Natural Hot Yoga, or Just plain ole Playing Outdoors.

I started out to write about Hot Yoga. It’s hot outside and it’s so trendy currently. When someone mentions that they do yoga, at least one person is going to say, “That hot yoga stuff?” But, I don’t think I want to talk about Hot Yoga. Since we have been experiencing a very hot and humid summer, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to cool down your mind instead.

You’re probably thinking that I’m going to talk about Meditation or maybe a restorative yoga class. Guess again. Have you been hiking this summer? What about kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing? Better yet, what about caving? Have you managed to take a day trip with either your best buddies or your significant other? When you combine one of these activities with friends, lots of great mind-cooling occurs. You get the opportunity to let out some physical energy from a specific activity and you get to blow off steam by verbally communicating with your friends.

The following are some fun suggestions:

Start by grabbing your best bud, a group of close friends or your significant other.

1. Kayaking/Canoeing: Get out on the water. There are so many places to do this. Shaker Village is hosting a fun Glow Paddle event the middle of August.    
   
   
   
                                 
2. Yoga on Stand Up Paddle Boards: What IS SUP? Well, you need to become familiar with this. As a So Cal girl at heart, I love SUP and missed it when I moved to Lexington. Fortunately, there are a few places here that not only rent boards, but also will teach lessons and lead tours. However, if you want to get really adventurous and cool off, grab your friends and rent some paddle boards and attempt to do yoga on them. That way when you get hot, you can fall into the water (or that’s what you will tell your friends when you can't hold that yoga pose on a paddle board). Mostly you will get to laugh, a lot. 
   
   
   
   
   
3. Hiking at Eagle Falls: This is a great hike at the Cumberland State park. Most of it has tree coverage. When you get to the Falls, you can wade out into the water and cool off. Be sure to take a fabulous picnic with you.

4. Mammoth Caves: The caves are generally around 54 degrees year round. What better way to hike in the hot humid summer, than to go below ground where it’s cooler.

Mostly, Just have fun. DO something Different. Have Fun

                                                    And Remember to Play!!!!!

Mandy Kiley, LMT, E-RYT 500