As a certified gym rat for the past few years, I returned to Georgetown this fall in search of exercise options off the beaten elliptical path. It wasn’t long before I discovered an ad on the web for “Rock & Roll Yoga” at the Hot Yoga studio on Wisconsin Ave. I immediately called the studio to check their class schedule. How could I not be intrigued by such a combination of my three great loves: sweat, contortionism and rock?
“Hot” yoga is actually an Anglicized term for Bikram yoga-fast-paced yoga performed in an insulated, heated space. The idea is to purge yourself of toxins through your pores. While most of my yoga experiences have been centered on freeing one’s mind, this one seemed to have a masochistic bent. Despite warnings from friends that Bikram was nothing more than a much-hyped means of dehydration, I decided to give it a go. I was mostly curious, though, about a yoga program that dispensed with Enya in favor of INXS.
INXS was not exactly in the cards during my hour-long bout with Rock & Roll Yoga, but there was rock to be had. Someone at the studio is apparently a fan of the Rolling Stones-we started the class with “Sympathy for the Devil” and ended with “Wild Horses.” The class even exceeded my wildest dreams by dropping some hip hop by A Tribe Called Quest. The playlist seemed to have been carefully organized, composed of songs that were edgy but smooth. I don’t have anything against the Pure Moods New Age compilations, but it was far more engaging to work out to songs I recognized, like the Cure’s “The Lovecats” and Portishead’s “Give Me a Reason.” Rumor has it that the instructors even like to throw in some Beastie Boys on occasion.
As for the sweat factor, Rock & Roll Yoga proved to be an intense workout, though not as deadly as I had been warned. The studio’s Bikram environment is more like a field in late June than a sauna. I was most definitely sweaty by the end, but I did not seem to have suffered any enzyme depletion that Gatorade Riptide Rush couldn’t fix.
As yoga grows in stateside popularity, yoga classes are becoming less a means of spiritual relaxation and more a form of glorified, exotic aerobics. Rock & Roll Yoga is certainly in keeping with this trend: I couldn’t help but crack a smile at our Midwestern instructor’s pronunciation of “vinyasa” when she could have just as easily said “push-up.” In spite of the contrived Oriental vibe, I did walk out of the class feeling exhilarated, and the next day I was perfectly sore: constantly reminded of the past night’s challenge, but still able to walk without wincing.
Judging by the studio packed with sweat-drenched devotees, I won’t be the only one going back next week. Regular classes are $15 per hour, and first-timers get a sweet deal: $10 for 10 days of unlimited classes. It’s only a short hop on the #32 bus; I suggest you get yourself out of Yates for a rock-out session.
Hot Yoga is located at 3408 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 205. Information on Rock & Roll Yoga sessions can be found at www.hotyogausa.com or (202) 468-9642.
