Improved balance, weight loss among many benefits of Hot 26
Over many years, Darlene Das has seen hundreds of patients suffer with excruciating knee and hip pain.
As a surgical technician, assisting her husband, Dr. Amal Das, with hip and knee joint replacements at Park Ridge Health, Darlene has also witnessed the benefits of Hot 26 or Bikram Yoga, a series of 26 poses, performed in YAM’s hot room of 105 degrees at 40 percent humidity.
“Bikram can help with balance issues and weight loss,” Darlene says. “It is amazing the amount of patients we send to weight loss clinics to lose weight before surgery and when they lose weight and do not have the pain they once had, they postpone surgery.”
Darlene tried her first Bikram class in 2013, and loved it from the very beginning.
“There are many benefits I get from each class. The class is all about yourself and taking care of you. I feel stronger and think with a clearer mind. I have a lot more energy after a class as well. I have even found that it helps me with my posture, which is a big benefit for the work I do.”
Darlene has made it a point to fit in some form of exercise all her life. She was an avid runner, took other types of Yoga classes, now hikes and bikes in her precious free time. However, in 1993, she had her first bout of meningitis, and now is susceptible to other viruses.
“Since then, I have searched and tried several activities to do that would not jar the brain when working out. I think Hot 26 helps my weakened immune system,” Darlene says. “I have noticed a huge change in my body.”
Darlene is a regular at YAM’s 6 a.m. classes, held Tuesdays and Thursdays, because the early morning schedule fits into her busy professional life. The Hot 26 class is now also being held 10 am. Saturdays.
She is a certified etiquette consultant, having graduated from the Protocol School of Washington, D.C. and the Etiquette and Leadership Institute of Athens, Ga. Darlene owns her own business, “Today’s Etiquette,” and works with businesses, both in the medical field and corporate arena, to help boost their profitability.
“I really put a lot of emphasis on first impressions because you only get one chance and this can make or break your business,” Darlene says.
Her first Impression of YAM was right on the money! Clean studio, friendly and supportive atmosphere, as well as certified, knowledgable Hot 26/Bikram teachers.
Darlene has compiled her own etiquette tips for those who want to try YAM’s Hot 26 classes:
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early to give you time to register and get acclimated to the hot room.
- Dress in cool, comfortable clothes, no long sleeves or sweat pants. You may want to bring a dry set of clothes to change into after class.
- Always work to your edge, but make sure to listen to your body. As a beginner, never be afraid to sit or kneel down on your mat if needed.
- Try to avoid leaving the room. You may feel a little dizzy, nauseated or light-headed. It’s temporary.
- Bring a yoga mat, towel and water.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before class, and only eat a light meal two hours prior to class.