Hot Yoga Withdrawl

I love hot yoga. The relaxing warmth of the room, the sweat, the way my heart races during the peak of the standing series, and then the welcome transition to the floor series. Because the postures are performed in the same order every class, I find the series to be more meditative than a vinyasa or "flow" class, and it's easier to measure progress and changes from one class to another.

And I love the studio I'd found in Dallas. Sunstone Yoga has several studios convenient to both home and work. So I could go in the evening on workdays and in the morning or afternoon on weekends. Very easy to get in 2-3 sessions each week.

After my first ob/gyn appointment at 7 weeks, I was told that I could continue my practice. While I was a bit surprised (I had read some conflicting guidelines online about whether hot yoga and pregnancy were a good combination), I was ecstatic. I'd just have to figure out how to make modifcations as my pregnancy got further along.

But then I decided to change practitioners because I was seeking a more "hands-on" rather than "medical practice-on" experience for my pregnancy and delivery. In choosing the Dallas Birth and Women's Center, I knew I'd have the kind of care I was seeking. But with the "hands-on" care also came some stricter advice. At 13 weeks, I was told, "no more hot yoga." My heart sank. "Really? Even if I'm careful?" Nope. And from that day forward, I followed my midwife's advice. It's been a long 4.5 weeks without my regular practice.