I'm less likely to be caught up in any drama.

“Hot yoga is teaching me to turn off my brain and be in the present... noticing the little changes that will eventually lead to big changes”

Denise Nitta

When was your first class, and how did it go?

January, 2018 was my first class and I thought my heart was going to pound right out of my chest and I could not catch my breath!

What first led you to start hot yoga? What was your life like before all this?

I came to hot yoga with a friend and her daughter at their invite to try something different. I was unable to play soccer, run and workout due to a foot injury. My hips we’re getting tighter and tighter and more pain with moving from a sitting to standing position. I was slowly getting stiffer and stiffer. I had fallen into a little slump and new I needed to do something.

If you are returning to hot yoga after some time away, what brings you back and how do you feel now that you are back into a healthy routine?

I have done many types of yoga over the years but never stuck with it until now. I guess I never found the right place Now that I have been practicing on a regular basis , I have less pain and sleep better. I am not taking Motrin every night to sleep and have a decrease with the pain and overall tightness/stiffness.

What health benefits do you PERSONALLY get from hot yoga (mental / emotional / physical etc)?

Physically, I can feel the subtle changes of the lengthening of my muscles by being able to get into the different postures deeper moving towards the nal expression.

My muscles are stronger and my body is more t. Mentally, it is a significant challenge for me to turn off my brain and just “be in the present “. Hot yoga is teaching me to turn off my brain and be in the present, letting go of one posture and moving on to the next posture, accepting the body that your today, and noticing the little changes that will eventually lead to big changes. I tell you, practicing yoga in 105 degrees makes me a little heat resistant, the heat and humidity of the Michigan summer does not bother me like it used too.

Yin yoga mentally is just as dicult at the hot yoga. Just being still is so very difficult for me , so the Yin is really helping me with letting go and just focus on your breath. ( Lynne is GREAT! )

How does your life OUTSIDE the yoga studio benefit you (work or family etc)?

The meditation and breathing help keep me more centered, and calm and less likely to be caught up in any drama and less reactive to the everyday stressors of work and home life.

What is your favorite thing about the yoga and/or the studio community?

This yoga community is filled with very kind and positive people. The teachers are very knowledgeable and willing to teach and adapt the postures for you to get the most out of each pose. I learn something different from each teacher and try to carry that into the next class. I love type variety of classes. The yin and hot yoga are a double whammy to my body and brain as well as being a compliment to each other.

What advice do you have for beginners who are working up the nerve to get started?

Just take that first class and come back! Your body will change slowly and you will feel so much better physically and you will nd a mental toughness you had no idea that was in you. . There is no judgement here, EVERYONE wants you to succeed. I promise you, your heart WON’T beat out if your chest and you will be able to get your breath back. Take a break , lay down and then try again. You will learn to appreciate how good cold air feels on you , even if it is just for a second, when someone exits and re-enters the room. Everyone can remember how hard that first class was but keep coming back! You will reap so many rewards both physically and mentally, it is so very worth it!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just really appreciate all your teachers. I think all your teachers make it a point and priority to make some kind of connection with the students especially on that first day. I know if Shelia and Lynne had not be so kind, helpful and positive on those first classes, I may not have had the courage to come back into that hot , hot room, to keep trying and reaping all the benets , physically and mentally. I also appreciate and applaud you for being so community-minded. I love the yoga on the river, yoga at Arts, Beats and Eats, the fundraiser class for Huntingtons, supporting and Boy Scout on his journey to become an Eagle Scout. It is all good stuff. Thank you for such a great community!