Green Lake Gym Rat: Modo Yoga
Photo courtesy of Modo Yoga Facebook Page.
Fall is inevitably here, and whether or not you want to embrace the pumpkin spice lattes, cold temperatures and grey days lie before us. In part two of our Gym Rat Series, where we try neighborhood gyms on for size, we dabble into hot yoga. Specifically, Modo Yoga.
The first time I tried hot yoga was in college, Bikram, on assignment ironically then for a journalism class. I remember the bright orange walls, loud clapping of instructions from the teacher and seismic inhalations and exhalations of nearly 50 people around me. All of us, somehow squeezed into a mirrored room like sardines wearing nothing but loincloth shorts and breathing extreme, dry and suffocating air. Why on earth would anyone want to do this for fun? Well, my impression of hot yoga was a bit tainted until recently, when I tried Green Lake’s Modo Yoga.
So what is Modo Yoga?
Any hesitations you have about hot yoga should go out the door. Modo Yoga is different. According to its website, Modo (also known as Moksha in Canada) Yoga was “built on the dream of having independently owned and community-driven studios that share their ideas, their love of conservation, a unique hot yoga series rooted in the traditional teachings of yoga and yoga therapy concepts, and a passion for seven philosophical pillars.” It’s therapy in the form of exercise. Sweaty, glorious exercise that transports you away from outside stressors in your life.
5 Things to Know Before You Go:
1. The room is hot, but bearable. The heat allows for deep, safe stretching and detoxification of skin, blood and muscles. I’m not a yogi by any means, but I can definitely say I’ve been in hotter yoga studios. Unbearably hot. But Modo Yoga doesn’t overdo it. The room is state-of-the-art with excellent ventilation. Even with temperatures up to 98 degrees, the room is bearable.
2. There are many classes to choose from. Modo Yoga offers nearly 10 different types of classes to try. There’s Modo With Music, a sequence specifically linked with breath set to music. Or Flow, a challenging, healthy style of flow where postures are linked with breathing and consistent, quick sequences. I personally like Yin, a class where you hold long, deep breathes to relax and restore joints and muscles. The best part is you can find a class that works for you and stick with it, or switch up your routine as often as you like. Hot yoga doesn’t have to be boring.
3. No speaking allowed in class. This was one of my favorite parts about the Modo Yoga experience. Once you open the door to the studio, you are silent. During class if the instructor comes by to correct your form, he or she will whisper softly. Modo’s classes are extremely therapeutic and the silence maintains that environment. If you take a class with a friend, consider splitting up so you’re not distracted or tempted to talk.
4. Modo Yoga is open to everyone, regardless of their level. The studio’s goal is to help individuals on their journey to health, both physically and emotionally. Modo strives to create a space where everyone feels welcome, accepted and encouraged. Instructors will pay special attention to you and help you find modifications to any postures you’re unable to do.
5. Come prepared. A yoga mat, yoga towel and a water bottle are a few of the recommended items to bring. Try and arrive well-hydrated and not on a full stomach. The studio also offers mat and towel rentals (Mat $2, mat towel $2). Reserve yourself a spot in class online and be sure to arrive early to ask questions and get a proper introduction.
If you want to try Modo Yoga, now is a great time! Beginning October 1, the studio will host a 30 Day Challenge. To learn more about Modo Yoga, class schedules and pricing, visit their website at www.seattle.modoyoga.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
