First, I was forced to get past the fact that I was within ten feet of a middle-aged man wearing a speedo doing a headstand. Once I got over that (I still don’t know how I did), I actually began to relax.
Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is the craziest concept. I don’t know a lot of people who would jump on the chance to put their body in unnatural and uncomfortable positions in the first place, much less do so in a stuffy 108 degree studio. I never pictured myself as someone who would willingly bend my body into a pretzel while feeling like I’m in Hell, but evidently I was wrong.
According to Livestrong.com, yoga in any form has positive effects on mood, stress level and blood pressure. The environment of hot yoga increases pulse rate and metabolism, heating blood vessels to become more flexible. With muscles at a new degree of flexibility, those who practice yoga are able to push themselves past their limits and experience even more benefits.
Hot yoga isn’t for everyone. For anyone who hates St. Louis summers, these classes probably seem horrendous because of the extreme heat and humidity. Hot yoga is a great class for someone bored of their usual exercise regime and looking for a challenge.
Featured is a map of the highest rated yoga venues in the area.
