I Heart Hot Yoga (and you might too!)

So when life gets stressful or crazy or overwhelming or cold even, I get in my car and drive to Buddha Beach Hot Yoga.  Because it really seems to help in beautiful and powerful ways with all of those things.  For the record, I’ve actually been meaning to write this post for awhile and for a few reasons.

The first reason is that I absolutely love my studio.  It’s pretty and peaceful and has lots of nice merchandise as well (for all those shoppers out there).  When I first started Hot Yoga, I timidly walked in with my $15 Target mat and beach towel and have gradually evolved over the year or so.  I’ve graduated to a beautiful Maduka mat (more expensive, but it’s changed my practice in wonderful ways) and also use the Maduka Lavender Wash as well.  Buddha Beach Hot Yoga also has shower facilities (which came in handy when our Hot water was out) and overall has a very clean and refreshing ambiance.

The second reason, is that I love the people at my studio.  Some were friends from before, like my beautiful friend Jayme.  This past year she did her teacher training and now teaches both regular and Hot Yoga.  But I’ve found all sorts of other wonderful new friends there as well.  There is something about mutual love for exercise that seems to build camaraderie.  And on top of everything else, Buddha Beach Hot Yoga has the most wonderful instructors.  All of the ones that I take classes with are part extremely skilled fitness instructors and also part possibly unintentional therapists as well.  They do the most beautiful job leading us and encouraging us and this has been so incredible for me.

And finally, I’ve found that Hot Yoga has helped me in so many ways.  First of all, physically, yoga is a wonderful core workout.  It’s shaping and strengthening and unlike other workouts I’ve done (like running) it’s easy on my body (like my joints and ligaments).  It’s also helped me mentally and emotionally.  The sheer concept of working out in a 105 degree room with 30 percent humidity will make you pour out the most cleansing sweat of your life.  It sounds gross, but many times I walk into the room and soon enough can almost feel myself sweating out my stress and anxiety.  And finally, for me, it’s also very spiritual.  My instructors are so encouraging for each person to find deeper connections, and my deeper connections are always with Jesus.  I spend a lot of time just resting and focusing and praying and this always, always helps me no matter what is going on in my life.

So this is my official I heart Hot Yoga and you might too post.

For this post, I thought I’d include a few pictures from inside of my studio.  I had actually driven by Buddha Beach Hot Yoga which is located in East Moriches, many times before being brave enough to walk through the doors.

I find the yoga room so peaceful and calming.  There are even a few signs up requesting “No talking” which you think would be hard for someone like me who really loves to talk.  But it definitely helps to create a beautifully quiet atmosphere that is very conducive for the actual Yoga practice.

Buddha Beach offers a variety of beginner and advanced classes.  I almost always take the beginner classes, but there are always a variety of levels in each room.  I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made in the year and half since I started.  The key is consistency and every time I practice, I get closer and closer to my goals.

I will say that compared to the regular gym membership, Hot Yoga is a bit more of an investment.  But for me, I’ve found that it’s incredibly worth while.  There are so many benefits to Hot Yoga and if you’re looking for something that will help you be strong and less-stressed it might be worth trying out.

The good news, is that if you are new and interested in trying  it out, Buddha Beach Hot Yoga runs a two week, New Student special for only $25.  This means that you can practice as much as you want in your first two weeks.  This is exactly how I got started, and also how I got hooked.  I’ve brought lots of friends to Hot Yoga and most all have loved it (for many of the reasons I’ve shared).  If you are looking for new, fun and “hot” ways to challenge yourself, you should totally check it out.