14 Things I Learned Doing Sub-Zero Yoga

    Cold yoga is the new hot yoga.

    Chelsey Pippin
    by Chelsey Pippin

    BuzzFeed Staff, UK

    1. Ski-ram Yoga is a new workout in sub-zero temperatures.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    But don't worry, you'll warm up to it.

    2. The class takes place in a temperature-controlled tent.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    It's -2 degrees in there!

    3. Ski gear is essential to keep you warm and stylish.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed
    Matthew Tucker / Buzzfeed

    I was provided with a selection of coats, hats, and gloves. Plus goggles to get me in a ski slope state of mind!

    4. The main purpose of ski-ram is to get you ski slope ready.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    Pioneered by Crystal Ski Holidays, ski-ram is intended to limber you up for a day on the slopes over the winter holidays.

    5. Gaby, the instructor, warms up professional athletes.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    She's lovely, helpful, and patient.

    6. Instead of sun salutations, you do snow salutations.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    This sequence focuses mostly on the legs instead of the core and arms, so no downward dog here!

    7. It won't be cold for long.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    Despite the sub-zero temperature, stretching and doing balance exercises in full-on ski gear will get you sweating in no time.

    This pose is called the Pepi Penguin, by the way.

    8. Like with any yoga practice, you have to focus on your breath.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    Ski-ram is designed to warm you up for winter sport, but its core principals are the same as all yoga teachings: breathe, breathe, breathe.

    9. You've got to find your centre.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    Balancing can be hard, especially on skis and boards that may change your centre of gravity and your weight, so ski-ram offers a great warm-up to centre yourself and find your balance before moving on to challenging physical activity.

    10. And you've got to push yourself.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    Really stretching will limber you up for the slopes and increase your strength. You don't have to warm up for long, but you do have to warm up with all you've got.

    11. It's OK not to get it right away.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed
    Matthew Tucker / Buzzfeed

    The practise is about getting your body where it needs to be and ready to do what it needs to do on your holiday. I was lucky to have Gaby to rely on when I was struggling with my balance or posture. Her corrections made the difference in being slope ready versus still stiff.

    12. It's a really peaceful and fun environment.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    I bet if I'd gotten to go skiing directly after my session, I would have been pumped and poised for the slopes.

    13. Thank your body and be proud.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    Don't forget to celebrate the success you made and the favour you've done your body by warming up and preparing for more rigorous exercise.

    14. Post-warm-up relaxation time is a must.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    The incense bag over my eyes smelled like lavender. So good.

    P.S.: Your goggles won't actually hold your hat in place. Just saying.

    Matthew Tucker / BuzzFeed

    Ski-ram sessions will hit the slopes in 2015, but you can warm-up now with this brilliant instructional video with Gaby.