Bikram Yoga

A few months ago, my parents both starting going to a studio in our city for Bikram Yoga. When my mom explained what Bikram Yoga was, 

“it’s 90 minutes in a room heated to 105 degrees, you can only drink water at certain times, and you are not suppose to ever leave the room."

I was amazed by my parents' motivation to do what seemed so hard, and even the thought of the practice gave me anxiety. My parents continued to practice, and I continued hearing more from them about how great they felt from Bikram Yoga.

Fast forward to March 17^th, 2011 [Saint Patrick’s Day]

After a rundown from my mom about every little thing I should know before entering the “torture chamber,” I arrived to the evening class to take part in my first 90 minute Bikram Yoga class. When it began, I was surprised how quickly the instructor spouted out instructions and fixes for all the individuals in the room. Maybe I had the wrong idea, but I thought it would be a little more… mellow?

After my first class I was hooked. I went 5 days in a row, until work interrupted my routine. Now it has been about 2 ½ months and 36 classes later. I went this morning, which ended up being a great beginning to my Saturday. Every day in the room is different. Today was a great class, despite my body being completely stiff since it was a morning class. I was focused, and was trying my hardest not to anticipate the poses that came next. I’ve had excruciating classes, open-minded classes, and anxiety ridden classes, but no matter how much I want to get out of the room, I love what Bikram Yoga has done for me, inside and out.

Local Bikram Yoga studio

Now I am the “crazy” one, telling friends and coworkers about my experiences. They act much I like I did before trying my first Bikram Yoga class.

Now that I have 2 months off, I want to practice Bikram Yoga as much as I can. I’m not sure this will mean daily, and I know there will be breaks [like a week off in July to go to the coast], but I hope that I will take advantage of my time, and continue to use my practice as a vehicle for mental and physical self-discovery.

Namaste