Chronic Pain Doesn’t Have to Be a Way of Life

We love hearing from the YV community and their experience on the yoga mat. Check out this bit written by one of our dedicated Hot 26 yogis...

I have been going to YogaVenue for the Hot 26 classes for about a year. I am not someone who really writes reviews, however this is a worthy exception. As someone whose inflexibility is hereditary, I have always been fussy over the yoga classes I attend. The option to purchase a package to trial unlimited classes for 20 days at a reasonable rate was a big help to me to test it out without making a large financial commitment.

The Hot 26 class consists of 2 breathing exercises and a sequence of poses in a heated studio. The more I learn about this the more I appreciate how clever it is. Each pose seems to have hundreds of variations so that all levels can be accommodated. I do my variation, whist someone standing next to me could be doing the most advanced phase, or anything in between. The sequence is in a specific order, meaning that you give your body the space to build up to the master poses in the class.

I first really noticed the benefits of hot 26 when I went up Mount Snowden last year. I knew I was severely under-trained and was dreading the stiffness the next day. Remarkably I had none, which has never happened before and a big surprise given how unfit I was! I have also become more aware of my body as the classes have taught me to listen to myself. Some days I am in a place where I can push hard, whilst others I am gentle. I have always had back issues, but these have improved from attending these classes. It was wonderful to hear from my physio how my shoulder muscles are in a much better place now. These changes were not instantaneous but have occurred over the last year through regular practice (usually 1-2 times per week, occasionally up to 4 when I have time).

The heat can be a bit bizarre at first – it can feel strange during the initial sessions but is pleasant. I love it – my muscles automatically relax as soon as I enter the warm studio and I feel like I have a new body whenever I walk out of a class. I think that this is related to the heat as I don’t get that feeling after stretching / doing yoga at home.

After taking pain killers for a while for back issues related to bad posture & a desk job, I realised that this wasn’t the solution and became concerned about the longer term consequences of not addressing these. Caroline and Alessandro are helping me heal and are going well beyond the call of duty – even giving up their spare time to identify exercises for me to do at home. The instructors in the classes all know their stuff and are constantly monitoring everyone to ensure exercises are done properly to avoid injuries.

I hope that this review has helped and I look forward to seeing you on the mat.

As expressed by the YV practitioner above, the purpose of a Hot 26 (also known as Bikram style) class is to establish stability, mobility, and ease in your body and being. This heated practice and self-care routine can help alleviate chronic pain and emotional stress, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed. For optimal results, it’s recommended your practice be consistent and appropriately ambitious, while also being led by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. Chronic pain doesn’t have to be a way of life. Relief awaits.

Drop into a Hot 26 offerings today or, if you’re still uneasy about group classes, book a private session and work one-on-one with one of YV’s senior teachers.  However you choose, we’ve got your back (literally).