Alternative methods for exercising increase in popularity

A feeling of relaxation and a new positive outlook are just some of the few benefits that hot yoga offers junior Luke VonEschen.

“Hot yoga helps me think clearer, make decisions and just be more aware of what’s going on around me,” VonEschen said.

According to the studio manager of St. Louis Park’s CorePower, Abby Swenson, hot yoga originated in India and it is a variation of yoga designed to target core muscle groups and heart rates. It consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, and is performed in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity of 40 percent.

Although it was introduced to the United States in the 1970s, hot yoga did not become readily accessible until recently, according to Swenson.

“Yoga has become more available with more and more studios in the area,” Swenson said. “This could only contribute to more people doing hot yoga.”

Biology teacher and hot yoga student Jessica Gust said while she believes hot yoga is a much more difficult form of traditional yoga, it is equally enjoyable.

“It’s a really great workout, but while it’s physically demanding, it’s not as painful as other forms of exercise,” Gust said.

Although it is difficult, hot yoga still has very little contact, making it feasible for all ages, according to Swenson.

“Hot yoga attracts yogis of all ages,” Swenson said. “It is a high intensity (workout) but low impact so yogis of all ages find it challenging yet accessible.”

According to senior Emma Walker, hot yoga combines many different exercises into one. Walker said this variety of workouts is one of the many factors that make hot yoga enjoyable.

“It strengthens everything in your body, while helping your flexibility and balance,” Walker said.

In addition to its variation in exercises, VonEschen said he admires the fact that hot yoga’s purpose is to provide a tough workout while still being calming.

“It does not have the competitive edge that most sports have,” VonEschen said. “This allows it to be more relaxing while still being a challenge.”

Because hot yoga uses the same sequence of poses for each class, Swenson said prior experience is not needed.

“The teacher will guide (the beginners) through the class from start to finish,” Swenson said. “This isn’t to say the class is beginning level—it is quite challenging—but easy for beginners to follow along.”

A variety of locations within Park, including LifePower, CorePower and Moksha, offer opportunities for students to get involved in hot yoga. Prices start at $15 per drop-in class, while most locations offer memberships.