Yesterday I did what I swore I would never do.
Bikram Yoga.
90 minutes, 26 postures, and profuse sweating.
I hate heat. Hate. It. Saunas are not my friend, and I feel overheated if I stay in a hot tub for longer than 5 minutes. Yet somehow, I found myself twisting myself into a pretzel in a 100 degree room. I must be insane. Want to know how it was?
It was torture, and afterward I felt better than I had in a long, long time.
Being a first timer, I was told my goal was to stay in the room. I was instructed to sit or lie down if I felt dizzy or nauseated. I made it through about 60 of the 90 minutes before I needed to take a break and lie down. Then I just took things at a little slower pace and tried to finish up strong. When class ended, I made it to the locker room and had to sit for a minute with my head hanging down between my knees to get the buzzing in my ears to stop. After taking a shower and donning fresh clothes, I have to say I felt as though I had a really good massage. Relaxed and loose, I felt like I was rubbery and I felt like eating a bowl full of fresh melon and taking a nap.
This morning I woke up and felt every single muscle in my body from my head to my toes. I think I discovered a few I never knew I had. It’s a pleasant sore, one that tells me I had a good workout. And it’s just enough to maybe get me back in the hot room to loosen myself back up. I’ve been looking for something that would be a good supplement to Tae Kwon Do and I may have found it. I can work on my balance, posture, focus, discipline, and relaxation in each 90 minute session. Everything that I need to help me perform at my peak. During the floor postures, I initially had a hard time sitting on my knees because it made my ankle hurt to put pressure on it in that position. However, after the third attempt, I could do it with no discomfort whatsoever, and that effect seems to have carried into today. Bonus!
What I find amazing is that my MIL has been doing Bikram Yoga for months. She took up a 30 day challenge recently and she’s currently on her 23rd day in a row I think. Her body shape has totally changed for the better. She looks amazing and she said that she hasn’t looked this good in….well, ever.
I was able to score an 8 day unlimited trial for $25, but I’m not sure I foresee myself signing up for anything more, for financial reasons. Yet, like the instructorship program, this might be something I enjoy enough to figure out a way to make it work.
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i’ve always wanted to try that but i hate saunas so i’m apprehensive
I do too! Yet for some reason I thought this sounded like a good idea. I can honestly say I can’t remember the last time I felt that good after a workout. It’s very much a mental thing, being able to block out the “I hate the heat” conversation in your head.
I have a friend who keeps wanting me to try it but it’s so damn hot!!
You should try it once. I really wasn’t sure I would like it, but am considering going back for more.
Hi really like your Blog, what are you thoughts on hatha yoga? I also found this really good guide on yoga that I think I might get, do you know any one that has got it and if it is any good? Here is the link http://budurl.com/runnersyoga