Prairie Eydie: "Hot Mess" at Hot Yoga - Part II

A helpful tip to gals who are new to hot yoga - remove make-up before class.

Before officially beginning my "Hot Yoga Journey" I called my friend, Ellen.  I had concerns about getting bored during  yoga class.  After all, I was used to running from hellish station to hellish station in my cross-fit classes.  My brain was constantly stimulated by wondering if I was at the right station and if my undies were showing while pushing the sled across the gym floor.  I feared hanging out in "Tree" pose wouldn't be challenging for someone of my athletic prowess. 

Ellen easily put me in my place by saying, "No offense, but you're going to be too confused to be bored.  Try to get into the back row, but make sure you can somewhat see the teacher."  (Spoiler.  I didn't anticipate sweating rivers into my eyes.  I couldn't see the teacher no matter where I was in the studio.) 

ElIen was so right; I am four months into yoga and dream of being bored.  (Hint:  If you are bored during "Tree" pose, close your eyes.  Or you could "grow your branches.")   Regrettably, the classes I attend are centered on building strength and stamina over chanting some mantra.  Well, some instructors give you 8 seconds to chose an intention and "seal it in with a complete breath" before you beginning to balance, hold poses, and sweat.  Or in my case: waver, tremble, and SWEAT.

You know lady, I looked pretty good in college too. 

I have not yet figured out where to place my mat.  Here is the short list of people I would rather not be next to in a 105 degree yoga class.

1.  The shirtless guy with the hairy chest and the diaper-esque shorts.  Seriously, no one needs to see that.

2. The college student home on break who is decked out in complete Lulu Lemon attire.  Show-off. 

3.  The loud breather.  Super glad they have the ujjayi breath nailed, but I don't want to hear it. 

4.  The crazy advanced  person who makes up their own workout.  I require my yogi neighbor to follow directions so I know what to do.

  A lot of my yoga time is spent trying to not injure myself.  I have injured my back, neck, and knees.  I tried to self-righteously blame the teachers for not helping me, but Ellen pointed out how I needed to grow-up and ask questions. It is difficult for me to ask questions because I am a Midwestern introvert. 

At least I didn't need physical therapy, just this inflatable neck brace ordered from Amazon.com

But having to wear a blow up neck brace made asking questions easier.  And . . . my fitness journey continues.

Namaste. 

Eydie