In The Hot Room: Bending Your Routine

If you are feeling stuck in your day to day routine, seeking a little bit of an adventure, or craving a ridiculously good sweat, hot yoga (or yoga in general) could be worth a shot. Don't worry, I scoped out the location, took the class, and already worked through all the awkward first-timer-at-the-studio-by-myself kinks so you can know exactly what to expect when taking this leap into the world of yoga.

When most people who haven't given it shot hear the word yoga they cringe at sound and thought of contorting their body in ways they never have before in a room full of bendy regulars. The initial feelings might be intimidation, fear of embarrassment, and fear of breaking your body. Rest assured, I would like to disprove any merit those pre-assumptions have, break any myths or fears you might have about attending your first yoga class (specifically hot yoga), laying out the endless list of benefits of yoga, and giving you a little life hack to yoga in state college.

While there are skeptics of the practice of hot yoga, Bikram, the yogis and hot yoga lovers swear by its benefits and effectiveness and, admittedly, I am a self-proclaimed believer in the practice. So, what really is it? As per the official Bikram teacher training site, "Bikram Yoga’s twenty-six posture exercises systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to one hundred percent of your body, to each organ and fiber, restoring all systems to healthy working order, just as nature intended. Proper weight, muscle tone, vibrant good health, and a sense of well being will automatically follow." While frequenting yoga will undoubtedly do wonders for your physical well-being, I always find the mental benefits more prevalent and welcomed. Where I feel the mental benefit lies is in the magic that Bikram is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises every time you go. No matter what. So, the honest truth is that the first time you go, the postures will be new to you. You will feel goofy and fall out of postures and if you don't, then you aren't doing it right. But, the beauty of the whole practice is that no matter what goes on during that day prior to hitting your mat, you can be certain that the class will consist of the same 26 postures. Everytime you go and attempt, you are growing your awareness and reaching new heights in each of the movements. That is where the magic is in my opinion: acquiring a certain mindfulness of your actions and noticing your own achievements no matter how small.

                                                 

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I had been meaning to find a hot yoga studio in State College for awhile, and this blog gave me just the motivation and courage I needed to pick one I found online and try it out. I had no idea what I was in for, but I white-looped to 220 South Allen to give Yoga In State College a go. To be completely honest, when I first arrived, the location and the fact that there was no one inside made me nervous to the point where I almost went right back home. But, for the sake of the passion blog and for my own personal determination to practice yoga, I waited awkwardly until someone came out. From then on, the expiernce was exactly what I needed after a long week (who cares if it was only wedneday?), and I'm sure many busy students can relate to needing that outlet as well.

While I went to the class alone, the studio felt like a community of people set on lifting each other up. I could tell who the regulars were, but contrary to my worries, they were anything but intimidating and standoffish. I felt comfortable and welcomed, even in such a new environment. As the class started, those feelings only continued. The most striking feature of the class that made it worlds different than other hot yoga classes I have taken elsewhere was most definitely the instructor. I learned quickly his name was Doug and he is also the owner of the studio. He was positive, personal, hilarious, and relentlessly encouraging. He continuously encouraged smiling through the hard postures and falling as much as you need to. I was teetering the balance between mindfulness of my yoga practice and wanting to take mental notes of everything he was saying so I could reflect on it while writing my blog. While I don't remember every witty encouraging thing he said, one thing really struck me: "This is not my day job, this here is just my passion." This was such a refreshing little bit of light in my day, knowing that the instructor I was learning from was pouring out his knowledge to us simply because it was what he loved to do. It is that kind of light that makes up the culture of the studio and I recommend it to anyone considering trying it out! The class itself is challenging to the extent that you push yourself, and is sure to leave you feeling that beautiful mix of tired and refreshed at the same time.

As if all the benefits and positivity of the experience didn't already have you sold, the studio offers FREE classes on Mondays at 6, and Wednesdays at 6 they ask for a free will donation to be donated to an organization or person of the classes choosing. I attended the wednesday class and can attest that it is such a moving and humbling experience So, if you're a college student not looking to spend a lot of money but still want to try a new workout or do something fun with friends I fully recomend giving it a go and letting me know about your expienrences.



Yoga In State College

220 South Allen Street

Website + Class Schedule

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