With winter months looming, folks might want to try Hot Yoga to keep warm.

Capital Fitness is now offering Hot Yoga classes on Thursdays. Instructor Brandon Jett says it's similar to Bikram Yoga, a form of Yoga in which participates perform a series of 26 poses for 90 minutes in an environment as hot as 105 degrees.

But Hot Yoga is actually a form of Hatha Yoga.

"I like to call it "Bikram light,'" Jett said. "We usually go for 60 minutes and I try and get the room to around 95 degrees. The heat supports the natural healing process of the body."

One challenge Jett has faced is getting the room hot enough. He says he's thinking about getting a few space heaters to turn up the temperature.

"I want it hot. But we are making it work for now."

Jett, who works full-time in Lexington as a Geographic Information Systems Analyst for Stantec, says he got into Hot Yoga living in Denver five years ago.

"My mom (Jamie Haworth) talked me into it," he said. "She's been doing it for about nine years. For me, when you are finished, it's like euphoria."

According to Jett, there are several benefits of Hot Yoga. Weight loss, an increased energy level, improved circulation and increased muscle tone and bone density are just a few, he said.

"The heat helps by increasing one's flexibility, and releasing deep tension, while cleansing the entire body," Jett said.

Flexibility is not necessary before starting Hot Yoga, according to Jett.
"The heat allows for a deeper stretch."

When Jett moved back to his native state, he said he noticed Frankfort had a lot of Yoga opportunities, but none like Hot Yoga.

"I thought, let's give it a shot," Jett said.

And though this is the first time teaching, Jett is confident the class will be a learning experience for participants as well as him. He also says mentor Shauna Spellman, an instructor at the Bikram studio in St. Matthews of Louisville, gave him the confidence he needed.

"It has been a learning experience," Jett said. "Before teaching, I took about six to eight months off. But I love it and I get to teach it."

During the first session on Oct. 23, about a dozen attended.

"People seem pretty receptive. I would like to start another class on Tuesday as well. Hopefully it takes off."

Another reason Jett hopes to start another class is because Hot Yoga is something that should be done a couple times a week, he said.

"It's important to do it on a regular basis," Jett said. "You can see the benefits really fast."

Capital Fitness members may take the class for $4 per session. Non-members are charged $10 per session, according to Jett. The first class is free.

It's important, according to Jett, to eat light the day of class and drink lots of water. He also recommends participants bring a towel and at least a quart of water with them to class.

"It's very important to stay hydrated before, during and after a Hot Yoga class. People are sweating," he added. "And that's all that matters."