Asheville Yoga: What's the Buzz?

BIKRAM YOGA ASHEVILLE
Adi Westerman and Janet Horn are bringing the health benefits of yoga to the hot sweaty masses in Asheville.

They Don’t Mess Around
It’s hot. No really, really, seriously hot. I am wearing as little clothing as possible in a public place, standing about 3 feet away from another scantily clad individual with a nervous look on his face. We’re sweaty, we’re thirsty and we are secretly planning our escape. And this is yoga?

Not Your Mama’s Yoga Class
Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, has developed quite a buzz in the global yoga community these days. Now folks here in Asheville are experiencing it for themselves. This particular branch of Hatha Yoga, or the physical form of yoga, founded by its namesake Bikram Choudhury, is performed in a room heated to around 105 degrees. A highly disciplined practice, students practice the same 26 yoga poses, 2 breathing exercises and 2 sets of each in every class.

By now you have most likely heard about the health benefits of yoga practice but perhaps not so sure about the intimidating 105 degrees? Bikram Yoga Asheville owner, Janet Horn says, “Just try it. While it’s not for everyone, the heat has many benefits." The sky high temperatures of a Bikram Yoga class not only helps to acclimate your body to heat (helpful when coping with hot flashes) and allows you to move safely and deeper into the body (great when dealing with injury) it also can be quite empowering and add quality to your life, increased self esteem leading to healthier lifestyle and eating habits according to Janet. Other reported benefits include relief from symptoms of asthma, chronic pain, high blood pressure and rosacea of the skin.

What’s Resolution Got To Do With It?
February 1st, the folks at Bikram Yoga Asheville kicked off their 60 Day Challenge where practitioners will complete 60 yoga classes in 60 days. Whew!

Want to know more? Check out this article recently featured in O, The Oprah Magazine about one woman’s 60 Day Total Life Makeover which included a Bikram 60 Day Challenge. And here is a follow up article.

More Resources
-Bikram Yoga Asheville’s website with class schedule and information for beginners.
-Here is what you can expect at your first Hot Yoga Class.
-More yoga classes in Asheville.

But don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and I’ll see you in class!

Lindsay Fields

Lindsay Fields is currently teaching yoga at Anytime Fitness in West Asheville and South Asheville Yoga Studio. For more information on yoga and Lindsay including her current class schedule, please visit lindsayfields.com.



AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog -
Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media