Living uptown in Manhattan, I have often had to travel downtown to meet some of my exercise needs (namely yoga). This has changed a little over the years as more businesses are opening in the neighborhoods uptown. On Friday I had the pleasure of trying out a new (new to me, at least) yoga studio called Bikram Yoga Harlem.
Bikram yoga is also known as hot yoga. A bikram studio is heated to about 105 degrees (kinda humid too), and participants are led through 26 poses, or asanas. The idea is that with the heat your body releases toxins and can be more flexible (not necessarily in that order).
I have to say that upon entering the studio, I began to sweat. I suppose that’s the whole idea, but it was something I was definitely not used to. I have practiced yoga numerous times before, so I was familiar with many poses and the nature of yoga classes. I found that the instructor was very helpful and called me (and the one other new student) by name to compliment/correct/motivate us. Two asanas in, I felt like I had sweat off 6 lbs. It was pretty intense. I also found that I was a bit more flexible as the class went on. Overall, I left feeling invigorated and wanting more. I’ll definitely do it again – and head back to Bikram Yoga Harlem.
