Can you remember what you were doing in 2004? I was busy implementing business intelligence systems for HP, and in my spare time I enjoyed practicing Tai Chi. And at the weekend, I would take Sinead and her two oldest brothers – all three of them were teenagers back then – to the climbing centre in St Werburghs. We spent a lot of time there, and all learned to lead climb.
At the time, Sinead often said that she would like to go to a Yoga class. Then, one day, we saw a class advertised at the climbing centre. The climbing centre (for those who’ve never been) is an old church that’s be re-purposed. In those less safety-conscious days, the class
took place at the centre, high up in the old choir loft and overlooking the walls and climbers. I was quite happy to take Sinead to the class. I thought it was a great idea. Then Sinead explained to me that I had to do the class as well, because she didn’t want to do it on her own. I must say I was shocked. Such a thought had never crossed my mind. I couldn’t go to a Yoga class! That was a crazy idea. Sinead was quite persistent however. I still don’t know how she did it, but she talked me into it. I agreed to go to the class with her.
The class was everything I didn’t expect. It was a hardcore Ashtanga class, and it was taught by a hardcore teacher. He took no prisoners, and by the end of it I was both exhausted and amazed. Everything, literally every aspect of what had just happened, was the polar opposite of what I had envisaged. I was blown away, and there was no doubt in my mind: I’d be going back next week. The rest, as they say, is history…
Looking back, I can understand why some people don’t want to try a Yoga class. Without ever having tried Yoga, or spoken to anyone about Yoga, I’d formed an opinion that nearly stopped me from attending with Sinead, all those years ago. Add heat into the mix and people can feel a strong sense of reservation. All I can say is: it’s likely that whatever you’re thinking, is not what will happen at your first Hot Yoga class.
Prepare to be surprised!
You can email us for any information you’d like to know as a beginner to both Yoga and Hot Yoga.
