It depends on where you go, so don’t let one bad experience taint a potentially amazing journey. I’ve practiced in inviting spaces with teachers who were kind, helpful and got into the depths of my soul with their savasana pep talks, and I’ve also practiced in a studio that smelled like hamsters with Yogini Queen of the Universe barking pose orders at me. Just like anything else, the instructors and studio make all the difference in the world. Thankfully, I can take the 60 minute class, or do some of a DVD or podcast at home to fit in with my schedule. Many power yoga classes are 90 minutes, which is too long for me including the commute and shower time there’s no “save the gym hair” after a hot yoga class. If you don’t have a studio near you, there are a lot of fantastic DVDs and at-home options, but if you’re a beginner, I suggest taking a class with an instructor instead of trying to learn on your own (which can be a quick ticket to injury city). Yoga can be very expensive, but I love that studios are making the practice more budget-friendly. Like I mentioned before, the class I love is $4, and there are a ton of other yoga specials I’ve noticed in Tucson (“power hours” which are $5, Groupons and Living Social deals for unlimited classes, etc.). It’s refreshing to go to a class and forget the to-do list at the door. I always feel like I’m one step ahead of myself (which is beneficial and extremely annoying at the same time), and yoga reminds me to sloooooooow down. This is one of the main reasons I love yoga so much. Yoga has so many fantastic benefits including lower stress, improvements in sleep quality, flexibility, muscle strength/tone, increased sex drive (hubba hubba), and lung capacity, which can translate to better performance in other exercise modalities. I especially love the yoga pep talk that many instructors will give and I also LOOOOVE good assists with poses. I walk out of the studio, a happy, delirious yoga noodle and continue my day with extra clarity and optimism. I always feel like a million bucks after an awesome power yoga class. Another tip is to bring a set of clothes to change into, plus a baggie for your other clothes- driving home in a pool of sweat gives me the chills. I also like to wear my hair up and a headband, so I don’t have rogue, drenched tresses in my face. Most yoga studios ask you to remove your shoes outside the studio, so I find that slip-ons or flip flops are good options. I prefer the lululemon Boogie shorts and a tank but you’ll see any combination of clothing (or non-clothing, rather) under the sun- just wear what makes you feel good and that you don’t mind drenching in sweat!īring a water bottle, towel or mat towel to cover your mat (unless you have a mat that doesn’t get slippery with sweat), mat (or you can borrow one form the studio) and shoes that can be easily removed. Wear something that you’ll be able to sweat buckets in, something that’s comfortable, and won’t enable you to flash your goodies in a variety of poses. You don’t want to feel uncomfortably full, but it’s also a little awkward to be the one in savasana with a growling, angry stomach. Some studios recommend practicing on an empty stomach- I’ll find that some fruit or half a bar is a good pre-yoga snack for me. Some studios are much hotter than others, going from a comfortable warmth to a scorching oven you have to find the studio/instructor combo you like the most.Īlways hydrate well the day before and up to your yoga practice. Sometimes power yoga can be VERY fast and furious, and the room is usually heated. You’ll still hold poses, but often they’re part of a series that you’ll add onto for the duration of the class. It’s a very athletic practice with a cardiovascular element, and you’ll also work on core strength and balance. Heated vinyasa yoga is usually referred to as “power yoga”, in which you flow from one pose to the next using your breath. I can’t believe I haven’t done a “Focus On” post for power yoga! No time like the present… nothing reminds you to stay in the present like an incredible yoga practice <3 In Tucson, I’ve had a bit of a tougher time finding a studio close to me (AZ Power Yoga is amazing, but really far from pretty much everywhere in Tucson), and finally found one I adore with an amazing teacher (aaaand it’s only $4! Skidoosh.) Right now, I’m on a power yoga high as I’ve been recently reunited with the practice. It’s one of my all-time favorite workout loves, and something I always come back to, even after a bit of a hiatus. As you guys know, I’m a HUGE fan of power yoga.
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