A Paramedics Perspective

Meet Suze, an intensive care paramedic. Late last year, Suze told me that she was celebrating her 1-year anniversary at the studio, so what better time to ask what has kept her coming for a full year. When Suze shared the below with me, I was blown away - not only does it endorse all the benefits that we teachers talk about, I love how she has articulated the mental health benefits of this particular style of yoga! Thank you Suze, here's to many more years!

How long have you been practicing 26+2 Hot Yoga? (and how often do you practice?)
I’ve been practising for just over a year. I started out with the Beginner’s Pass (unlimited sessions for 2 weeks), enjoyed it enough to sign up for 10-trip passes, and then quickly realised I was going to the studio often enough to make a monthly membership worthwhile. I aim for three classes a week, two hots and one yin. Sometimes I’ll sneak in an extra yin because it’s just so relaxing and mindful.   ​

What led you to take your first 26+2 Hot Yoga? 
My partner has been doing yoga for almost ten years now and I could see it was so good for her mental and physical health. From time to time over the years she’d persuade me to try a class, but they always somehow landed wrong for me. I’d get frustrated, even angry, at myself and my body, and would drop it again. Then she got involved with 26+2 hot yoga, she started coming home telling me she thought I’d like this one better. I was reluctant, especially at the idea of sweating in high heat, which seemed like it would be embarrassing and extra slippery. I gave it a go anyway, because why not try it once, right? To my surprise, I really enjoyed my first class. It was exhausting and I could tell I was a total beginner, but I also felt detoxed, mentally and physically. I came home that night and slept like a rock! I’ve been going back ever since.  

What is the most noticeable change to your life outside the yoga room that is as a result of your yoga practice?
Hard to pick just one! I definitely feel more physically limber and my posture is better. I’m noticing my breathing stamina is better whenever I exercise. I feel more connected to my body in the sense that I’m less likely to be hard on myself for this or that perceived flaw; I can either accept each one or know I’m gradually working on them each class. The biggest benefit for me, though, is the way this yoga style acts as a mental health safety net. I know it’s there ahead of me when I need it—a priceless, predictable mute function for my overactive brain. I work as an intensive care paramedic, so there’s often a lot of cumulative stress, sleep disruptions, and general stuff to process. Overall, this is the practice I didn’t know I was seeking: one that combines physical benefits galore with an easy path to acceptance, self-improvement, and a softening of all the inner noise. 


What do you most appreciate about Kapiti Hot Yoga?
It’s a sanctuary. I especially appreciate the amazing teachers and the community that has so quickly grown up around this unique little studio. We are so lucky to have some incredibly supportive and engaging teachers. They definitely make it worth showing up, even on a grey day or after a busy shift. I can honestly say I feel I belong there. I have met some truly lovely people along the way and I’m grateful for the shared vibe more than I can put into words. 


What would you say to someone wanting to give it a go?
One of the things that sets 26+2 apart from other styles of yoga is that it’s the same sequence of poses every single time. In a world that’s often busy, unpredictable, and constantly challenging us to react to new things at a moment’s notice, the reliability of this practice starts to feel very safe. You can show up with all sorts of baggage, but for the duration of a class, you know exactly how to act and what your limits are. No judgement from anyone if you sit some poses out. Along with the physical flexibility and balance that you gain when you practise regularly, these classes also provide something crucial that’s often missing from modern life: an off switch. Ninety minutes of freedom from interruption. So if any of that sounds tempting, please give it a go! What’s not to love? A whole-body physical fitness routine, an inclusive studio community, and a mental escape (if just for a little while) from all the craziness inside and out.  ​