Hot Hot Yoga

My new year's resolution this year was to cultivate balance in my life. I have a vague notion that finding balance involves signing up for a yoga class, practicing everything in moderation, and professing tolerance for one's fellow man. Until recently I'd been dabbling in yoga at home and enjoying the occasional run on the treadmill mixed with a little lifting. I was enjoying my hobbies without obsessing and even throwing in a little grad work now and then. I haven't even attempted the whole tolerance thing yet. Baby steps. You understand.

So while in Oswego to see Hosmer, I was happy when several of us had a chance to attend a Bikram yoga class with Sandy Eby, our cousins' aunt. It was a first for the four of us who went, and it certainly made an impression. Sandy is just about to open up a beautiful yoga studio for the general public and I highly recommend that anyone who has a chance, and any interest, should take a class with her. It was awesome, and very very hot. And this is coming from someone who grew up in south Texas where we know from hot.

Of course Molly and I, becoming immediately obsessed, started searching the Internet for information on bikram classes in our local areas. Molly scored big - 2 studios in San Antonio. Spokane - not so much. Are we really surprised?

After finding out more about bikram yoga studios, we wondered, what should one wear to hot yoga? Our usual capris were somewhat uncomfortable while completely drenched in sweat, particularly when we then walked home in the snow after the yoga. It was a true family exercise in extremes. It turns out women are supposed to wear yoga shorts and sports bras, not too surprising, if somewhat skimpier than I am comfortable with, at least until the hot yoga has helped sculpt a new me. But it was the men's wear that catches the eye. It turns out men are supposed to wear these.

Look closely now. No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is most definitely velvet leopard stretch. Truly awesome, no? Talk about the hot hot yoga.

Sadly, with no opportunity for hot yoga in Spokane I will have to resign myself to never seeing these on the person next to me in yoga class, but perhaps learning to accept such things can become part of my quest for balance. I have signed up for a monthly pass at the local yoga studio. So forward progress. I'll keep you updated on that whole tolerance thing.