For whatever reason, Mother Nature has given Southern Ontario (and places nearby) a very wet Spring! Are you in one of those rainy areas too?
My umbrella gets lots of use lately. ;)
We’ve had steady rain for the past 5 days and there is more rain due for 3 out of 5 days in the week ahead.
Despite this weather, the rain doesn’t really bother me as much lately, which is pretty strange because I tend to always feel a dip in my mood when it rains.
Today, I realized that I have yoga to thank for my improved mood!
I started going to Moksha’s hot yoga classes on May 7th and I fell in love with it (read all about my first class here). I’ve been to about 11 classes now and I just can’t get enough. I’m really getting my money’s worth with my unlimited $40 intro monthly pass! I really wish I had tried this ages ago. I also think it would have helped me beat my Winter blues too.
“Moksha Hot Yoga was founded in Toronto, Canada in 2004 by yoga teachers Ted Grant and Jessica Robertson. Though a relative newcomer, Moksha has quickly gained popularity as over 30 affiliated studios have since opened worldwide, including in Canada, the United States, Switzerland, and the Caribbean. The Moksha method is a set series of about 40 poses done in a hot room. Moksha has strict "green" standards for keeping their studios environmentally friendly, including using sustainable building materials and natural cleansers. They are also committed to offering weekly low-cost classes with the money donated to locate charities and karma yoga opportunities to keep yoga classes more accessible.” [source]
From time to time, I wonder where the inflexible girl who hated yoga DVDs disappeared to. Well, I’m still here, but now I’ve found a style of yoga that clicks with me. And I’m so grateful that I have because I always felt like there was a missing piece to my fitness puzzle.
Like with most things, I don’t think hot yoga is for everyone (in fact, if you have health problems, such as a heart condition, it’s advised you do not take part), but I’m more convinced that there is a style of yoga that almost anyone can enjoy. You just have to find the right style that meshes with your personality and do what works for you.
The word Moksha means ‘Freedom’, which is exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. Freedom from anxiety, busy thoughts, tight muscles, and day-to-day ‘noise’.
Moksha Characteristics:
- Poses are traditional asanas (I heard there are about 40 yoga positions used)
- You are encouraged to set an intention (in your mind) at start of class
- Emphasis is on deep breathing, enhancing flexibility, and balance
- Breath-synchronized movements – the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale.
- Several classes are offered: Moksha, Moksha Flow, Flow, and LYM.
- Classes range from 60-90 minutes (75 min is my sweet spot!)
- The pace is quick and heart rate is elevated throughout class
- Room is heated to 37 Celsius
- Instructors will often do gentle adjustments, if its ok with you (personally I appreciate occasional adjustments because they help me find proper form)
- Instructors have the flexibility to slightly adapt each class, so no class is the same
- Friendly to beginners (trust me on this one!)
- Savasana (lying flat on the mat and focusing on breath) occurs at the start of class, middle class, and at the very end.
- There are a couple minutes of intense ab work during the floor series.
- It is a great workout if you want it to be and you push yourself. My muscles are often sore after classes!
After just 11 classes, I’ve noticed an improvement in my focus, muscle tone, breathing, flexibility, posture, and balance. I feel strong, aware, peaceful, and happier than I have in a long time. Eric tells me that my skin feels incredibly soft, which is an added bonus from all that salty sweat exfoliating the skin. I also love the class atmosphere…the energy from the room is really contagious and a yoga DVD just can’t compare in my mind.
Even though I love hot yoga, I won’t be giving up cardio anytime soon (I’ve still been sticking with running/walking/elliptical about 5 days a week), but I feel like they compliment each other perfectly.
What I like to eat beforehand:
I’ve been experimenting with different foods before classes to find what works best for me. For my first class, I had a freshly made juice, but the juice was not enough energy for me to sustain a class and I felt very weak. I also tried various full-sized breakfasts with mixed results, sometimes feeling too full during class.
Lately, what works for me is eating 1 large banana and drinking 1 glass of V8 juice about 40 minutes before a class. Each time I have this snack, I have no weakness during class. I also make sure to drink lots of water before (starting the day before), during, and after class. It’s important to find that sweet spot where you aren’t too full, but you still have lots of energy for the class. If I take a long 90 minute class, I often have a medjool date or two in addition to this snack.
What I like to eat afterwards:
I crave water-based foods like vegetables, fruit, and big salads following a hot yoga class. Lately, I’ve been craving Green Monsters (made with coconut water for electrolytes), salads, veggie & hummus plates, Ezekiel bread/crackers, and Gazpacho.
I’m also newly obsessed with Nature’s Path Kamut Puff cereal thanks to Ange. I’ve been enjoying it with almond milk, ABU, fruit, and a bit of cinnamon. Cold and refreshing.
What I bring to class:
- Reusable tote bag for carrying belongings
- Align Ultra Lululemon yoga mat (I’m not really a fan of this mat because it is slippy! Anyone recommend any good non-slip mats?)
- 1 large bath towel (to place on mat)
- 1 small face towel (to wipe sweat)
- Sigg water bottle
- Keys, license, $20, yoga pass card
- Zip up jacket for before and after class (I shower at home)
My impression after 11 classes:
I feel like yoga is improving the relationship I have with myself. I used to be a skeptic when I heard that about yoga, thinking it wouldn’t apply to me. I was wrong! Yoga is just what I need in my life to help me center myself and thoughts. I have an anxious personality by nature, and yoga is therapy for my busy mind that never stops.
I’ve been excited not only by the changes I see (like toned muscles or improved flexibility), but feel in myself. I feel like yoga is the missing piece of the puzzle to my growth as an individual. I’m excited to explore yoga in many of its forms and styles down the road.
~~~
What’s your yoga experience? Love it, hate it? What styles have you tried and do any click or not click with you? What do you eat (or not eat) before a class?
[By the way, this review is not paid or sponsored by Moksha or anyone else. It’s just my personal experience, as always!]
Yes – here in Kitchener we’ve had days and days of rain. I am so crossing my fingers that it will let up this weekend for May 2-4. Some sunshine would be very welcomed!
I’m glad you enjoyed your yoga. :)
I’ve had a similar experience with yoga. I tried it in grad school because although I tend to be a skeptic about those types of things I needed something to calm my nerves and focus myself living such a high stress life. I always left feeling so amazing and energetic. I also practice at home and with dvds at times and find I get similar results… its very calming to focus on yourself (mind and body) for a set period of time!
That is awesome that you have found yoga. It sounds like you have experienced what I call the “La La La” factor. When I leave yoga I feel like la la laing and if a car ran me over I would just la la la away from the relaxation and groundedness that I get from yoga. I always tell everyone they should give yoga a try. I really enjoy the mental aspect of yoga even more than the physical practice. If you ever get a chance, try the 108 sun salutation mala, now that is incredible.
haha love the la la analogy. That is a good description!
This post made me want to hop on my bike and head to yoga. It’s 11:30pm – otherwise I would ;) I followed the ABU link and laughed out loud when you said your husband rolled his eyes and that he just doesn’t get nut butter. I think ALL men might have this opinion, my hubs thinks my eternal nut butter quest is CRAZY. They might be right, but I don’t care.
How wonderful that you’ve found something so beneficial from a yoga practice … for me it’s been completely life transforming and I can’t imagine my day to day life without yoga.
I need to get into yoga more! I enjoy it but running dominates my exercise.
What you said about yoga totally sums up how I feel in relation to the connection I am feeling with my body and also shutting off my busy mind – its rawsome!
I started doing Vinyasa classes in January, and along with the heightened sense of awareness and calm, I really love the emphasis on compassion, both for others and, sometimes more importantly, for yourself. I’m glad you’re finding it to be a positive experience too!
ps. Lululemon has a travel mat that’s double-sided (one side appears slick, the other matte), and the slick side gets easier to grip the wetter it gets. It has made a HUGE difference in my practice. They also have it full sized, but if you get the travel one, you can just put it over your current mat, and then you have a thick version and a version to travel with! Best investment I’ve made so far. Good luck!
I love yoga & lulu!! Here is a different lulu yoga mat that is better for Hot class. I use it & Love it
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-mats/The-Mat-32428?cc=8386&skuId=3413707&catId=women-mats
I love reading your blog each day!! Can’t wait to try some of your recipes.
Thanks so much for this post! It was like a God whisper for me. I have been thinking about hot yoga this week and hoping to start in a couple weeks. This was just reinforcement that I should. And yes, it has been VERY wet here in Michigan.
11 classes already? It seems like you first tried it only yesterday. Oh how time flies! I’m too nervous to attend a yoga class. My cross country coach in high school told me I’m about as flexible as an oak tree! haha. Sadly, not much has changed! I do attempt a few DVDs though from time to time.
Im not very flexible (or so I thought) but I was actually surprised! I have severely tight leg muscles from running and they have improved SO much!
This is so exciting!! I just recently came across your site, and I LOVE it – the recipes are to die for, exactly my kind of food. Then I came across this post and I can’t be more happy for you that you’ve found a style of yoga that you love – I am a Moksha teacher and have had a very similar experience as you. Yoga has helped me treat my body as a prized possession and I am very close to making the binge-starve cycle I’ve been on since my teens a thing of the past.
You are truly inspiring!
Thank you Amy! :)
I’ve been following your blog for a while now, but have never posted. My love of yoga started several years ago after a bad car accident. I believe it really helped my recovery – both physical and mental. I have never tried hot yoga, but after reading your posts on it, I definitely want to try it! Living in the Southern US, I don’t know how much luck I will have but I will keep searching!
Hi Angela — I’m the same way in that I never “got” yoga from DVD’s but now totally get it, and love it, after going to in-person yoga classes. I’ve been going semi-regularly for the last couple of years, my most consistent form of exercise. I made do with a Giam mat for a while but it was thin and slipped around a lot, especially when I did wall yoga. I now have a Manduka mat and LOVE it! It’s much thicker and heavier, made from tree rubber, and never moves once it’s on the floor. It’s spongeyness is very supportive and cushioning. It’s also really pretty, a deep plum/purple with a light pattern stamped into it. I’m just SO glad I purchased this. It will probably last me the rest of my life.
p.s. I looked on Manduka’s site and the one I have is the eKo mat, the Acai color. The eKo mats are produced via non-toxic materials.
Here’s a link that helps you determine which of their mats you’d like best:
http://www.manduka.com/us/customer-service/find-your-soul-mat/
thank you for your suggestion!
I’d have to say give a Manduka mat a try. :) it’s kinda pricey, but worth the money… it’ll last you your lifetime. I also use the hot yoga towel from lululemon. It helps from sliding all over the place.
I need to try yoga again. I struggle with anxiety too. Have you ever done a post on dealing with anxiety? I could do my hot yoga in my back yard by the pool since it’s in the 90’s this week. (If my 3 dogs will let me!)
I dont think I have done a post on it…I havent quite figured it out myself! lol
Yogitoes (www.yogitoes.com) make incredible skidless towels! Worth the investment!
Happy Hot Yoga-ing! :)
Great photos of your umbrella. The red really pops with the contrast of the deck.
We have been getting similar weather, just about 8 hours after you get it (I’m in Ottawa).
Glad you are enjoying your yoga classes so much! The unlimited pass is a super buy.
I fell in love with yoga class in December ’09, and bought myself an unlimited year pass. I tried almost every class that was offered, and found that I enjoyed the hot yoga for beginners, good night yoga, power yoga for beginners and yin yoga. There were a couple classes that added some yin yoga in as well, which provided for great variety. Even though I don’t do yoga classes during the summer now, I do still practice my deep breathing, and take some time during the day to close my eyes and relax – outside if weather permits.
I LOVE hot yoga! I just wish I could do it 5 days a week, also cardio 5 days a week and weight training too!
I just got my certification in the vinyasa flow which sounds very similar to this. I love it too! I love the heat, I love the core workouts and I love the flow. When I skip a few days, my body craves it. I would recommend getting yogi toes instead of using a large towel. I don’t’ know if you have heard of them but they are thin towels that have rubber on the reverse side. It helps the towel stay in place. I usually wet my towel a little bit before class starts to really give it a good stick. They run about $65 at Lulu but you can find them on ebay much cheaper. Hope that helps! I just get the cheap mats at target, they seem to work best for me. (GAIAM)