyone says it's great for you!

Sarah said...

I SHOULD do yoga.

Nicole said...

Hopefully this Wednesday will be my first yoga class. Can't wait!

Ballet Pumps And Roses said...

Great post Thelma - I do Bikram Yoga here in London and find it great - difficult as hell but great.

Joanne

http://www.balletpumpsandroses.com

xx

Lilli said...

I like yoga!:) Kisses dear!

Couture Carrie said...

Even though I am a yoga instructor, I am not a big fan of Bikram...

xoxox,
CC

P.S. VS does offer int'l shipping!
http://www.victoriassecret.com/CustomerService/ShoppingOurSite/InternationalShipping

EMA said...

Very cool! You can also try hot power yoga, where the head is less intense, but the poses are more intense like the one shown in your first photo.

http://www.themirroronthewall.com/

Caro * said...

Fabulous picture !! I will try yoga one day, it must be really relaxing :)

Elly @ Caribbean Living said...

AAH, I love hot yoga!! Just moved to Hong Kong and cannot find anywhere decoent to practice, it's killing me...

Shawna Hynes said...

Great post! I've done yoga for almost ten years now, but never tried hot yoga. It sounds amazing though, I will definitely be giving it a try in the future! :)

<3 Shawna
Serpentine Streets