The Class That Almost Destroyed My Love Of Yoga

I've been practicing yoga for almost 12 years. Ashtanga, Vinyasa & Hatha are my choice flavors.

Though I truly enjoy it for the work out, the quiet, and the way it makes me feel, I do not "practice" any of the following:

-Chanting
-Talking about my "third eye center"
-Standing on my head
-Sporting tattoos of the sun or a scale or a bird
-Using the term "yogi"

I am, however, always up for trying a new studio, so when a Groupon for Core Power Yoga popped up, I decided to give it a try.

The studio offers a variety of classes, so I tried all of them (must insure a well-rounded review). Here's a breakdown:

-Core Power Yoga is the best offering. Typical vinyasa-style class. But because there seem to be 78 teachers at any given studio, I can't help but question their training. And, depending on who you get, the class can range anywhere from solid to i'dratherbewatchingexercisetv.
-Hot Yoga was exactly that - hot. Not for me. I knew that going in, so I shouldn't really review this one. I will never understand or see the value in pushing myself to the point of near passing out in the name of yoga.
-Yoga Sculpt, their most popular class, is by far my least favorite.
1) They crank the heat to 90+. See above commentary on working out in the heat.
2) They expect you to flow (and relax while doing so) holding 5-8 pound weights.
3) It gets so hot, women leave the class because they can't take it.

This picture makes it look way more pleasant than it is.

Let me be clear. I am not a wimp at the gym. I like lifting weights and I'm always up for a challenge. But when you pack a bunch of women (think shoulder to shoulder) into a 90 degree room with 0.0 air circulating and expect them to lift weights while balancing on one foot, I'm gonna get pissed.

I've tried it 3 times with 3 different teachers (just to be certain I hate it). On Sunday, I got so light-headed, I had to leave early. 4 ladies walked out before me. THIS IS YOGA, NOT TORTURE.

I don't even get a great work out (and I'm certainly not relaxed as I'm focused on not losing consciousness). The classes at Exhale (try Core Fusion if you haven't), are more challenging AND the only reason you sweat is because you're pushing your body. NOT because you're working out in a sauna.

Namaste bee-otches.