Sweat it, pop it, drop it, work it

Okay, so, I've been trying to write this blog post for about two weeks. I just haven't had a moment o finish it! But, behold, here it is!

My mom brought me to CorePower Yoga to experience the one hour sweat session of Yoga Sculpt with weights. It can, and is intimidating walking into a yoga studio, especially if you see people's legs up by their ears, and they're standing on their heads. Let this go. Walk in with confidence. You're here to workout and be healthy, right? Be you.

This yoga sculpt class starts with a mellow warm up, dynamic movement session, followed by a combination of sculpting moves with free weights and a high-intensity vinyasa flow + bursts of cardio. You can expect some high energy, beat dropping music, and when you leave you'll be exhausted from the full body workout.

You'll work your biceps, triceps, shoulders, rotator cuffs, quads, calves, mid-section and more. You'll start feeling muscles you didn't even know you had.

However, I am leaving out one of the key factors to expect from a yoga sculpt...it's hot. The room is usually heated between 95 - 100 degrees. A few side notes: If you're used to working out in the heat, it will give you an advantage over those of you who may workout in an air conditioned gym or room. The heat in this yoga studio is (usually) bearable and feels much better than working out in the heat outside. I'm not sure why that is.

The class finishes with dynamic stretching, and of course, relaxing and breathing. At this point, you'll be sweating so much that you'll feel as though you've showered in a hot, moist room. It sounds gross, but CorePower Yoga studios keep their rooms very clean. You can even hop in the shower if you need when you're done.

After attending the class several times, I began to learn the pace of the class and my body has adjusted a bit more to the temperature. My muscles are immediately warmed up and easy to stretch out, and already started to see results a week later. Of course, you do loose a lot of water weight, which will be put back on once you drink, so don't think about how much you weigh. You'll see the difference in your body shape. You'll tighten, tone and be defined, granted you are watching your kitchen habits...if you know what I mean.

Be prepared to focus on your breathing and form. Do not be concerned about how other people look, if they're staring at you, blah blah. No judgement, really. If you want to talk about it later, go for it. But in there, let it all go and focus on your workout and pushing your limits.

Tips for newcomers & some reminders: 

1. BRING your water bottle. You will need it for hydration and energy 
2. Bring (or rent) a towel. You'll be slipping, sliding and dripping all over the place if you don't have this. Plus, please keep your area clean.
3. BYOM: Bring your own mat (rent if you don't have). You will not be able to do much if you don't have a mat. This sticky surface will help to keep you from falling on your face. 
4. Take  a water break whenever you need it. Don't wait for the instructor to cue in a break.
5. Don't worry about others. Don't do it. I know you'll want to look around and watch other people. If you really need to, only do it when you aren't quite sure what you're doing. Focus on you. This 60 minute workout is for you.
6. Modify. If you're completed exhausted, don't feel shameful if you need to stop, take a break, or even modify the move, you'll end up compensating if you don't. Example: if you're doing push ups, drop your knees. 
7. BE AWARE OF YOUR FORM. Do not slack on form. It's not safe and you can injure yourself. If you aren't sure how to do a move, raise your hand for assistance. 

There are benefits to working out in the heat, check out the most recent, 17 Days To Superhuman blog post, "How to Workout in the Heat and Why you Should Embrace It!" This post will give you the ups & downs of heated workouts in detail.

Caution: Working out in the heat can be very dangerous. Be careful and always be smart. Know your body and listen to it. Thirsty? Drink. Tired? Rest. Need to step out? Do it.