Hot Yoga
Lilah Solove / Staff Reporter
Hot yoga, a form of yoga practiced in rooms heated up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, helps detox your body, improve circulation and enhance flexibility. Recently, I registered for a hot yoga class called “Hot26” at Bluespot Yoga in Bexley.
Walking into the studio was a great way to escape the icy cold Ohio weather. I followed the other participants into a dimly lit room, which created a serene and inviting atmosphere. In the short time before the class began, I could already feel the heat in the room intensify, and I began to sweat just lying on my yoga mat.
Finally, it was time for the class to start, and the instructor described how to do the first pose. At first, I felt a bit lost, but after looking at others around me, I quickly caught on. Each pose was held for about 30-45 seconds, which required a good amount of strength and balance due to the combination of unnatural body positions and extreme heat.
The poses only got more challenging throughout the rest of the class, but the instructor’s soothing voice and the tranquil environment helped me push through the intensity. By the last pose, I felt extremely accomplished and glad I got to experience something new.
The class was a lot more difficult than I expected and much more physically demanding than past yoga classes I’ve attended. However, I would still recommend hot yoga to anyone up for a challenge.
Cyclebar
Miranda Labine / Staff Reporter
Upper Arlington CycleBar is a workout spot for both experienced and new riders. My friends and I took advantage of our free first cycling class, and the location was extremely welcoming. I felt the overall experience was ultimately positive, and I had no complaints.
Upon arrival, an instructor warmly greeted us, helping us check in and grab shoes, and then showing us to our personally decorated lockers where we put our items. She then brought us to our bikes, helping us clip into the pedals and adjust them as needed. The instructor then let us know that if we needed anything during the class to not hesitate to ask.
The room was dimly lit with red lights scattered throughout, creating a more immersive experience. The class began with a warmup from the trainer as she explained to the room what the ride would consist of. Music filled the room throughout the ride, matching the riding tempo.
The instructor would also pause during the ride to give words of encouragement, which kept me motivated throughout the challenging ride. We rode 13 miles, and I felt accomplished in my ability to ride as far as I did. Once we were done, the instructor approached us and asked us how our time was and let us know future deals on classes. I felt the class made the workout an enjoyable experience, and I would defi-
nitely want to attend again.
Pilates
Evie Lippman / Staff Reporter
When I walked into The Pilates Studio on Main Street, I was nervous because I had never participated in a Pilates class before; I thought I would struggle with learning the movements. However, I quickly realized the experience would be beginner friendly.
With help from my instructor, I fit in perfectly with the group, which consisted of three other women, and I was able to follow the class with her adjustments.
Pilates is known for being a very new and different form of movement. It consists of lying on a machine called a reformer connected to bands to move yourself through slow, sustained movements.
The workout itself was a little disappointing. Going into the class, I thought I was about to really “feel the burn.” I had heard Pilates was not for the weak and could really knock you into shape. However, for
some exercises, I didn’t feel like I was working out.
I’m sure if I continued doing Pilates and really progressed with it, I eventually would be able to push myself. Since I was at a beginner level, simply learning the foundations of Pilates wasn’t enough to be considered an exercise. Therefore, I would definitely recommend this class to someone who is willing to commit to it for a long period of time. However, if you are just looking for a single workout, I would not
recommend Pilates.
