For those of you who have never heard of it, Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures including 2 breathing exercises in a room heated to 105 degrees. The class runs 90 minutes to a standardized dialogue. Now let me get something straight, I hate to be hot. I despise it. The fact that I didn't run out of the room after 5 minutes is an accomplishment in and of itself. I can't even sit in a bathtub for more than 10 minutes. So if I can go and stay in the room, then I'm pretty sure anyone can. The first time you go in the room it is generally overwhelming. Your goal is to just stay in the room and breathe. The more you go the better you'll feel and eventually you will stop feeling hot. Most days I still have to sit down and just take a minute for myself, but every now and then I have a really good day and can do all of the postures.
My studio, Bikram Yoga Simsbury is such a warm and inviting studio. It really is like a community. Everybody is so friendly and encouraging. All of the instructors are great. They also have amazing smoothies, clothing, essential oils, and things of that nature. I've talked to people who have practiced at other studios and they always say this is the best studio they have practiced at.
The entire concept of doing the best you can with the body you have that day (because every day is different) and taking care of yourself was so foreign to me. Coming from a competitive dance background, this is basically the opposite of how you are taught to think. Being kind to yourself, listening to your body and letting go of your ego in the class have been an even bigger journey for me than how I'm improving in the postures. I am no longer upset at myself and frustrated when I have to stop and take a break. I am taking care of me and that's okay.
Even on days where I might feel a little sick in class, once I'm outside of class for a little while I feel wonderful. My body begins to crave a class when I have to skip a few days. I am always challenging myself, so I'm never bored despite always doing the same postures. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Image source: Yoga Design Lab
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I love Bikram! I think it's so great that you shared this post. It is one of the most amazing ways to get to know and listen to your body. The first time I did a class I felt as if I was suffocating, but after trying and trying again my body adjusted. <3
ReplyDeleteSo glad to find someone else into Bikram.
DeleteI am very interested in yoga myself, I definitely need something to calm myself down at times, think this is would be a great way for me to relax from a busy life.
ReplyDeletexoxo
I did hot yoga once and even though I accidentally found myself in an advanced class I really enjoyed it. With practice I could imagine it being something great for mind and body.
ReplyDelete-Alex
www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
What is great about bikram is that it's for everyone! Beginners and the most advanced!
DeleteI've honestly never heard of this type of yoga, but it sounds interesting. I only have one problem: I'm about as flexible as a steel rod! I'll have to try it out though!
ReplyDeleteAlyssa The Runner
We have a sign hanging in our yoga studio that says flexibility is not a prerequisite of yoga it's a result.
DeleteThose classes sounds great!
ReplyDeleteJessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights
Yoga has been such an amazing part of my life for a year now. It's such a great way to feel peaceful, strong, and let out my stress. I've been thinking of trying Bikram for a while now, and your post motivated me to sign up for a class!
ReplyDeletexx Julia
Little Miss Haute Couture
Everyone things I'm crazy, but I love Bikram! I really, really miss my home studio - my favorite classes were silent bikram classes - no talking during postures. We listened to music and the instructor would just call out the post when it was time to switch. SO great. Glad to see you love Bikram too!
ReplyDeletejess | Bows & Bouquets
Everyone thinks I'm nuts too! The silent sounds interesting we do a version where he plays a tape and there is less dialogue and then he walks around so he can help more people. I like that class every now and then for a change.
DeleteHope you stop by again soon!
xx