So I’m sure you see the recurring yoga theme by now. As an adult, hot yoga has been my workout of choice. Practicing with a community reminds me of my years and years spent in team sports. The other personal benefits for me are increased flexibility, controlled breathing, circulation, and lots and lots of sweat. To start my fitness journey, I really wanted to find a hot yoga studio. I’ve been enjoying classes at The River but Denver Bikram was the first studio I was excited to try. It’s in my neighborhood (Jefferson Park/LoHi). The instructors all seemed approachable and the Owner shared her own story of life with lumbar spinal stenosis. Here’s the last few sentences from her bio on their website – “I strongly believe in teaching students with patience, encouragement, positivity, love, and non-judgement. Everyone should feel welcome in the yoga room, no matter what their struggle. Each day is another opportunity to realize the changes and challenges in the body.” Nice, right?! The other studios in the neighborhood seemed intense; the stock pictures showed tiny women in headstands or holding weights in different poses (NO THANKS – my body weight is enough).
Unfortunately, the first time I showed up for class in late July, they were vandalized the night before and their heat wasn’t working so I started to pursue a regiment with ClassPass. I’m so happy I made it back!
Bikram is hot yoga on steroids. For reference, see the heats listed below:
– Power Vinyasa Warm ++ The River – Five Points: 84 °F
-Power Vinyasa Hot at The River – Golden Triangle: 94 °F
-Bikram Yoga: up to 105 °F with 40% humidity
Bikram is more traditional than hot yoga, more strict. It doesn’t vary greatly from studio to studio, it is a set series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. This was the first time I had ever worked up enough courage to try it, I mean come on – 105 degrees! The building is bright, open, and beautiful. The women’s locker room was also generously sized and open with showers, cubbies, and changing areas. The studio is large and mirrored, enabling some awareness of your body, with a window looking out at Jefferson Park.
I got there early and had time to talk to the instructor. She was super sweet, showed me around the studio and made a few suggestions – sit towards the windows in the back so you can see what the other yogis are doing and feel free to watch the first time through each posture as they are all done twice in a row. She also hooked me up with one of the studio towels (typically a $2 rental). I introduced myself to my neighbors and asked if they would mind if I looked to them for guidance, everyone was warm and welcoming. The class had around 15 students and was one of the most diverse classes I have taken so far in almost every way; men and women with different body types, ages, and ethnicities.
I think I previously mentioned that I was looking to get a new mat. I’m the proud owner of a new 5mm lululemon reversible mat. It has so much cushion, a necessity for the hardwood floored hot yoga studios, and I couldn’t wait to try it out. Walking into the sweltering studio I noticed my new mat was less of a necessity. The floor at Denver Bikram is like one large cushioned yoga mat. Some of the other students were just practicing on yoga towels.
You start with a breathing exercise and then begin going through the standing postures. It’s conducted at a slow pace so you have time to recover between the postures. I picked them up pretty quickly and was able to get in each posture almost immediately. Then you move into shavasana to begin the seated/inversion portion of class. Between each sitting pose you go back into shavasana. That was the most annoying part for me. You’re only in it for a minute or so; just when you’re feeling relaxed you do a situp and twist around to get into the next posture. I’m sure it gets better with time and repetition like most things plus it was a good workout. The instructor gave me a few verbal instructions over the mic (left hip back, watch for the first iteration for an inversion, thumbs out). It was mostly lower body/legs. There weren’t any modifications beyond how deep you stretched and melted into each pose. At the end of class the instructor announced that I did an awesome job for my first class and everyone clapped. It was really nice! I felt a sense of community. The man next to me ran out and grabbed two cool washcloths for him and I to put on our foreheads during the last shavasana. I know some people might be horrified having a class clap for you so maybe mention you’d prefer it if your name wasn’t announced in class prior to the start.
I walked home on noodley legs that were still sore 3 days later. Here’s the kicker – Denver Bikram isn’t on ClassPass and it’s expensive $$$. A drop-in class will cost you $25; month-to-month unlimited is $165; and, a recurring monthly membership via auto-debit is $119. Luckily they almost always have a deal for first time students. I paid $59 for their 30-day introductory special. I figured if I make it to 3 classes I’m getting my money’s worth. Plus ClassPass is really flexible. You can roll over up to 10 credits every month and switch plans from month to month at any time. I dropped down to the $39/21 credit plan which lets you book 3-6 classes. I’m going to try to fit in as many Bikram classes as I can but after 30 days I’m going to be priced out. I’d love for them to join ClassPass!
Recommendations: Be ready to sweat! Make sure you try Hot Yoga first to learn how your body handles the heat and humidity.
Notes: 90 min
What to Wear/Bring: Yoga Mat, Full Sized Towel (a must! remember these are also available for rent at $2)
Inclusive Fitness Denver 