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OGDEN — For at least one group of people in Utah, the summer heat is not quite hot enough. They seek out blazing temperatures in the name of exercise.
At Bikram Yoga in Ogden, Carolyn Valencia has been teaching her classes for nine years in a heated and humidified room that sometimes reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The studio's namesake, Bikram Yoga comes from Calcutta, India where they often practice outside in 120 degree weather.
"Just to sweat, and to detoxify, the heat just helps us perform at a better level, more safely," Valencia said.
Franki Galbraith, one of Valencia's students, says that heavy perspiration is important to the workout.
"It feels good to sweat, it feels really good," Galbraith said. "You know, just this bead right now, I'm liking it."
David Sneddon said one unexpected benefit of Bikram is that it makes him more tolerant of summer temperatures.
"My mom, and my brothers, they can't take the heat like I can," Sneddon said.
Sneddon, who was almost paralyzed seven years ago after falling down a flight of stairs, has been practicing the heated yoga method for less than two months, but he says the results have been dramatic.
"I'm down about 18 pounds, 18 to 20 pounds," Sneddon said. "And then as far as my back, it's really, really helped out."
Still, participating in this stifling, dripping hot workout may take a certain kind of person.
"It's not for everybody, I'll give them that," Galbraith said. "I cannot get my husband to come."
Valencia said those who get hooked swear by it. And she claims it's really not that bad.
"I always say, I like to boil lobsters, not human beings," Valencia said.
