Erin McDermott

YOU can work up a fair bit of sweat these days in the search for sanctuary and relaxation. The continuous bombardment of information, interruptions and alerts for our attention leaves us with little time for contemplation or respite … and perhaps this is why more and more people are opening their minds to alternative remedies such as ‘hot yoga’ in the hope of realigning their life balance in a frenetic, technology-driven era.

This growing phenomenon has been gathering steam globally since its founder, Bikram Choudhury, started experimenting with heaters in his studio in the 1970s. While some viewed it as a nuisance and discomfort, others embraced the benefits of sweating profusely.

Modern hot yoga studios are now heated to a particularly stifling 40 degrees Celsius. This steamy thought remained at the forefront of my mind as I arrived at Eastwood House in Dunkeld, Perthshire, for a three-day retreat hosted by Stirling-based studio Heat Fitness Scotland.

I first sampled yoga while living in Sydney where studios are much more abundant – hardly surprising considering it’s now estimated one in 10 Australians are practicing yogis.

However, ‘hot’ yoga exists on a different level of intensity. It was difficult to imagine the idea of sweating for 90 minutes in a room heated to 40 degrees as being enjoyable. But my crash course proved to be more interesting than I could have thought. There are five main things I learned:

It’s good to sweat

Being new to hot yoga, instructor Jules first advised me to stand at the back of the room, perhaps to avoid embarrassment. Walking into our makeshift studio, the air was thick and heavy with the heat being sourced from a large open fireplace, and a few heaters dotted around the room. All curtains were drawn and the main source of light came from the red glow of the heaters and the flames of the fire, giving the room a red tinge and hazy feel.

It was around 20 minutes into my very first hot yoga class when, coming out of a forward bend to standing position, my vision blurred and a dizziness overcame me. After the first class it was admittedly difficult to fully feel the effects -which are sold as detoxification, greater flexibility and improved breathing.

There is no denying the heat intensifies things significantly, but after a few classes I could begin to feel my body move into positions more readily and I found it easier to concentrate, any feelings of dizziness faded as I managed to focus more on my breathing.

I was surprised to feel my energy levels continue to rise throughout the day despite the 8am workouts. Even my skin started to look more rejuvenated after the weekend.

Meditation is tough

Along with our 90 minute hot yoga sessions, we were invited to come together for a 30 minute guided meditation.

Like many, I have casually tapped into meditation on and off via some form of a two-minute app. I couldn’t say really if it had a positive effect on me or not, although when Scotrail announce another cancelled train it can calm you somewhat.

Towards the end of the 30 minute session I heard someone snoring and someone else sniffling a soft cry. I was quite amazed, almost envious, that people could be so relaxed and have such a strong emotional response.

“It’s all about surrendering yourself,” Jules commented.

Meditation is a mindful exercise that can take just as much effort to control as mastering a Handstand Scorpion pose.

Going veggie means eating more, not less

Our entire group (about 12 folk), would enjoy each meal in the large dining room. With dishes such as ‘sweet potato brownies’, there was often a touch of unfamiliar curiosity before we tucked into our meals - all made from scratch by the HEAT team. Irish soda bread, sourdough pittas, Kimchi, breakfast bircher, roasted vegetable lasagne, sesame auberguine and chickpea burgers, sweet potato and butternut soup, toasted homemade sugar and gluten free banana bread, chia jam and plenty of original salads were just some of the highlights over the weekend.

It proves cutting out meat doesn’t necessarily mean restricting your diet; it can actually open many new doors and encourage people to try new things. None of the meals tasted dry or too earthy and there were certainly no empty stomachs by the end of the weekend. Even the vegetarians at the retreat (myself included) were deeply impressed by the inventive fusion of ingredients.

We are the products of our environment

I felt very grateful and privileged as I sat on the edge of my giant king-size bed to take in my room at the mansion-like Eastwood House. Long stretching corridors, wide wooden panel floors, high corniced ceilings, and lots of open fireplaces gave an impression of grand opulence. I don’t think I closed my window once the entire weekend - the sound of the steady River Tay that runs level along the breadth of the house was just too enticing.

The itinerary over the weekend certainly allows enough free time to explore the picturesque surroundings. I personally managed to fit in a few woodland walks, giving me time to reflect on how even just being outside all day uplifts my mood significantly.

With rest comes a new awareness

Assessing how I felt after the weekend was a little difficult at first. The slow relaxed pace took some getting used to, though having the time to enjoy your own company was something most of us at the retreat relished. Whether relaxing in our light and airy rooms admiring the views, retreating to one of the snug drawing/ sitting rooms, or setting up in the riverside garden area taking in the sunshine, there was certainly a weight off everyones’ minds.

By the end, my confidence in the classes grew; I was moving more freely and fidgeting less with the poses and managing to stretch that bit further. The concept of any sort of ‘awakening’ has always seemed a tad romantic but focusing on yourself for that long does invite a refreshing feeling of openness.

Another advantage of Yoga is a greater understanding of your body; where your strengths lie and what needs more work. For instance, I discovered I am ‘hypermobile' (my joints move beyond the normal expected range), which explains why, in certain poses, I could bend further than those more experienced than myself. It was something I was semi aware of, but the classes allowed me to test my capabilities.

Hot Yoga is a personal journey, some mornings you could feel as fluid as the river flowing beside us, while other classes it could take more work. Focusing on my movements and breath alone, I did feel a slightly greater sense of awareness and even a clearer perspective on some things… but it’s certainly a work in progress.

While the beautiful surroundings and luxurious accommodation certainly acted as catalysts to feeling more relaxed and ‘zen’, it became clear which methods worked greater in the long term.

Yoga, meditation and healthy eating are all lifestyle habits that can work as a mood booster for many. But, more important than any class or meal, was the infectious positivity and levels of encouragement from those on the retreat. Creating a safe space without any fear of judgement can feel like foreign territory at times, but positivity will always breed positivity.

WHAT: Three day hot yoga retreat

WHERE: Eastwood house in Dunkeld, Perthshire

WHO: Heat Fitness Scotland

NEXT RETREATS: 15-17 March 2019/ 17-19 May 2019

COST: Shared twin room £395pp (River view) or £375pp (Back view), Single with double bed £495pp (River view) or £475pp (Back view)

INCLUDES: Four yoga classes, guided meditation, spacious accommodation in private house, all meals prepared, Indian head massage optional