Originally uploaded by TheC2life
I attended my first class of Bikram Yoga in seven months tonight.
For those that don't know one type of Yoga from the next, Bikram Yoga is an intense form of Hatha Yoga which is practiced in a heated room, almost sauna like. The heat not only warms the body and muscles but also adds to the intensity of the class by placing you outside your comfort zone while you are taken through at least 20 different poses over 90 minutes.
I still remember back to the first class Bikram I ever did, almost a year ago to the day, I swear it almost killed me. This time round I knew what to expect and I'm quite happy with how I went, managing to complete all but a few of the poses and keeping my breathing well under control.
The last 15-20 minutes are brutal. The heat is almost unbearable but you try not to think about it. Keep it out of your mind and it is almost unnoticeable. Let it get to you and you will just wish for the class to end.
In between each of the floor series of poses you get a brief rest, known as Savasna. This is when you just lay in complete stillness for 30 seconds bringing your breath under control. I try to think of how many poses are left before the class is over and I can escape to the cool air outside the studio. That's all part of the challenge though, staying to the end and completing the class.
The hamstring stretches are the penultimate pose, followed by back twists and a final breathing exercise, then a final Savasna. I made to the end and I'm one of the first ones out the door.
**Warning - Locker room scenes follow **
After a class is always a strange feeling. The men's changing rooms are silent, it's like no one has any energy to talk, I know I don't. I have a cold shower to cool off and try and return my body's temperature to something more normal. The cold water is so refreshing , it cools and revitalises the body.
Afterwards I'm still totally drained, but I know it's all worth it in the end.
If you haven't done it yet, give Bikram Yoga a try.
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10 comments:
That sounds rather intriguing. Whereabouts do you do it?
Bruce, it does sound like my sort of yoga (except the part about it almost killing you).
We should have a virtual six-pack on Saturday's game :)
We might need that 5 1/2 point start, so I'll take it :)
I won't be choosing Steinlager ;)
That sounds tough! Sounds a bit like running you feel great after you've gone through the mill and finished.
If not for the 5 1/2 point start...
I'm rather partial to Coopers Sparkling Ale at the moment - thanks! :)
I'll give you a chance to win it back - your choice of the event.
OK, Warriors v Roosters. I have a friend who's a big Roosters fan, so anything to beat New Zealand ;)
Sounds interesting. I might have to give it a try. Thanks for the encouragement on my last post.
Love the blog. Great picture at the top. I have to say I have been to a couple of Yoga classes and really love it, but have never tried Bikram. For some reason I am completely intimidated by bikram.
I have never been to New Zealand but am planning a trip at the end of 2009. Any races you would suggest running in October or November?
Thanks for the great posts.
Take care,
Rich Scott
Prairieville, Louisiana
USA
richscott262@gmail.com
Love the blog. Great picture at the top. I have to say I have been to a couple of Yoga classes and really love it, but have never tried Bikram. For some reason I am completely intimidated by bikram.
I have never been to New Zealand but am planning a trip at the end of 2009. Any races you would suggest running in October or November?
Thanks for the great posts.
Take care,
Rich Scott
Prairieville, Louisiana
USA
richscott262@gmail.com
Thanks Rick, if you're in Auckland around that time the Auckland Marathon (and half) is always on around end of October.
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