I first tried Bikram in June. And I actually went 4 or 5 times before I began traveling for work and couldn't get into a studio for a class.
I went back this Saturday.
It was incredibly tough, but I felt so great when that 90 minutes was up...
Haven't heard of Bikram?
It's a 90 minute yoga class in a room heated to 105 degrees and 40 % humidity. The creator, Bikram Choudhury, refers to the studio as the "torture chamber," and he may be right...You will sweat. I have never sweat so much in my life. Like, when I bend down to touch my toes, so much water goes up my nose it hurts---that kind of sweat.
Bikram is different from other types of yoga in that it is the same 26 poses every class. It is consistent and you can really measure your growth from class to class. When I tried yoga in the past, I was frustrated by not knowing what was coming next, learning new postures every time and never feeling like I mastered any of them.
Now, understand that I am TERRIBLE at Bikram. I had to lay down in dead man's pose right after standing bow (pretty early in the series). I almost threw up whenever I had to do any pose that required me to back bend. I honestly think my first class was EASIER than this one.
What's interesting is that even when you are laying like a dead body on the floor, trying to keep the banana you at 4 hours ago for potassium so you wouldn't get dehydrated from coming up in front of everybody, you are also trying to figure out when you can come to your next class! Something about it feels good...
I walk out of Bikram feeling invigorated. And I always sleep through the night after a Bikram class, which for me, is a pretty mean feat.
By the way, I have been secretly getting back in the running game. Couch to 5K week one complete, I am now on to Week 2. I think Bikram will help balance the tightness I get in my legs from running.
Namaste People!
I've always wanted to try bikram yoga but I'm slightly intimidate by it. Milton just had a new yoga studio open up, and I've been toying with the notion of trying a few classes. You'll have to come with me the next time you visit!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Keep up the good work !
ReplyDeleteMY Dear, Dear Camille: A banana will not prevent dehydration. The potassium you get from a banana will help prevent too much potassium depletion caused by dehydration. You must drink, drink, drink water, water, water. You must have as much going in as there is coming out. Remember your water bottle when you go to yoga, and hydrate ahead of class, during class, and after class. If you can't produce urine at the end of class, you are not drinking enough. Love,
ReplyDeleteAunt Sharon
PS - I may be ready for the couch to 2k program.
BC-I am definitelly in on my next visit!
ReplyDeleteSharonwue-Fear not! I am slamming water all day the day before Bikram, all through class, and all day after. I am producing more urine than any human should. I ate the banana to cover potassium loss and because I hate drinking gatorade and smart water for electrolytes.
Also-Start C25K right now so that we can run a race in October! ;)