This post is part of my 2017 New Year’s Resolution to try every group fitness class offered at my gym, The Equinox in Chestnut Hill. See the full list of reviews here.
Progress: 49 Classes Down, 1 remaining (Cardio Kick)
Heated yoga while the snow gently falls outside?
Yes, please.
Equinox added two new classes in December so far and they’ve both been yoga classes. Yessss. I like yoga. There are no jumping jacks in yoga. Maybe this means I avoid some of my weaknesses, but you know what, my chaturanga is getting better and I’m working plenty hard and I love the way it makes me feel and I can’t say the same of jumping jacks.
Class: Heated Vinyasa Yoga with Adam Caplan
Class length: 60 minutes
Description from the Equinox: A thoughtful, Vinyasa-based class in a heated room. A base temperature of 80 – 85 degrees will help release toxins, encourage a deep connection to breath and increase strength through flowing sequences. If you like to sweat, this class is for you.
What Class Was Like
They’re still experimenting with the heat settings for class, and the studio didn’t feel like it was that hot. It was definitely heated, though, and it felt like a brick of heat walking in. But I acclimated quickly and the spots closer to the windows were a bit cooler. I didn’t visibly sweat during class.
The gentle heat made it feel cozy on a day when it’s incredibly cold outside, and it did feel good stretching in a warmer environment than usual. Adam coached us to be aware of how we’re feeling, to drink water whenever needed, and to stop if we felt dizzy and leave the room if necessary.
Those are all wise prescriptions for any heated yoga class, but the class wasn’t so overbearingly hot that I felt dehydrated or dizzy at any time.
I enjoy Adam’s classes; I’ve also taken his Yoga Flow class and recommend either.
This Is Not Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is a very specific style of yoga. In Bikram, the studio is usually carpeted, lights are bright, it’s a set sequence of 26 postures done for 90 minutes, rooms are heated to between 95 degrees and 108 degrees at a set 40% humidity, and teachers are certified in Bikram.
So there’s Bikram, which is a popular style of heated yoga, and then there’s yoga done in a heated room in order to get some of the benefits of a warmer studio but without all the Bikram stipulations.
This was Vinyasa Yoga done in a heated studio. That meant it could be an hour long, the studio was at a better heat level for those new to practicing heated yoga, and it was a familiar (to me) Vinyasa style class.
Who would love it:
Anyone who enjoys yoga and wants to try it in a heated studio. You might find yourself relaxing a bit into the stretches, and honestly, in winter time it feels good for the soul to be in such a warm room for an hour. I left feeling warm all the way through my toes, a wonderful feeling after a week of standing and shivering outside at school pick-up.
Know before you go:
- Bring plenty of water and a towel because you might sweat more than usual
- There are new anti-slip towels to go on top of your mat that you can use for the heated class – that way you won’t slip if your feet sweat
- If you’re worried about the heat, remember that you can take water, take a break, or step out of the studio at any time
FYI – Limited time only? This class is currently on trial at the Equinox, so if you’re curious, go to one of the three remaining scheduled Heated Vinyasa Yoga classes on Saturday or Sunday at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow and then next weekend (Dec 16 and 17). If it goes well and seems popular they may add regularly scheduled heated yoga classes in January. A good month for hot yoga. I think I’m in favor.