This week’s workout: The perfect way to get bent into shape

06:09 PM CDT on Monday, October 25, 2004

By MISTY BAILEY / The Dallas Morning News

Who can do this: Anyone. Every pose can be modified to meet your level of fitness.

The sweat factor: Not much for me. I glistened. Others dripped and needed a towel. Your pulse will increase, and you’ll get warm. But this isn’t “hot yoga,” where the room’s temperature is deliberately turned up.

The energy level: Moderate. You’ve got to have mental energy to breathe through the poses and listen to your body. And breathing helps give you the physical energy to move from one pose to the next. But there’s recovery time between some poses.

The single quotient: The class was mixed, with more women than men.

But is it fun? Yes! I like group classes, but I find weight lifting and extreme cardio workouts grueling. Power yoga is much more my speed. What could be better than stretching, strengthening and toning yourself with your own body weight in a noncompetitive environment?

Surprise: How relaxed I could be during a power yoga class. I attribute that to the instructor’s technique and her soothing speech patterns. She doesn’t lead you too swiftly in and out of poses or leave you holding poses so long that your muscles feel as if they’ll burn out. It’s just right.

When it’s over: You’ll probably be sore the next day unless you practice regularly, but it’s nothing that a hot soak in the bathtub and more yoga can’t cure.

The instructor: Ki Steelman has been highly recommended to us by her students. I see why. She’s motivational and easy to follow. She also makes it a point to help beginners with unfamiliar poses. Her calming and spiritual manner help make her class a relaxing power yoga experience.

Gear and apparel: Loose clothing that lets you bend and stretch freely, bare feet and a sticky mat. But don’t wear anything too baggy. You don’t want a big T-shirt to get in the way of a pose or work its way up your torso if you’re inverted. Mats and optional items such as blocks and padding blankets are provided.

The place: Noon Fridays at Premier Athletic Club’s yoga studio, 5910 Mockingbird Lane. The studio overlooks Mockingbird Station and Central Expressway.

The cost: Free with membership in the Premier Club, $15 for guests. Call 214-891-6600 for membership information. www.premierathleticclub.com.