My first encounter with Inferno Hot Pilates and Hot Yoga was truly transformative and opened a whole new world. They represent two parts of one whole, of me. Inferno is the physical aspect of my being and a source of pure energy, while yoga taps into my spiritual and mental strength. They work together seamlessly, and each one supports the other.
So how did it all start?
Moving to Vienna for my Master’s in 2019 was a turning point. I was struggling with anorexia and needed a new beginning. Although I knew I needed to make a change, pushing myself out of my comfort zone was tough. Studying required much energy, which I didn’t have because of my illness. I felt overwhelmed and needed an escape.
So, one night, my boyfriend and I didn’t know what to do, so we decided to watch a documentary about Bikram, prompted by an article I read on Buro 24/7. Bikram Choudhury was a man from India who rose to fame and revolutionized the world of yoga. Bikram Yoga or the Original Hot Yoga is a worldwide known sequence of 26 postures or asanas and 2 breathing exercises practiced in room heated to 40 degrees Celsius and 40 % humidity. This yoga has helped so many people worldwide which is why many people continue to find value in the physical and mental benefits of the practice even due to certain negative connotations. I’ll never forget a powerful quote from one of the women in the documentary who said, “At one point, you feel like you’re going to pass out, but then you realize that this is the most incredible thing you’ve ever done.” This sparked my interest, so I decided to learn more. I found out that some of the biggest benefits of Bikram Yoga include increased flexibility, improved balance and strength, reduced knee and back pain drastically, strong and lean body, increased stamina and cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and overall greater mental clarity and focus. As I went down the “google spiral,” I found that one of the best Studios in Vienna was close to my apartment, so the next day, I went for my first ever Hot Pilates class.
Up until this point, exercise was purely physical for me. However, that all changed when I met Tammy, the studio owner, who had a tremendous influence on my journey. During my first Inferno Hot Pilates class, I brought a hoodie, assuming I wouldn’t sweat much, but by the end of the class, I was soaked and excited. That experience changed my life.
