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original hot yoga benefits

Jan 22
Love0

Haley Hall Loves Sterling Classes Because They’re Different

By Testimonial

Haley Hall had taken several barre and Pilates classes over the years, but she hadn’t really practiced yoga before she came to Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness nine months ago.

Her busy lifestyle prompted her to consider fitness options that would help relieve stress. “As an educator, my days are often rushed and very busy,” she said. “I was looking for a workout that not only helped my body physically, but mentally as well.”

Haley found the “engaging group fitness class” she was looking for at Sterling, but the studio offered other bonuses as well. “I chose Sterling because of the convenient location, and I had heard great things about it!”

Not only did original hot yoga, vinyasa flow and Inferno Hot Pilates provide the stress relief she wanted, but they’ve helped her get stronger and “always have a feeling of being more calm and centered after class,” she said.

It’s that feeling that keeps Haley coming back to practice consistently. 

“Carving out a specific time for yoga provides me with the opportunity to slow down, relax deeply, and simply focus on the moment,” she said. “As an educator, I consider myself a lifelong learner. I appreciate yoga being a constant practice rather than a final outcome.”

But more than that, Haley said classes at Sterling are just different compared to other workouts she’s done.

“I have found that yoga calms my thoughts, and I focus on my body and my breath during class, and I block out the other thoughts,” she said. “In other workouts, I find myself going through my mental checklist of the day, rather than focusing on what I am doing. Sterling classes are different when it comes to the mind-body connection.”

Like most students, that wasn’t the first difference Haley realized. Sterling classes are hot(!) to help the muscles stretch more safely, working to restore and maintain natural range of motion. But getting acclimated to the heat is usually one of the biggest adjustments new students have to make. 

“When the class first began, I thought there is no way I will make it through this heat!,” she said. “But after it was over, I felt amazing!”

Haley admits she isn’t always one to try out new things, so she has been pleasantly surprised how practicing consistently has given her the courage to do that.

“Sometimes I am scared to try new things, such as a new pose I’m afraid of, but since practicing yoga, I realize we are all practicing and no one is perfect,” she said. “So I would say it has encouraged a willingness to try new things!”

Haley had to overcome some fears even to just get started, but now she said she craves yoga when she’s away from it.

Her advice to first-timers? “Just do it! You won’t regret it,” she said. “I never considered myself a flexible “yoga” person, so I was always afraid to try yoga. Then I realized yoga is for everyone!”

Everyone is welcome to join us, and like Haley said, you won’t regret it! 

“The people at Sterling is one thing that makes it so special. It is a great community of people who are very positive and encouraging!,” she said. “Classes are Sterling are often the highlight of my week, and I always leave the studio feeling better than when I walked in.”

We want to be the highlight of your week too! You can get started for just $30 and get 30 days of unlimited classes. Click here to join or sign up at the studio when you take your first class!

Oct 23
Love0

Original Hot 60: When and Why You Should Take This Class

By News

Many longtime practitioners will tell you that there’s no substitute for the Original Hot 90 Minute class. We agree!

So why do we offer the Original Hot 60? Plain and simple, we want to offer you as many opportunities as possible to practice.

We understand that sometimes it’s hard to make time for a 90-minute class, not to mention the time it takes to travel to the studio, get ready after, etc.

That’s where the Original Hot 60 comes in. While we recommend taking the 90-minute class as often as possible, take the 60-minute class when you can’t make the time commitment to the 90. 

Doing so will help you maintain your progress AND maintain a consistent practice — both good things!

Did you know that some studios limit their 60-minute classes to more experienced practitioners? 

Often, we see that newer students are attracted to the 60-minute class because the class length is less intimidating.  

Because of the faster pace of the 60, it offers more of a cardiovascular benefit, so be prepared for a good workout!

 

Sep 13
Love0

Laura Noah Finds Healthy Changes and More at Sterling Hot Yoga

By Testimonial

Like most people who seek out yoga, Laura Noah was looking for transformation.

“I needed to make a change in my life,” she said. “Lose weight, gain strength and be healthier in both mind and body.”

Prior to joining Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness—then Bikram Hot Yoga Mobile—Laura hadn’t done yoga at all, but that didn’t stop her from signing up. 

Now she’s been practicing yoga for seven years, five of which have been at Sterling. “I’ve been practicing almost exclusively Bikram-style hot yoga,” she said. “It has helped make me become a better musician. With a regular practice, I have increased energy, flexibility and strength. Mentally, I am stronger and more patient.”

Laura is a professional timpanist and percussion educator, and she has performed with the Mobile Symphony, Pensacola Symphony, Mobile Opera, Pensacola Opera, Alabama Shakespeare Festival and other groups in the Southeast.

The yoga and the benefits she experiences from a regular practice are what keeps her coming back. After her first class, she couldn’t wait to come back. She said she thought, “‘I did it! Let’s do it again!’”

When Laura first started practicing, Bikram Hot Yoga Mobile was the only studio in town that offered the original hot yoga sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, which made it an easy choice.

 “It was the only studio in town that offered Bikram-style hot yoga (plus, they were running a sale),” she said.

Sterling is still the only studio that offers the original hot yoga sequence as it was intended to be taught with the proper environmental controls that regulate the room to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity and with the appropriate ventilation.

Most students are surprised by something that this yoga teaches them. Laura came to yoga hoping to get stronger physically, but she was surprised by “how much the practice changes you both physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she said. “This yoga cultivates compassion and patience for both yourself and others.”

First-time students and others who dismiss hot yoga without trying are usually concerned about the heat, but it’s just part of the practice, according to Laura.

“When you try hot yoga, yes, it will be hot. Acknowledge it, and let it go,” she said. “Just do your best and every day your best will be better than the day before.”

Laura’s advice? “Embrace the challenge and the yoga will change your life for the better.” 

If you need to make positive changes in your life, you can get started with a great deal! With our new member special, practice unlimited yoga for your first 30 days for just $30. It’s the best deal in town!

Aug 17
Love0

More Benefits of the 90-Minute Original Hot Yoga Class!

By News

While the physical benefits gained from the Original Hot 90 can’t be overstated, but it is just as transformational mentally and emotionally. Here’s why:

Breathing. The breath helps focus the mind. It helps create connection between the body and the mind, inviting and grounding you into the present.

Repetition. Repeating the postures is a powerful diagnostic tool physically. But it also allows you to practice letting go of what you think you know about your body to deepen and connect.

“Moving Meditation.” As the teacher guides you through the class, there is nothing for you to have to think about. Your body moves with the words, which helps you disconnect from the busyness of life and enter into a meditative state.

Stillness. Learning to be still between poses and even during poses is another opportunity to experience meditation in the class. Resting in savasana during the floor series (about 11 minutes in total during the Original Hot 90) helps reduce stress, decrease inflammation and promote your emotional well-being!

If you haven’t tried the 90-minute class, do your body and your mind a favor and take it! 

You have five opportunities every week to work it into your schedule and see what it’s all about!

 

Jan 22
Love0

Christa’s Original Hot Yoga Practice Replaces Need for Knee Surgery

By Testimonial

Yoga Benefits Yoga Testimonial Yoga for Knee Injury Sterling Hot Yoga MobileSometimes yoga testimonials can seem unbelievable. Could yoga really help the body repair itself enough to not need surgery?

But for Christa O’Harrow, it’s quite true. Four years ago when some knee problems flared up after her years of jogging, a friend gave her advice that would change everything.

“I required a knee operation and actually was scheduled for one when a friend suggested I try Bikram yoga instead,” Christa said.

At the time, Bikram Yoga Pensacola had just opened. “Not wanting to have the operation in the first place, I gave it a try,” she said. “The best decision I ever made!”

Not only did her newfound Bikram practice improve her knee problems, but also eliminated the need for the operation.

“I absolutely love the practice,” Christa said. “It’s not only beneficial for my body but also my mind.”

Before she discovered Bikram, Christa practiced hatha yoga and Baron Baptiste hot yoga. About 20 years ago, she sought out yoga for some of the reasons people usually do.

“I needed to improve my posture,” she said. “Sitting bent over a computer most days, along with dealing with a stressful career, I needed some relief.”

And, as usual, yoga provided that and more. “It changes your outlook on life,” Christa said. “For me, I became much happier and more grateful for being alive.”

Less than a year ago, Christa became a beautiful addition to Sterling Hot Yoga & Wellness. (She even moved to be closer to us!)

“I moved to Mobile for a number of reasons, one being Sterling Hot Yoga,” she said. After Bikram Yoga Pensacola closed, she found Sterling’s environment to be “friendly and inviting” and the teachers “knowledgeable and helpful.”

Being closer to the studio helps Christa get more of the practice that her body craves.

“Honestly, it’s my lifeline. I need it,” she said. “I travel a lot and my body revolts after missing a week or two of Bikram. My joints ache and my knees act up.  For me, it’s the best way to keep old age at bay.”

Christa had her doubts about whether original hot yoga—the standard 26 postures and two breathing exercises—was the best way to prevent the aches and pains of aging. But, of course, consistency with the practice proved to her otherwise.

She said even the slower pace of the practice encouraged her to come back. “The yoga I practiced before Bikram was fast-paced flow, and as I aged, my ability to move slowed, so Bikram was perfect!”

Christa credits a consistent practice with keeping her “young, mindful and grateful,” and she has some simple advice for new students considering yoga.

“Do yourself a favor and try it,” she said. “Your body and mind will be forever grateful.”

Ready to get started? Click here to sign up for our new member introductory special, just $30 for 30 days of unlimited practice!