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I know I’m not the only one cursing the cold weather these days. I’m fairly certain if my puppy could talk he’d be asking why it’s freezing and pitch black when he goes for his daily walk at 5:00pm. Needless to say, the cool temperature is just one of the reasons why my recent visit to Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill was such a delight.
If you’re a novice, Bikram yoga is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees with 40% humidity but you don’t need a thermometer to know its hot. After a long distance relationship with yoga for the past several weeks months, I attended an evening class last week to get reacquainted. Following a friendly conversation with the class instructor, Deepak, I entered the expansive room lined with mirrors and waited for the session to start. For the next 90 minutes I focused on nothing but the positioning of my body as Deepak instructed the well attended class through the 26 poses that comprise a Bikram session. I’ve taken quite a few yoga classes in the past, but newcomers should be assured I’m no expert and beginners will be able to keep up. Word to the wise, they aren’t kidding when they say wear breathable clothing you won’t mind sweating in. The studio’s website offers a complete rundown of poses so you can assess your own abilities before going to the studio.
Classes are reasonably priced ($18 per 90 minute class) and require a mat, towel and water. If you forget any of these items, all are available for a small fee.
Capitol Hill has several other good yoga studios, and you can read about them here. But if what you’re craving is a restorative session for the mind and body in a warm and peaceful climate, Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill is calling you.