Yoga and wine combine in new class at 103 Hot Pilates

Hot yoga is known to improve mood and health through the power of stretching, relaxing and drinking wine.

Yes, wine.

103 Hot Pilates & Yoga, 4245 S. Grand Canyon Drive, Suite 118, plans to introduce a Yoga by the Glass class on the 13th of each month that will infuse wine and yoga.

The wine is to help participants loosen up, according to manager ErikaRae Theobald-Grant.

“We’re not saying that it gives you courage, but it gives the average yogi a chance to do something different with their practice,” Theobald-Grant said. “It might also bring in people who normally wouldn’t try the class, like fitness people who don’t practice yoga.”

The idea came about after Theobald-Grant attended the class at a different studio. After speaking with 103 owner Jack Langley, Theobald-Grant was given permission to host the class if she came up with a clever name.

“I was out to dinner one night, and I saw ‘wine by the glass’ on the menu,’ ” she said. “I instantly thought, ‘Oh, this totally works.’ ”

Theobald-Grant said her sister, Katie, who also works at the studio, suggested hosting the class on the 13th of every month to play off the studio’s 103 branding.

“Since it will fall on random days each month, it will give clients more opportunities to attend,” Theobald-Grant said. “It will also give all the instructors a chance to teach it as well.”

While there is no limit on the amount one can drink, Theobald-Grant said wine consumption should be done in moderation.

“People will be driving from here after the class, so mind your drinking and drink responsibly,” she said.

The studio held its grand opening in January and hosts a variety of Pilates and yoga classes, including Barefoot Boot Camp, Candlelight Yoga and Extreme Pilates.

To prepare for class, instructor Mark Balfe-Taylor recommends hydrating thoroughly, getting a good night’s sleep and refraining from eating at least three hours before class.

“You should drink very little throughout the class,” he said. “If you have to drink a lot, you’re not hydrated well enough and that can lead to some negative experiences.”

The classes are conducted in a room set to a maximum of 103 degrees, though some are hosted in cooler and drier temperatures. Instructors also gauge the temperature by the body heat index.

“We’re not trying to kill our students,” Theobald-Grant said. “Depending on how hard they’re working, we’ll open the door, turn down the heat or turn off the humidity if it gets too overwhelming.”

Theobald-Grant said practicing yoga and Pilates in a heated room allows participants to warm up faster, stretch muscles deeper and sweat out more toxins. The classes are designed for participants of all ages and experience levels.

“I was the super inflexible guy who couldn’t touch my toes, dragged to class by my girlfriend,” Balfe-Taylor said. “Once I started seeing changes in my body, I was inspired to share that with other stiff, inflexible, rigid people like myself.

“I think (heat Pilates and yoga) is the first step for people like that because the heat helps them. I never enjoyed the heat, but it’s necessary. You enjoy the effects after.”

Classes are scheduled from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The drop-in rate is $20, and an unlimited monthly pass is $99. Additional options are available.

For more information, visit 103yoga.com or call 702-586-3103.

Contact Southwest/Spring Valley View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.