Hot Yoga (with Harry)

Half Moon Pose

It was with some trepidation that I set out for my first ever 'hot yoga' experience. The mood wasn't helped when I initially went to the wrong location and ended up rushing to make it for the start time. I had heard about this 'hot yoga' thing on Radio Northampton where the instructor and general guru Harry was extolling the physical and mental therapeutic benefits. Before the start, the room is heated to between 30-35 degrees  with humidity mimicking the climate of South India where most forms of yoga were originally practices. I managed to find myself right next to the heaters.... Made a mental note to arrive early next time. Harry teaches the Bikram series which is a dynamic sequence of 26 hatha yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises. It is the type of yoga favoured by ex footballer Ryan Giggs which he says helped to prolong his career. Also future Royal Meghan Markle is a big fan.

 Benefits: Half Moon Pose strengthens every muscle in the body’s core, especially in the abdomen, and flexes and strengthens the latissimus dorsi, oblique, deltoid and trapezious muscles. It increases the flexibility of the spine comprehensively, from coccyx to neck; promotes proper kidney function; and helps to cure enlargement of the liver and spleen. Half Moon also firms and trims the waistline, hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

 
I was worried about my flexibility following back and knee surgery. However each posture has an entry level to it and as the body opens up with continued practise deeper and more advanced versions can be reached. 'Practising yoga isn’t about being perfect and neither is life. You do the best you can and sometimes you have good days and sometimes you have bad days'. Better to do 10% of a posture 100% correctly than to try to do 100% of a posture only 10% correctly!  
That is the mantra according to Harry.

Tree Pose

It wasn't long before I was sweating buckets , but that is good ! It is encouraged as it is the natural bodily function of our largest organ, the skin and is an immensely therapeutic and detoxifying process. I must be doing good things because my yoga mat has become like an ice rink with the amount of moisture being soaked up. ...

 Benefits: The Tree Pose improves posture and balance and increses the flexibility of the ankles and knees as well as the hip joints. By strengthening the internal oblique muscles, it prevents hernia.

Balance, particularly for the standing exercises proved to be my biggest weakness. Several times I completely lost it and keeled over. There were clearly others in the group who were no strangers to yoga , hot, cold or lukewarm. One lady told me she was a former gymnast! I was extremely grateful when Harry said we ha finished the last exercise and were now about to finish with a relaxation exercise. That was my favourite part I must say, but overall I felt good and it had been enjoyable.

Not too bad for a first attempt.  

Triangle Pose

The following couple of weeks seemed a little better, especially as I was now as far away from the heaters as possible. Not to say that I didn't still sweat like a 'goodun'. Drinking plenty of water before, during and after yoga is a good idea. When it got tough I kept reminding myself of the benefits of every muscle, joint, ligament and tendon in the body being worked. There are great benefits too for the immune system , respiratory system, the metabolism, reducing stress and anxiety as well as increased strength and flexibility. 

 Benefits: It improves every single bone, muscle, joint, tendon and internal organ, and it revitalizes nerves, veins and tissues. Flexing and strengthening the last five vertebrae in this posture can alleviate crooked spines, as well as rheumatism and lower back pain. Triangle Pose also benefits the heart and lungs, forcing them to work together.

 I've now done a full five sessions and whilst nowhere near perfect I definitely think that i've made significant improvement. I hope to continue and feel that I am on my way to becoming a fully fledged 'Yogi'. In Harry we trust !