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Some like it hot

- December 2, 2008

Dalhousie student Alli Fear at Moksha Yoga, 1512 Dresden Row. (Danny Abriel Photo)

Dalhousie students and staffers are turning up the heat on their exercise regimes at a new downtown studio, Moksha Yoga Halifax.

Wondering what Moksha yoga is exactly? Itā€™s a series of postures practiced in a heated room. The postures work to stretch, strengthen and tone the muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind. Workouts are ā€œchallenging yet relaxing,ā€ focusing on upper and lower body strength, balance and flexibility.

ā€œWhen Iā€™m in my ā€˜Moksha zone,ā€™ I feel as thought I can take on anything, giving me a sense of serenity,ā€ says Dal student Brittany Bayne. ā€œI feel rejuvenated and refreshed knowing Iā€™m doing my body so much good with all the toxins leaving my body.

ā€œBy the end of this beautiful practice, calm washes over me. It keeps me wanting to come back for more.ā€

The newly opened studio at 1512 Dresden Row was outfitted using green products such as cork flooring and organic, solvent-free paint. The studio also offers patrons filtered water instead of bottled.

With exams around the corner, Ms. Bayne recommends hot yoga as a way for students to alleviate stress and improve focus.

Dalplex also offers various yoga classes: yogaflex (free for Dalplex members) and Ashtanga yoga ($125 for members). Full-time Dalhousie students receive a Dalplex membership as part of their student fees.

Dal grad Ann Bannon works in Dalā€™s Division of Medical Education. Sheā€™s also a hot yoga convert.