Hot yoga is saving my life...

Ok...So that may be a bit dramatic...  But, it is how I feel...  


In January, I purchased a special deal with Arrichion off Glenwood Avenue.  I went to my first class and thought I was gonna die.  However, I was hooked!  I made arrangements with my boss to leave on Wednesday afternoon at 3:15 p.m., so that I could attend Black Opal (my favorite so far).  As I was laying in shavasna today, waiting for class to start, I got to thinking...  I have never, ever, ever in my life sweat like I have during my practice of hot yoga.  I love that it is a ridiculously challenging workout and that I actually crave going every week.  I also love that it is an activity that actually helps ease joint pain and will help prevent future issues...


When I was very obese, I often had problems with joint pain, stiff back, and sharp pain radiating from my heel.  I was convinced that when I lost weight the pain would just disappear.  As I lost weight and became more active, the pain was a lot less severe, but was always still there.  Several years ago, I had a really bad winter.  I was in pain on all the time and had trouble getting out of bed in the morning.  Once I got moving, I didn't want to sit down because sitting just made things worse.  It was taking a toll on me mentally and physically.  I was referred to a local rheumatologist to discuss my issues.  I met with Dr. Tsiktsiris (aka "Dr. T"), reviewed my family history with , had a lot of bloodwork, and Xrays and MRI.  


Coming to some form of diagnosis wasn't easy - I was told that I carry the genetic marker for ankylosing spondylitis.  Dr. T said there was not a preventive treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, but taking an anti-inflammatory (especially in winter) and maintaining an active lifestyle would keep the issues fairly tame.  Dr. T and I discussed my running and he was encouraging.  He told me that almost any form of exercise would be beneficial because it would increase spinal strength and flexibility. He said that the goal is to keep from having to move toward more aggressive treatments for as long as possible.  I agreed with him fully - anything that keeps me from having to take a pill or have a shot and I am all for it!  


Since then, I have continued to run, but in the winter running becomes harder because of the joint inflammation and pain.  There were several weekends in January where I couldn't get out of bed for my long run because my joints hurt so terribly.  So, I fully believe that the hot yoga sessions could not have come at a better time.  The practice of hot yoga is beyond beneficial for the physical and emotional journey of life, especially with the pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis.  The heat in the room help reduce discomfort, but also helps by making the stretches and strengthening moves easier.  I love how "loose" I feel when I am done practicing at Arrichion.  I fully believe that the principles taught at Arrichion have saved me immense amounts of discomfort and pain.  I am generally more energetic, less "down", less fatigued at the end of the day...  Also, silly enough - I can actually sit in a chair all day without being in terrible pain!  


So, as cheesy and dramatic as it may sound...  I fully believe that hot yoga is helping save my life...