Some Like It Hot

I love a good deal. Anytime I can save money, I'm all over it. Especially when it means trying out something that I've wanted to try. Enter Groupon. I saw an offer for Hot Yoga and at $19 for 5 sessions, it seemed too good to pass up. Of course, I'm never one to do anything crazy alone, so I quickly recruited Sam to join me. After obsessively researching the topic and hydrating myself to the point of drowning for five days I was ready for my first class.

Sam and I chose to start with a 90-minute Hot 26 class. From what I can tell, this is basically a Bikram class with a different name. Twenty-six poses, two times through. I'm not going to lie, the heat is intense, but I kind felt like a bad ass in there. There's something empowering about raising yourself off the floor in a Full Locust and seeing sweat pouring off your face. And surviving my first class? Priceless. I went to the same class yesterday and clearly wasn't properly hydrated because I was fighting blackouts during the first two segments. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The bright side was that I nailed a few of the poses I struggled with the first session. Camel Pose has my heart.

Now that I've attended a couple of classes (which by no means makes me an expert on the subject), here are my preliminary pros and cons:

Pros:
*I've finally become a water drinker and wonder how I've survived all this time as an athlete without it. I grossly underrated its value.
*It challenges me mentally and physically.
*The heat and sweating makes my skin glow for a solid 24 hours after taking the class.
*Muscle-toning benefits
*Yoga is great for runners

Cons:
*Unpredictable - but yoga has always been this way for me. There are days when I just can't find my balance but I wouldn't blame this on the heat.
*The heat can make you lightheaded and/or nauseous.
*Cost - it gets a little pricey when you figure the clothes, equipment, and membership. I consider it to be a good investment, but others may not appreciate the price tag.
*Grandiose claims of toxin release and calorie-burn may not be that accurate which is only a con if that's why you're doing it. Which I am not.

Hot Yoga is definitely not for everyone - some gyms have deals for first-timers who are unsure if it's something they would enjoy. My gym has 15 days for $15 and a friend of mine goes to a gym where they can bring a friend on Thursdays at no cost to the friend. These are both great options for Hot Yoga wannabe's to test the waters before taking the plunge.