If you guessed hot yoga, you were right! I dusted off the ole mat and towel and headed downtown for yoga – bikram yoga to clarify.
I am giving it a second chance. As many of you know, I fell in love with hot vinyasa yoga at Y2Yoga in Charlotte. The studio was hip, modern, and filled voids in me I didn’t know I had. So when I first learned that Charlottesville does not have a hot vinyasa studio, I cried. Seriously. Back in March, I gave the bikram studio here a try. I hated it. But being a new resident with limited choices, I was CRAVING hot yoga this week and figured that even if the style wasn’t my favorite, it would still satisfy that craving.
The studio has a $20 for 1 week unlimited pass, so I decided to get that and cram a bunch in in 7 days.
On my way there I thought that the hotness was more important than the style. I hate cold vinyasa! But I think that I need to find a flowy studio, hot or cold, to suit my style better. My yoga itch remains unscratched!
When I arrived back home, Matt was making dinner!
Who needs coconut water after yoga when you can have beer!?
Matt and I shared this guy
Bluegrass Brewery’s Nut Brown Ale
Not bad!
We are now picking out one meat a week at the farmer’s market. This week we got two pasture-raised chicken legs from Davis Creek Farm. They come frozen, which I love, so we can save them for the night we want and just need to remember to thaw them the night before.
The guys at the farmer’s market booth recommended a honey glaze, so I had glaze on the brain. While I was gone, Matt created a delicious honey orange glaze!
Wheeeeeeeeee!
Orange Honey Glaze
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic Gold nugget oil
Heat all on stovetop on medium for about 15 minutes, until syrupy and thick.
He also brined the chicken legs this afternoon
Looks like he baked them at 350* for about 30 minutes until they were to temp!
In addition to the chick-a-dee, we had baked okra fries and some roasted taters and carrots in a rosemary-garlic gold season
The okra were WAY to fibrous – kind of like eating a grasshopper!? Guess they were a bit over ripened on the vine
Everything tasted amazing – including the half leg I had with the thick, sweet glaze
Matt had ketchup for dinner!
I’ve been eating Adora calcium dark chocolates from the Healthy Living Summit for dessert at night and they are delicious!!
Going to watch the So You Think You Can Dance episodes I have yet to see! [Unfortunately I already know who wins – someone blurted it to me!!]
Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Your dinner looks delicious! I love sweet glazes on meat, so tasty. 🙂
Your blog looks awesome. Love the colors and your “About Me” pic is great.
Jenn
Evan Thomas says
I’m thinking of trying out yoga this semester when I get a pass to all the athletic programs my school offers. I’m definitely curious as to what yoga offered will draw me in. I guess you really need to go and try them out to know
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I’ve never tried Bikram…and I don’t think I will now. NO MUSIC!?!?
Nicole - yuppie yogini says
Sorry you didn’t have a good yoga experience. I’ve never liked yoga anywhere but at Y2 either.
Bethany @ More Fruit Please says
Dinner looks delicious! I really like your candle centerpiece with the straw tied around the vase… very rustic and pretty!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
That honey glaze looks so good! I also have an adora disk for dessert at lunch… they curb my craving but I still think they taste like cheap chocolate!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Funny– I love Bikram! To each her own, right? Hope you find a studio you like!
Dorry says
I agree about Bikram -SO STRICT! Like a drill sergeant yelling at you. The benefits are great but I’m more inclined to a nurturing studio. 🙂
Amy Pea says
I agree! The first time I went to Bikram, I got “yelled at” for chewing gum. There was about 50 people in there and the instructor actually stopped the class to grab a tissue and take it from my mouth. Over time, I’ve come to get a lot out of it, but each time the (90 min!) class begins, I think to myself – this is the last time. Once it’s over, I’m hooked again!
Kath says
OMG – how embarassing!
Liza @ Health Nutting says
Never tried bikram, but always wondered, hm. I too love hot vinyasa, soooo good. I actually wrote a post today about how much and why I love yoga so much!
That glaze looks delicious– I wonder how it would be on tofu– I might just try it!
I wish I had SYTYCD episodes to catch up on! I miss it. Top Chef is helping me deal haha
Wendy @ Seriously Sassy says
1. The first yoga sounded so much better. Sorry you miss that one….I can see why you do.
2. Orange-honey glaze. I’m diggin’ it!
3. I’m extremely jealous that your hub cooks.
Kristin says
Looks terrific. I am a Bikram fan. But have never tried any other hot yoga. I hope you can find a place you love.
Chelsea says
I have never tried hot yoga, I really want to though. Bikram doesn’t seem like my style, I can never sit still for anything, so holding the same poses for a long time would not work for me! Hopefully you find something to scratch that itch! Dinner looks awesome, I’m going to have to try that glaze.
Chelsea
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says
Okra like grasshoppers? Hmm..that just made my stomach sink, haha! Matt’s glaze sounds great, we’ll have to try that soon!
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
I haven’t found a studio where I like the yoga 🙁 I love doing it at home, but for some reason doing it with other people isn’t very fun.
holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
That glaze looks glorious! I think Matt should start a blog — then my husband can learn how to cook like Matt can 🙂 (as long as Matt makes it look like a “manly” task)
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says
that glaze looks delish!
Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says
That is so sweet that Matt makes food for you guys so often…how cute!
lauri (RedHeadRecipes.com) says
Sounds like you are missing your Hot Yoga studio like I am missing the farmers market in Columbia!! I’ve cried over it… seriously! I was pretty upset with one of the markets near Charleston that advertised organic… FALSELY!! Dinner looks yummy and I like your idea of ‘one market meat a week!’
Natalie says
I agree about the yoga completely. I did Bikram yoga for about two solid years when I was in college and then became a member of CorePower Yoga in Boulder. I recently moved and the only hot yoga studio here is Bikram. I tried it a few times and just could not do it again! I found the 90 minutes really dragged on. I sure hope you find a good studio there…
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
I don’t know how you down coconut water, but that chicken looks pretty yummy! 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i have never done bikram but i think i would hate it. i am mostly a yin yoga kinda gal – when i do get to the studio!
Wei-Wei says
Ouch, that yoga experience doesn’t sound very fun… at least you’ve found what’s right for you! Dinner sounds amazing, though.
Katie (Sweet Tater) says
when i first left my studio in greenville, i thought i’d never find another one as special. i think there’s something about the first place you started practicing. i was actually all set to continue teacher training at that old studio, commuting down one weekend a month for the next year. when i finally let myself let go of that crazy idea, i found Y2 and, like you, i am in love with that studio. i’m sure you’ll find somewhere else to settle in. :]
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) says
Lovin’ the new blog look!
and dinner looks awesome… 🙂
RhodeyGirl Tests says
I think you should give bikram yoga a few more tries.. keep at it this week with that pass. You’d be surprised. I hated it at first, but after 2 straight weeks I became addicted!
Sana says
You have eaten a grasshopper? Blah- strict/ ridged yoga just seems so wrong…
erica says
i think yoga is all dependent on the instructor. i used to take bikram yoga but couldn’t stand being packed in a room like sardines. i like my personal space….especially in an oven-type room! i started going to yoga at the gym i go to, and there seems to be a new instructor all the time. some classes i love, and some i hate….i wish i could find a more consistent class!
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
What a great afternoon/evening. Dinner looks awesome and has a touch of fall to it.
Brittany says
I’ve been to two bikram classes. The first time I had an instructor that was super strict and aggressive. (no water until 30 minutes into the class, no one can leave the room, etc.) I did NOT enjoy that class. The second time I had a much better instructor who had more of a “yoga” style approach to teaching the class – still the same postures, but much better atmosphere. Basically, what I’m leading to is that perhaps you could try it again with a different instructor. If not, come to Richmond – we have hot vinyasa classes. 🙂
Christie {Honoring Health} says
Yes, come to Richmond and we can all go to hot vinyasa together 😀
But, I feel you. I have tried and tried and tried to like Bikram and I just don’t, for the same reasons that you stated. It is true that you either love it or hate it so don’t force yourself to like something that you just don’t.
Also, here in Richmond, many of the vinyasa classes are heated to about 80 or 85 without that being “announced”, it is just the way that it is once you arrive at the class so maybe C’ville is the same way? I also have a teacher that says that it isn’t about the heat in the room, it is about the heat the teachers builds and I have to agree with her. I have taken her classes in a 75* room and gotten more out of it than a Baptiste style class heated to 90*. Though, nothing has been as powerful as practicing with Baptiste himself!
I digress.
Just keep poking around. You will find your yoga.
polly says
Oh Kath I love your honesty! 🙂
I just do NOT like hot yoga. blech. Unless the teacher is very sweet and fun and we can laugh at ourselves if we fall down and I don’t get TOO sweaty. 😀 I promise you’ll find what you crave. Just keep looking, my friend. Really if you find a TEACHER you enjoy, the yoga will be just the frosting. Hot, cold, flowly, or slow… it will be yummy eventually. I can’t wait til you find a YUMMY Kath yoga! 🙂
That chicken looks so good!
Lately, we have been making turkey burger hobo packets. Have you made them? Just yukon gold potatoes and a turkey burger, lots of salt and pepper and any veggies you like. Wrap up and grill! The potatoes turn to BUTTAH. I know you’d love them as much as I do.
XOXO
Daniel says
I hope you find a solution to your yoga troubles soon! I really like the idea of the glaze, I’ll have to try it out on some veggies. And speaking of veggies, ever since I read about grilling okra on your blog I’ve cooked mine that way and they’ve been nothing from perfect. I did have a few that were fibrous and I was told that the longer okra tend to be that way compared to the shorter ones.
Alice says
I think Brittany hit the nail on the head…it is all about the instructor. I’ve been doing Bikram for over a year now and there are some instructors I completely avoid because they make it miserable. A well trained Birkram instructor is encouraging, inspiring, and even entertaining…including encouraging you to smile when you’re in the akwardness of akward pose. Also—I wonder about your statement that it wasn’t challenging, makes me think maybe your instructor wasn’t giving good instruction. Even the most atheletic person in the room is shaking and sweating by the middle of standing bow pose.
But in the end to each her own. Unfortunately the hot vinyasa places in here in DC are notorious for being militant to the point of forcing you to the floor if you don’t get into savasana quickly enough. Needless to say I have no interest in trying hot vinyasa for that reason alone. 🙁
Angela says
So true. I belong to a Bikram studio and I’m addicted, but there are instructors that I avoid like the plague. While Bikram is strict as a whole, some teachers are very encouraging and supporting. In fact that’s part of why I love my studio. I have one instructor who is so motivating that you push yourself. She compliments your practice, even the newbies and she shows you how to adjust your posture to get into a deeper stretch. I also find that it is a really great workout, the stretching is counteracted by the strength you use to pull so I leave feeling both relaxed and strong.
Sarah says
My bf and I are watching a fascinating documentary on Jefferson and Monticello. It looks stunning! Hope you have a chance to tour it soon.
SallyH says
I tried a 90 min hot Bikram class last night and I’m siding with you for the moment. I’ve got 4 more classes on my pass and…well, I’ll force myself to go to at least one more. It is a very different practice. I’ve never done hot yoga at all before, but took 2 years of alignment yoga. So it was so weird to me to have Bikram which isn’t too concerned with alignment and it moves so fast and it is so intense with it’s sort of extreme stretching. It was just plain disorientating. I got a headache 1/2 through and woke up at 5am with a massive sinus headache. Ugh. However, all that said, I did feel great after the class, after my shower. I felt cleansed and flexible. So it had its pluses, but goodness, it was relentless and really required endurance. I prefer finding a quiet space to push myself in my other yoga. We’ll see if I learn to like it better. Glad you feel kind of the same and I’m not alone.
betty says
bikram yoga is VERY concerned about proper alignment. if you don’t follow the set up properly, go in and come out the same way – creating muscle memory – you will injur yourself. many of us are so out of alignment that the poses don’t feel right, especially in the beginning. you’ve been using your body one way for 20, 30, 40 years and now you are promoting the proper alignment it has been missing all along and it takes time and patience to get it there. all the postures work using a torniquet effect which shuts off the blood supply to organs/tissues then as you release the pose, fresh O2 blood flows in and heals the tissues, joint, ligament, cleansing your organs. you may have developed a headache due to lack of hydration, also staying with your breath (80/20) will help prevent that. It’s a healing set of postures, each one builiding on the next, and toxins are release which can result in a sinus headache too. but, if you can go the next day and the next, eventually, in the future, all will be healed! 🙂 I hope your future classes are better experiences! and as far as the bootcamp thing..well, anyone can find peace of mind in a quiet room with mellow music, incense, lavendar towels and massage. but if you can keep it together in a crowded, hot room with someone yelling at you well, no one can steal your peace. anywhere. ever!
Kim says
Well said Betty!!
jane says
totally agree. yoga is about finding peace with yourself wherever you are. what better practice than bikram!
Emily says
I’ve gotta get back into yoga and this post totally inspires me to go back to my local hot yoga studio, can’t wait! Also, delicious looking dinner!!
Bec says
Sorry you are still not enjoying that studio, I agree with you on most of those points. definitley look for a studio that is more your style regardless the temperature!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Glad you gave it another try! It’s always weird going to different yoga studios..and it sucks even more when you discover it’s not nearly as good as the one you’re currently (or used to be) at. Still sounds like a great time, though!
Calla says
I had to chime in because I loooove Bikram, so I was sad to see your comparison chart. My experience at the studio in Richmond (VA) I attend has never been like the one you described. It sounds like it might be the instructor, not necessarily the style of yoga.I say this because I have experienced some instructors that seem like they are barking instructions at you and I agree, that is not enjoyable at all! But once I tried a few different instructors and found the ones I like, it has been a much better experience. Beyond that, I must say that as a yoga instructor, I actually teach vinyasa style classes and while clearly I love it, I have found that Bikram gives me the same mental clarity as running does (I have been running for 10 years now). It makes me feel strong and focused the same way running does. As far as holding the postures for too long…my experience has been that the postures are held for no more than 1 minute but throughout that time, it is important to focus on engaging each and every muscle you are using and continually push yourself further into the posture (not to pain, of course). When I think of vinyasa I think of non-relaxing and not mentally clarifying. Bikram on the other hand brings strength and calmness to my thoughts and body all at once. When I need a break from the craziness of the world, Bikram is my outlet! This is why I had to add my two cents…..I really hope that there is another studio near you where you can give it one more try (3rd times a charm?) because it really is wonderful!
Tara says
I hope you give Bikram another try. It’s amazing!! It took me a couple of years to love it though. I’ve done it for 6 years now. Nothing makes me feel as good. It’s so good for your body, inside and out. I’ve done other hot yogas as well, for example Yoga Sport, Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga (BPVY). I also lived in Glasgow, Scotland for a while and there was no Bikram. I did different forms of non heated yoga there. I love all yoga classes really. I just feel the best after a Bikram class– like I’ve REALLY done a total workout…and burned A LOT of calories. I did Bikram throughout my whole pregnancy & even two days before I went into labor. You can read about my experience here. http://www.yogadallas.com/site/page/pg3464-as271.html Now, I’m doing less Bikram just because I’m a stay at home mom and Bikram doesn’t have daycare. I’ve joined the YMCA and have been doing more normal workout things. I must say I miss my regular Bikram routine. 3 days a week was my normal rate. I agree with the other people though, it depends on the studio and intructors. However, don’t let them bother you. It’s YOUR practice, and Bikram is all over the world. You won’t be going to that one studio forever. Good luck!!
jaclyn@todays lady says
You are so lucky to have a husband that cooks!!! Mine can only make kraft dinner and grilled cheese…… Its a good thing I love cooking!
Leanne says
I completely agree, I just don’t like Bikram yoga. I feel so reset, relaxed after vinyasa flow. I hate the breathing in the beginning, I hate how unfriendly and sterile the class feels. BAH.
marla says
I love hot flow yoga .
Are there any Baron Baptiste style classes offered in town?
I highly recommend them(usually as hot yoga, but if not a hot studio you will most certainly \
sweat.sweat sweat!)
There must be some power flow or ashtanga or vinyasa flow classes in town?If so, sample them all for us -would love to hear the reviews/comparisons!
(funny how some people love Bikram-there must be some superior teachers who “make” the class??)
Hannah says
Oooh, that glaze looks so thick and divine! (I’d have to add some wholegrain mustard to it, though, I think!) Is okra usually fibrous at all? It’s hard to find here in Australia, so I don’t know…
Vivi says
i totally empathize about missing your old yoga place! I LOVED my hot yoga studio in Seattle, and when I moved to buenos aires there were NO hot yoga studios, and the yoga studio I found turned out to be waayy too cult like!
Dinner looks great!
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair says
TOTALLY agree on Bikram because that was how my first impression was too!
I have to say, now that I’m doing Bikram at a new studio, which is a lot more easygoing than the first Bikram studio I tried, it’s growing on me but I still don’t love it. Definitely prefer a flow yoga. Does the studio offer Moksha? Moksha yoga is a nice mix between Bikram and flow I find. I like it.
Also, I liked Bikram better the more I went. So maybe after you go a few more times you’ll like it more!
heather says
Have you been to Ashtanga over in Belmont? I have never heard of anyone being unhappy with a class there.
Kath says
Not yet – it’s on my list!
Sam says
Sorry Kath but I find it hard to believe that you don’t think a lot of the poses are challenging. I really think it’s what you put into them. I know people in my Bikram class that have been doing it for 10+ years and still find it challenging. It is really about pushing yourself deeper into the pose. I know Bikram isn’t for everyone but it is definitely a challenge and is really what you put into it.
Kath says
That’s not what I meant – I said some of the poses ARE challenging (and I couldn’t do them all the way!) but the class in general did not wear me out. Poses were either too easy or too tough for me to do for the full minute, so perhaps that’s cheating, but vinyasa always leaves me tired and I can at least DO all of the poses.
laine @ beets, butter and mountaintops says
Not that you have to love Bikram, but that place “Poses were either too easy or too tough for me to do for the full minute” is where the learning is. You figure out how to deepen and more fully align the “too easy” poses, and how to modify the “too tough” poses while sitting with the mental discomfort of not being able to do them all the way yet.
Sounds like you are looking for a workout that happens to include yoga poses, not necessarily having a yoga “practice.” Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but a studio where people are building a practice rather than just getting a workout won’t be a good fit for you.
I do hope you find a new yoga home, though. It’s sad to leave an old studio that was such a good fit.
Heather says
looks yummy!
Caitlin says
I agree about Bikram yoga, but I did decide to temper my opinion a bit after reading everyone else’s comments. Maybe it is just the teacher, and after you try a bunch of different instructors you will find one you love. I will confess that once I left a class and immediately searched my nursing journals to find out if there was some legit reason behind my negative reaction 🙂 That’s just me, though, and I realize it was irrational (and I didn’t really find anything). That chicken looks amazing!!
Kerry says
I had a similar reaction to Bikram, but see how it could depend on the teacher.
But the main reason I am commenting is that I cooked okra for the very first time last month, and it was inedible. We just kept chewing, and chewing, and chewing…and it tasted like you described here. I’ll try again if I can find some at the farmer’s market this weekend though!
Kath says
Thanks for all of the feedback and comments!!
Talia@ieatbananas says
OMG KATH!! I was at the store yesterday and saw a big pile of biscoff packages! Totally thought of your blog! I even put some pictures on my blog haha!
Cyclist Kate says
Try some vinyasa/power yoga classes in town that don’t advertise as “hot vinyasa.” I have been practicing Ashtanga/vinyasa/power for 10 years and have found that many instructors turn the heat up to 85-90. Maybe not super hot, but I find it’s warm enough to get my muscles going and I end up dripping buckets of sweat anyway.
As others have said, a yoga class is only as good as its instructor. Keep shopping around and don’t get discouraged! Leaving a favorite teacher/studio can be really tough, but as long as you’re not looking to replace that old teacher/studio and you’re open to new ways of being awesome, you’ll find something :).
Sarah @ SeaEatsArt says
So funny your comment about eating grasshoppers, what a great similie!! Too bad you did not like yoga, maybe there are others that will come.
marla says
Kath….
decided to google for you and be your personal assistant 😉
Guess what I found?
Check out the scheduled offerings at www.astangacharlottesville.com
They have vinyasa classes,vinyasa power hour,ashtanga,etc etc
Definitely sounds like worth trying a few diff styles/teachers there.
I have a friend who does some ashtanga and ays the internal heat created in the
non beginner classes is intense!!!!
Can’t wait to see what you think!
Kath says
I’ve been all over their website and they will be my next studio trial! (Just wish there was a little ‘hot’ in front of vinyasa. Hoping for at least a very warm room!)
marla says
OOOPS
wrong spelling in link above!
here it is
www.ashtangacharottesville.com
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat says
I agree with you, Bikram yoga just isn’t as good as hot vinyasa yoga. Hopefully you’ll find a yoga studio that suits you too!
What texture does okra normally have? I was thinking about trying some, but now that you’ve compared over-ripened okra to grasshoppers, I’m a little less inclined 🙂
Kath says
Normally it’s soft – like ripe fruit (after baking/grilling – not raw)
marla says
ok I am blaming my computer
Apologies Kath
Last try, third time’s a charm!
CORRECT below!
www.ashtangacharlottesville.com
(if this too is spelled wrong…I give up 😉
Christa @ O, Cake! says
I agree that the instructor can make or break a class, but I agree with you about bikram. I cannot stand it, although I should probably mitigate that point with the fact that I don’t care for any style of hot yoga.
I agree with others who suggested checking into an ashtanga class. It is my favorite and though it won’t have the temperature that you like, it is challenging if you go to a class at a higher level, although it might be a good idea to try the beginning class first just to familiarize yourself with the poses. I’ll be interested to see what you try and what you think! Thanks for being so honest!
Katheryn says
Sorry you had a bad bikram experience. I’ve taken quite a few different bikram classes, and it has always come down to the teacher for me. Is there another teacher at that studio? DInner looks yummy!
marla says
PS The Vinyasa Power Hour might be a good class to try first there?
(described as rigorous !)
Kath says
Ha, you know me well!
Tina says
I am not a fan of bikram either. I, like you, love hot vinyasa. I go to Yoga One Wellness in Charlotte when I’m not traveling for work. I haven’t been to a bikram class in years. My neck used to be sore for days after doing the first pose/warm up in bikram. I shutter just thinking about it:(
Grace says
I was just converted to Ashatanga in Belmont recently. Went to my first class last night! Warm room and very challenging! I bought a month pass for $50. It’s great—hope to see you there 🙂
Kath says
Awesome!!! Which class and instructor did you go to ? I hope I can come soon 🙂
Chelsey says
hmmm i’ve never had grasshoppers before – what do they taste like?
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
I was just complaining how I have no dessert in the house – thanks for reminding me about the chocolate calcium bites : )
Kelly says
My boss does bikram, and I really wanted to try it..until she explained that it was like boot camp! I always thought she was there doing relaxing flowing movements! No thanks 🙂
BridgetP says
I hope you find a yoga class you love! This weekend my teacher was talking about expectations and how when we have certain expectations for yoga, for life, for anything, we don’t see other things because we are so busy looking for what we expect. So keep an open mind and maybe you will find something different than you expect that you still enjoy!
That being said, Bikram just doesn’t do it for me either. I LOVE hot vinyasa. Tonight no one else showed up for class so it was like a private lesson- with my favorite teacher, no less!
Kelsey @ Clean Teen Kelsey says
Your dinners always sound so wonderful. If I were to ever attempt something like that, it would take me hours, lol. Just curious, on average, how long does it take you two to pull a meal like that together?
Rachael says
I definitely understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been doing Bikram for over a year, and I didn’t truly start enjoying the experience until I hooked up with an amazing studio and teacher in Seattle, which was then surpassed by my current Asheville studio. A lot of your comparisons are accurate, but I guess the discipline and staid atmosphere is what I like – I get a level of focus and concentration that I”m hard-pressed to find in any other sector of my life. I was trained as a yoga teacher in hot vinyasa flow through Corepower, though, and if I could find a teacher around my part of NC, I’d be happy to vary it up a bit!
Pamela says
there are many different reasons to do yoga. Sounds like the flow is what fills your heart… more than the heat. Good luck finding the right yoga home for you.
Camille says
Bummer about the yoga!
At least dinner looks delicious!
Jkru says
It’s a bummer you don’t like bikram’s. I love it but it sounds like your studio is way different than the one I got to. I have been to other bikrams studios and they all aren’t terrible. I also completed a bikrams challenge 60 stays straight of bikrams, and it changed my life! Hope you can find a good studio.
Shanna, like Banana says
Funny, I just wrote a blog about my love of Bikram. I feel like my workout is so intense and the instructors I’ve had are so positive and have great mantras throughout.
I thought I’d hate the heat, but it’s a bonus for me too 🙂
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write says
Your husband is amazing. The fact that he can whip up an orange-honey glaze is unbelievable. My (sweet) hubby’s idea of cooking is grilling or ordering pizza. :p
Jessica@tastyandtrim says
That glaze looks and sounds amazing! I need to cook some up and try it-thanks for the recipe 🙂
Emmy says
I love all your posts (first time commenter thought, hi!) but this evening my three year old snuggled up next to me in bed while I was reading this last post and said to me “Look Mommy, girl is drinking juice” to the pictures of you holding your beer 😉 I just found that too funny!! So, hope you enjoyed your evening AND your (adult) juice!!
Kath says
Hahahhah!!
Kim says
YUM! Dinner looks soo goooooood!!! 😀
ashley says
i still say you could benefit from bikram’s static poses. though bikram’s poses are “limited,” you eventually MASTER them. i’ve been to MANY yoga classes and my back bends, dancer’s pose, warrior, ability to stretch my hamstrings are ALWAYS at the top of the class. thanks to bikram. bikram allows you to actually make progress in your flexibility THANKS to the static poses. from what i’ve seen from your photos on the blog–YOU could benefit from that. particularly your warrior pose–bend your knee and get that thigh parallel to the ground aleady!! best of luck this week 🙂
Ashley says
Interesting about the Bikram. I would still like to give it a shot at some point! So, you know I loved YogaOne in Charlotte and I actually haven’t gone to many actual classes here b/c of the cost. However, I went to a studio that was not hot yoga but it was Vinyasa and let me tell you it was harder than YogaOne!! The teacher had an excellent unique teaching style and the poses were all a bit different from Y1. And, even though it wasn’t hot, I was sweating my ass off by the end. I think the room started in the mid 70’s and our bodies rose it up over 80! Anyway, just letting you know that I found a non-hot yoga class that I LOVED. 🙂 Hope you find something soon!
Mimi says
I love that you made a chart. During high school, even if a project didn’t call for a chart or powerpoint, I liked to make one. I may have been a show-off, but I swear they make everything more impressive!
Ilana says
Hi Kath,
Have you been to Studio 206 on the downtown mall? I think I remember it from a ways back, and I think the instructor rec’d was Hillary? My sis is going to let me know . . . but in the meantime, maybe check it out. I know it is important– the first thing I did when I moved was find a new yoga studio (or 3). 🙂
Here’s the link:
http://studio206downtown.com/pages/?page_id=2
Kath says
On my list!!
Ilana says
Oh good, I figured. 🙂 They have vinyasa, so I think that’s more what you are looking for. Keep us a’posted!
Ashley says
So sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy bikram. I’ve done it on and off for the last 10 years (on again now), and have found that I am in peak shape both physically and mentally when I’m doing bikram. I agree with the other comments that urged you to try another class — while the first class CAN feel like torture and it CAN feel difficult to get deep into the poses, I think you will find that your frustration and dislike are mostly MENTAL blocks that you can push past. In my experience of going “on and off” of bikram, if I can just get myself to that second class, it’s 100% better than the first. And it only improves from there! In any event, hope you find a class you love. There are lots of different types of yoga for lots of different types of people — no one type will be “better” for everyone! Best of luck!!
Anna Lee says
Kath…I can’t recall if you’ve ever roasted turkey thighs? They’re available almost everywhere. Rub with olive oil and herbs and roast for about 2 hours at 350 degrees. They are so delicious…just like Thanksgiving Turkey dark meat…only 2000 times better and so much easier. NOM!!! DROOLS….must…make…soon..
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
haha I’m totally addicited to those Adora discs too 😛
wow, that yoga really doesn’t sound good..i don’t blame you for not liking it!
Mimi says
Kath,
Like a few other comments mentioned, I’d strongly recommend Ashtanga Yoga Charlottesville. The studio is always comfortably warm (and often smells delightfully of garlic from the amazing tapas place downstairs–tough if you’re hungry!). Based on what you’ve described of your previous vinyasa experience, I’d specifically recommend the Ashtanga Improv classes (the name is deceptive–they are very flow-y, in my opinion) with Katie and Ty (Wed. and Fri., respectively). I think the vinyasa power hour is nice if you want a quick yoga break during the day, but for a fuller, more well-rounded experience, I’d go for the ones I’d mentioned above.
Also, if you ever do get the opportunity to go back to ACAC, you MUST try Melissa’s class at 9:30 on Saturday mornings (at the Albemarle Square location). She is awesome! A fantastic teacher. While she doesn’t focus on the most difficult poses, her pacing is so perfect and the language she uses helps you get right at the heart of your muscles so that you absolutely feel like you’ve gotten the most out of each pose. I always felt wonderful after her classes!
Good luck! There’s a lot of great yoga in C-ville, and I know you’ll find the best fit for you–just don’t get bogged down by the titles of the classes! 🙂
Kath says
I’m excited to try the Ashtango studio. But garlic!? I loved Mas, but not sure I’d want that during class!! 🙂
I tried one at ACAC but I know it’s all about the instructor so I probably should do another.
Rachel @ Suburban Yogini says
From your “love” list I would honestly say try and find a vinyasa flow or hatha flow class and don’t worry too much about the heat. Bikram is (in my humble opinion) a nightmare and terribly unyogic in it’s attitude. But that’s just me 😉
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
Dinner looks great – I had bison recenetly from our farmer’s market that was so good! It is always hard to get use to new yoga styles when you are so used to something else.
Nicole, RD says
There’s a yoga studio by my new house — I’m going to be checking it out soon. I know there’s great places and not so great, so I hope it’s great! 🙂
Sorry about the okra…but at least there was beer!
Lauren @ 40Apples says
I am sorry the class was so bad! You’ve got to respect how your whole self reacts to a particular class, because if it’s just not jiving, well, that kind of defeats the whole purpose of yoga. It should NEVER be tortuous. It should be joyful. And you know that 🙂 I personally have never done Bikram because I know I would be more uncomfortable than anything else. (I can get pretty sweaty in REGULAR classes already!)
Tina says
Love SYTYCD! I wonder if they are doing a fall season again this year. I don’t remember hearing anything about it.
Sorry the class was a let down. Isn’t it amazing what different instructors putting their style into something can do to make or break the enjoyment?
Catherine says
I also love the hot vinyasa flow yoga. I had a Baptiste teacher once share that if you are at a practice that is not in a heated room to wear a bunch of clothes! Bundle up with a sweatshirt and you will create your own heat. Not exactly the same but you can sweat. Perhaps you can find a studio that you like the class and create your own heat! Maybe even run a bit before the class to raise your core body temperature! I hope something works for you!
Kath says
What a great idea!! I always think I have to be in a tank top, but a long sleeve shirt and long pants might be a very good trick!
Ashley@thehungryscholar says
That looks like a romantic dinner.
Love the new design of the blog!
neen@Broad bean to runner bean says
Dinner looks beautiful! i love how capable Matt is in the Kitchen! sorry your yoga wasnt what you were loking for!
sweetersalt says
Yum – that glaze sounds delish.
whitney says
i really like your plates!
I think beer was a good option after yoga as well.
Annie@stronghealthyfit says
I completely agree about Bikram! I tried it last summer and after a few classes I decided it was just not for me. I think I would love what you are describing – a hot vinyasa class. I do go to yoga for the fitness, but equally important to me is the calming, centering aspect of it too. Bikram just doesn’t have that.
I’ve also been trying to find a balance of how much meat I should eat- I feel like my body wants/needs it once in awhile, but most of the time I just don’t have any taste for it. I like freezing it, too, that way there’s no pressure to eat it right away.
annie says
SO TRUE ABOUT BIKRAM VS HOT VINYASA/POWER. i work at Power Living Yoga in Sydney (australia) – similar to the awesome place you were at before, and i could have drawn up exactly the same table as you! Yoga should be about LOVE and FLOW and getting stagnant energy moving. good luck in your yogini journey, ps LOVE the blog i read regularly xxx
zestycook says
Oh Yum that glaze looks delicious!!! I am still laughing at your comment to Matt’s plate… he seems to love ketchup.
zest
ashley says
Have you seen the film ‘Yoga, Inc.’? It’s available for streaming on Netflix. It’s about Bikram and how he has forced locally owned yoga studios out of business and how Bikram is the McDonald’s of the yoga world. Very interesting documentary. It makes you think twice before attending a Bikram class.
marla says
I love all this yoga talk!
(I am a Moksha Yoga fan myself as well as Baron Baptiste style!)
Kath can you do more posts about your search for yoga bliss in C-ville soon?
Just love all the interesting comments and diverse opinions about yoga styles.Of course every individual will need to follow their own path and heart in yoga ,but still fascinating.
I realized I was gettign really attached to one yoga teacher(and studio) and another yoga teacher gently explained to me that one of the biggest lessons in yoga is
“learning to let go of one’s attachments”.It is so against human nature to do so, and I think a life long journey but boy did that make me realize that having “favorite” teachers.studios etc
is something we have to try and learn to let go of …..isn’t that a very difficult lesson?I find it so!
Cait says
I was able to get a one month unlimited Bikram pass through Groupon a few months ago (otherwise a month is over $200!) so I went a lot and learned to love it. You used to do ballet, right? That’s how I thought of Bikram. LIke barre exercises. The point is to perfect the postures, not just do them. My place in NYC was very strict, but that is how Bikram teaches it himself (no water for 30 minutes, no leaving the room etc). I loved the idea of doing something that is really hard (standing head to knee pose), and then completely forgetting about it and not dwelling on how your legs ache or anything else, because its over. I think its a great mantra for life! It’s a completely different experience than Vinyasa, but after 30 days I completely fell in love with it!
Paige(Running Around Normal) says
Aw, what a bummer that the styles are so different! 🙁 I need to find one here that suits my needs too! Well, one that’s not packaged with a gym membership.
An okra grasshopper?! That comparison about made me spit out my coffee! LOL 🙂
Stormy says
While the big gym in town also offers vinyasa, I’d second Ilana’s recommendation of Studio 206 if you haven’t found them yet. And don’t forget about today’s (Wednesday’s) Market in the Park!
Kath says
It’s also on my list!!! Have you tried out any of the Nia classes?
Going to the Market today!
Stormy says
I’m not a Nia guy, but I’ve tried to get Mrs. Stormy involved in that or other classes at the big gym, which is where we belong.
Kath says
I had no idea you were a guy Mr. Stormy!
lisa says
Kath! I`m a little late on the posts but in your Hot to Cool post, I can`t help but ask where you got those deep teal bowls from! Theyre awesome!
Kath says
They were hand-made by my neighbor 🙁
Rae says
That sucks about SYTYCD, but it still doesnt take away from the awesome dancing, especially with all the recaps of the best dances they did in the finale!! ENJOY!!
LK (runliftchantbreathe.com) says
Hey Kath – I practice vinyasa as well and I bet you can find a moderatly heated studio. I go to a couple different studios and all the temperatures vary, but in most cases (unless its at an actual gym), I find the room is at least 80 degrees. The flow is soooo worth it!
faith @ gracefulfitness says
I hear you! I had exactly the same experience with Bikram. I went to a class, didn’t care for it, moved to Portland a few years later and couldn’t resist the cheap intro at the Bikram studio. $30 for two weeks unlimited? I thought, even if it’s not my favorite I will get my money’s worth but after class I knew I would never return and instead paid $16 for the single class.
I am looking forward to trying the Ashtanga studio when I move to C’ville next month and would also love to see a review of C’ville yoga!
Cara says
You’ve convinced me that I need to try Hot Vinyasa. The reason I like Bikram is the heat! I bet I’d love Vinyasa even more…
Melissa @ HerGreenLife says
I like your one meat a week idea — a sensible plan for eating less meat but not eliminating entirely, while making sure what you do eat is very high quality!
After reading about okra here, I bought some at the farmers’ market and grilled it. Simple and delicious. When I looked up grilling instructions, I read that okra is best when small, no longer than a “lady’s finger.”
Betty says
Sorry in advance if this was already mentioned – have you checked at the university – rec programs to see if the hot yoga is offered for students/staff/community? They may have a contact also. I’m guessing once you’re in business, there will be some way to sponsor something, that would include ability to participate in rec activities – just a thought
those potatoes look soooo good
Jos says
come to Rusty’s class at urban flow when you’re in San Francisco: http://www.urbanflowyoga.com/
so good, so not bikram…
PR_Cal says
Great looking dinner Kath! Just curious, you said you guys are picking one meat a week at the market…does that mean you are eating Veg the rest of the week?
Kath says
Not necessarily – we’ll eat leftovers of the meat and I often eat meat in restaurants and I also have sardines weekly and if anyone SERVED me meat I’d eat it. It’s more of a cost thing than anything else.
Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice says
Beautiful presentation for your dinner. I love it!
Karen says
It’s not ‘hot yoga, but I love this studio. It’s above the restaurant Mas:
http://ashtangacharlottesville.com/
Maybe, worth a try!
R @ Learning As I Chop says
That presentation looks gorgeous!
Shauna Mudd says
Your hubby is adorable. Mine has ketchup for dinner sometimes, too! It upsets me when I’ve slaved over getting a dinner just right, and he drowns it all in ketchup, but if he’s cooked it himself, whatever.
Maybe Charlottesville has a BodyFlow class somewhere? It’s a fusion pilates/yoga class, so I don’t know if it will be what you are looking for. But it has great music, and everything flows to it. The longer I took it, the more I understood, and the more challenging the class got. The classes are completely choreographed by Les Mills, so there should not be a huge variation between instructors other than their style. As an added bonus, if you find a place with flow, they’ll probably also have BodyPump which is my all time fave!
Sassy Molassy says
Kath, I agree with you. Sometimes I think it is partially the studio owner and teacher, but I’ve been to Bikram in my town and haven’t enjoyed it. I don’t like how strict it was and the teachers almost seemed mean. I know you’ll find something that works for you. If not, maybe a group of friends and bloggers can start your own little grass roots yoga class.
Grace says
The instructor was a sub, Zoe, who was great. I went to the 745pm, Mon/Wed!
Krissy says
I love bikram, but then, it is the only yoga I have done. Looking at your chart, I find it interesting about the hands on vs. verbal commands about corrections – the first studio i practiced in was verbal commands only, but when i moved to NoVa, the studio I live near has hands on corrections – which i do NOT like! i don’t know, i guess i am not touchy feely! =)