A boxy, concrete structure sits on the corner of Platt Street and Newport Avenue in the heart of South Tampa. A thick coat of white paint marred by muck fallen from the trees barely hides the years of wear and tear. Inside Yogani Studios, however, is an oasis of Eastern culture and medicine. The smoky perfume of incense, the soft music and dim lighting immediately stimulates the senses. South Tampa yogis make weekly pilgrimages to the studio to unwind from their daily stresses. If you visit Yogani seeking peace and serenity, beware of the Bikram yoga class. This class is not intended for beginners, or the faint of heart.
The Yogani Studios’ website describes Bikram yoga, or “hot yoga” as “a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises performed in a heated room.” Eighty-five degrees might sound a bit warm to you. Perhaps you envision a light sweat beading on your brow as you meditate towards a higher state of being. In actuality, exercising in an eighty-five degree room called “the solar studio” feels more like rubbing jalapenos all over your skin, while running a marathon…in Hades. There is a reason the extra hairy guy kneeling on his mat has chosen to go shirtless and you, newbie, have opted for traditional yoga pants and a double layer of cotton tankinis… he knows better. Sweat is not an option. If you are concerned that the odor emitted by thirty sweating bodies, all huffing and puffing in a sweltering inferno might distract you from reaching nirvana, don’t be. Stench is the least of your worries. As the rest of class gently gazes towards the window, feet firmly planted in warrior one, the undisciplined beginner is thinking solely of the nearest water source. The movements themselves require balance, flexibility and a basic yoga background. If you have never taken a yoga class before, start with Yoga 101 before deciding to go medicine balls to the wall in Bikram.
The instructors at Yogani act as spiritual guides through your personal journey to enlightenment. They are all knowledgeable, charismatic people with a passion for yoga. They will, however, expect you to push yourself. Bikram yoga is the closest thing most of us will ever come to the show “Survivor” so it is an experience worth trying. Mats and towels can be rented for a dollar and a water fountain is available for your convenience. Most regulars bring their own bottle and fill it up before class. Beyond the obvious challenges, taking a hot yoga class is said to increase your flexibility, protect your muscles from injury, detoxify your body and burn an insane number of calories. If the idea of contorting in a man sized microwave sounds right up your alley then Bikram yoga is a class you will enjoy…for ninety minutes.
Consider yourself warned. Namaste.
For more information on Yogani Studios, click here!
