lifenotes
Editorial By Susan O'Connor, Illustration by Brittney Guest

As I stepped into the sultry, 105-degree heat, I truly didn’t know what to expect. It was my first yoga class, and Sandy Phillips’ “hot yoga” class at that.
Space heaters lined the room, while a humidifier combatted the dry heat. The lights were low, and everyone seemed peaceful — just what I expected. Who could imagine a yoga class with nervous, Type A people milling around? Those who arrived early relaxed in the dimly lit room.

Soft, absorbent fabric covered the yoga mats, and everyone had a towel and water. Water is even poured on the cloth at each end of the mat. I realized that we’d all be doing some serious sweating, which is a good thing. Plus, I had read that I’d burn between 400 and 1,200 calories during the workout, a big benefit because I love good food!

One of the major benefits of the intense heat is that muscles become flexible much more quickly. Even though I was contorting my body into positions that were completely new, I felt fabulous the next day — no sore muscles. I think this is directly attributable to the heat. Several days later I used a DVD of the same class in my cold house and was sore for two days.

I was accompanied by my friend and co-worker, graphic designer Amy Arnold. A former ASU volleyball player, Amy is a natural athlete and had practiced yoga before, but never hot yoga. Like me, she is game for new paths to fitness and was intrigued by the concept of sweating profusely while practicing yoga. We were not disappointed.

At the end of the class, while lying face up on our mats, Sandy said, “You will now notice your entire body tingling.” She was right. Nothing else could describe the sensation.

She also told us that we would either sleep really well that night, or be so energized that we couldn’t sleep. I woke up at three and felt like I’d slept 10 hours! I began organizing and cleaning like a maniac. When I got to the office, I asked Amy how she slept. She had the same experience!

I truly feel — and I’ve read this as well — that yoga is an important part of cross training. Any other athletic endeavor will be enhanced by the increased flexibility gained through yoga.

So, this new year, I resolve to add yoga to my busy schedule. My body is already telling me thank you!