Hot Yoga Studio in Grand Archives - Fever

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa Yoga 101

So you’ve taken a Vinyasa Yoga Class and may have even heard your favorite teacher call out “take your Vinyasa”. This can be confusing. The term Vinyasa actually has a few different meanings that are used quite frequently and are not mutually exclusive.

The word Vinyasa can be translated into arranging something in a special way, such as yoga poses. Vinyasa is one of many different styles of yoga and is a practice where we link the breath with movement. We coordinate and flow poses together from one pose to the next and do each set of poses on each side of the body.

Before transitioning to the other side of the body we hear the teacher call out “take your Vinyasa” or “take your Chatarunga”. This means that we move through the transitioning poses of Downdog, Plank, Cobra/Updog, and then back to Downdog to neutralize the body before beginning the other side. These transitional poses are part of the tradition of yoga and have been practiced this way for thousands of years. So again, linking poses together using the breath. These 4 poses are linked together as transitions and are considered a “Vinyasa”.

Vinyasa is one of the most popular styles of yoga

We understand why Vinyasa Yoga has become so popular. It’s a momentum style practice that burns calories, kicks up your heart rate, AND builds strength and flexibility. What’s not to love?

By consciously flowing with breath and movement we anchor ourselves in the present moment. It is often referred to in classical yoga as the “breathing system”.

Vinyasa Yoga Classes are always different

There is a ton of variety in Vinyasa Yoga Classes. Normally, no two yoga classes are the same. Teachers choreograph and link together poses that open certain areas of the body. Some days you may work hips and quads, other days shoulders, core or low back. Some days, you get a mixed bag where you get a little bit of everything! Almost certain though, you will get a spine lengthening and strengthening session regardless if you work the upper or lower body. All yoga poses revolve around the axis of the spine.

There is a saying in yoga…

‘Age is not defined by a number but by the flexibility of your spine’

We agree wholeheartedly~

There are many styles of yoga to explore

Hatha yoga is a set of postures for physical and mental exercise used to open up the channels of the body. “Ha” means sun and “tha” means moon. We balance the sun (masculine) and moon (feminine) energies of the body to develop strength and flexibility. This is a transformation style of yoga that focuses on the 8 limbs of yoga designed by Patanjali, the Father of Yoga.

Restorative yoga is where we utilize gravity and many props to hold poses for long periods of time. These poses are normally close to the ground or practiced on the belly, seat or back. It is the opposite of a “yang” practice which revolves around dynamic energy. This practice is meant to offer up more stillness and challenge the mind by slowing down.

Ashtanga yoga was the first style of yoga and is the foundation that all yoga derived. It was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 1900’s. Ashtanga Yoga is a progressive set of postures or asanas that is linked together with the breath to induce an internal heat that purifies the muscles and organs. It is the same set of postures each time. This yoga creates a strong body and calm mind. There are 3 sets or series in Ashtanga Yoga. The short-form primary series is usually what is taught in most yoga studios that offer Ashtanga Yoga.

There are several other types of yoga to explore such as Kundalini Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jiva Mukti Yoga and more. Finding the right fit for your lifestyle is key.

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Nutrition and Fitness

October 6, 2023/0 Comments/in Hot Yoga Studio in Grand, Indoor Cycling, Nutrition, Yoga Grand Rapids /by Shannon Austin

Achieving your fitness goals is a holistic journey, and it all starts with proper nutrition and fitness. Balancing your diet and exercise routine is crucial for long-term success. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of these foundational pillars of health. Let’s delve deeper into the synergy between nutrition and fitness and how they can transform your life.

The Nutritional Foundation: Fueling Your Success

Your body is like a high-performance machine, and it requires the right fuel to operate optimally. When you provide it with the right nutrients, it rewards you with enhanced energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being. It’s not just about counting calories; it’s about the quality of those calories.

Start by incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu provide essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains and legumes supply steady energy throughout the day. Don’t forget the importance of healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

Balancing these elements ensures your body has the tools it needs to recover from workouts and perform at its best. A well-rounded diet also supports your immune system and promotes longevity. To delve deeper into crafting a personalized nutrition plan, check out reputable sources like [Healthline].

Fitness: The Path to Vitality

Coupled with proper nutrition, fitness is your gateway to a healthier, more vibrant life. Regular physical activity not only helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

Exercise isn’t limited to intense gym sessions. It can encompass a variety of activities that you enjoy, such as swimming, hiking, dancing, or even gardening. The key is consistency. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises on two or more days.

Fitness is not just about the physical benefits; it also enhances your mental health. It releases endorphins, reducing stress and boosting your mood. Moreover, it promotes better sleep, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of each day.

For more guidance on crafting a balanced fitness routine, explore resources from renowned fitness organizations such as the [American Council on Exercise].

In conclusion, nutrition and fitness are the cornerstones of a healthier, more fulfilling life. By nourishing your body with the right nutrients and staying active, you unlock your potential to achieve your goals and enjoy a higher quality of life. Remember, this journey is not about perfection but about progress, and every step you take brings you closer to your best self.

Why do I sweat so much in hot yoga?

August 29, 2019/in Hot Yoga Studio, Hot Yoga Studio in Grand /by Shannon Austin

Have you ever thought to yourself mid-class: “Nobody could possibly sweat more than me right now”? Or, on the flip side, have you ever left your hot yoga class without a drop on your body wondering why everyone else is so much sweatier? We’ve ALL been there.

Everyone’s body works differently, so you’re not wrong if you fall in either camp – or somewhere in between.

Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling down, so never be embarrassed by the state of your shirt after an intense yoga class. And, just because you’re sweating buckets doesn’t mean you’ve worked harder than your classmates.

Each one of us has between 2-4 million sweat glands on our bodies. Women have more sweat glands than men, but men’s bodies generally are more active.

Other contributing factors include:

The number of sweat glands you have
How hot the temperature is
How intensely you’re exercising
Genetic predisposition
Bodyweight
Amount of water consumed
Level of anxiety at the moment

While it might seem kind of backwards, the fact that you sweat a lot during a workout actually signals that you’re in good shape! Physically fit people start sweating at lower temperatures, which allows them to perform longer since their body isn’t overheating.

How to stay safe in a hot yoga studio

Whether your body marinates in sweat or simply glistens gently, there are a handful of tactics you can employ to keep yourself safe in our hot yoga studio.

Drink cold water every 15 minutes or so to keep your core temperature out of the danger zone.

Consume an electrolyte-spiked sports drink after class to replenish the sodium and potassium you’re sweating out.

If you feel dizzy, nauseated, or develop a headache, either rest in child’s pose or leave the studio to get some cool air.

To cool down quickly after practice, avoid taking a frigid shower or splashing icy water on your face. The chilly temperature will constrict your blood vessels, causing hot blood to rush to your core. Rather, take a cool shower and stand in front of a fan to evaporate lingering sweat.

When you should talk to your doctor

If you’re truly sweating uncontrollably, you may want to ask your doctor about a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis, a condition where your sweating exceeds the amount your body needs to cool off, affects approximately 2-3% of Americans and should be treated by your doctor.

On the other hand, if you can’t sweat, you may want to look into anhidrosis (or hypohidrosis). While not sweating might seem like a blessing to some of us, this condition puts people at higher risk of heatstroke and they must be wary of exercising in high temperatures.

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Remember, everyone perspires in their own way, so never be ashamed of your sweat stains. Just grab a towel before class and get to work on your mat!

The Story Behind Fever | Yoga Cycle Strength

February 18, 2018/in Grand Rapids Hot Yoga, Hot Yoga Studio, Hot Yoga Studio in Grand /by Shannon Austin

The Love Story Behind Our Studio

For some, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to spend quality time with their significant other. For others, it’s a reminder to demonstrate love and vulnerability toward friends and family members. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I want to share my honest, vulnerable story behind the creation of Fever | Yoga Cycle Strength – and the tremendous community we’re building together.

The Story of Fever | Yoga Cycle Strength

This story starts in 2014 when my sister passed away unexpectedly. It was one of the hardest times of my life. It took a lot of soul searching, contemplation, forgiveness, and letting go to move out of that state of constant grief. About a year later, when I was beginning to recover and rebuild, I knew I had to do something more with my life. Something meaningful. No longer could I coast along doing things I didn’t love; I felt inspired – and almost obligated – to do more, to make my sister proud and to make a real difference. I was on a quest to find internal bliss by creating a life of purpose.

I honestly had never seen myself as a business owner but have a long line of successful entrepreneurs in my family. I knew my sister was with me when the idea unveiled itself to open a traditional hot vinyasa yoga studio that would than become so much more.

As the studio grew and as I continued to evolve, I knew I wanted to expand and level up. I just wasn’t quite sure what that meant. I didn’t want to duplicate what I had already done within a few miles like others so often do.

I traveled west for 8 weeks on a mission to hit every studio to become inspired. Toward the end of my journey, I landed upon a fantastic studio that offered multiple rooms. Each room had a different purpose. One room was strictly TRX, one was hot yoga and the other was cycling. I thought wow, what a great concept to add all group fitness modalities together under one roof. I went on to take my yoga class and in savasana my eyes literally popped open, and a huge smile came over my face. This was it. This was how I was going to expand. I knew this was the wave of future for fitness; to offer multiple ways to move for one fee. I knew so many that spent a lot of money on multiple memberships around the city. It was a problem and I wanted to solve it.

There was a plethora of obstacles to overcome. But piece by piece everything fell into place. 12 weeks later our brand-new studio with 3 fitness rooms was born. A new beginning and so much fun!

Currently we offer barre, indoor cycle, hot yoga, strength training, restorative yoga + meditation, pop-up classes like kickboxing and fascia release + more.

Fever | Yoga Cycle Strength has surpassed all my expectations and grown into such a beautiful community. But I couldn’t do any of this without the help and support of my dedicated team. Imagine being able to do what you love all day surrounded by people who love it to. Life truly is a gift.

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To all of you who make the choice to practice and move with us, and to heal and strengthen your body and mind, from the inside out, we thank you.

The Nutritional Foundation: Fueling Your Success

Fitness: The Path to Vitality

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