One Hot Mama

Lately, I have had more of an interest in firming up my jiggly parts. Probably because after 31 years and co-creating three babies, my body is wilting a smidgen. Or a lot. While I love and respect this body for what it has accomplished, I feel like I need to repay it with a healthy lifestyle update that includes getting stronger from exercise, not just carrying heavy baskets of laundry up and down the stairs.

Like squeezing a sausage back into it’s casing, I slipped on my spandex and set out for Hothouse Yoga in Iowa City. The staff and fellow yogis were very kind and I felt right at home. By “home ” I mean like a frog stuck in a coffee can on a hot summer day.

Yes, it was hot. It is supposed to be. Initially I struggled to find my breath so I took the time to stretch. I laid on my towel covered yoga mat and remind myself that I could do this. Breathe. What am I doing here? Breathe. No crying. Breathe. Seriously, no crying.

Truthfully, from the moment we began moving, I loved the workout. I was curious where all the water pouring down my body was coming from before I realized it was seeping from my own pores. Never in my life have I sweat so much. And it felt so empowering. I was sweating away worry, toxins and stress. I was breathing in positive white light and strength.

As a parent, I was amazed to look back at my hour of pretzel twisting and realize that while I was in there, I didn’t think once about my To Do List. Or who I had to pick up and when. Or if I remembered to shave my left armpit after I was interrupted for the 4th time during my six minute shower.

I was totally invigorated.

And thirsty.

I am about as flexible as an old barn board. In the heat, my body loosened up and allowed me to stretch and feel the results almost immediately. The careful direction of the teacher allowed me to push myself without any risk of injury and allowed me to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I walked out of there feeling like one hot mama. In more ways than one.

Hothouse Yoga
www.hothouseyoga.com
Iowa City & Coralville
$15 per class (Discounts available on punch cards)
$20 First week unlimited classes

Katy Brown is a wife, mom and part-time super-hero. She lives in a humble, cozy home with her SuperHub and three adorable kids. Read more Mommy Mishmash at www.mommymishmash.com.