There was a Bikram Yoga Studio next to my gym, and I thought I'd like to try it.
However, the idea of doing yoga postures in a heated room -- didn't sound fun at all.
Then, I was visiting my friend Wendy in New Jersey, who owns a Bikram Yoga Studio.
And, I tried it.
26 postures, designed to scientifically warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons in the order in which they should be stretched.
The heat of the room allows for deeper stretching, and stimulates those sweat glands for maximum detoxification.
"The exercises systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to 100% of your body, to each organ and fiber, restoring all systems to healthy working order, just as Nature intended.
Proper weight, muscle tone, vibrant good health, and a sense of well-being will automatically follow.
" - All this in 90 minutes.
I felt AMAZING after my first session.
I returned home and signed up for "10 Days for $10", a promotion that many studios use to encourage people into the hot room.
Eight months later...
I LOVE it even more!!!Not only do I feel energized after Bikram, my body has transformed.
I was in pretty good shape before, but Bikram has added NEW definition and a few, new sexy muscles too! AND lots of new flexibility.
I also found that my running was positively impacted, as doing Bikram expands lung capacity.
After a month off of running, I actually felt stronger than before!! It's also been instrumental in healing so old injuries.
***BONUS *** Bikram Yoga is so much more...
The physical benefits are only a small part of why I love Bikram Yoga so much.
It is a "practice" to truly "master oneself" - mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
It's about "being present" and finding stillness, and reducing the chatter in the mind.
"Being present" isn't easy for most of us, and particularly when you're challenging your body into unusual postures.
But, how many places in life do we get 90 minutes to practice being more present?It's also about practicing going from "maximum intensity" to "total relaxation", without drama.
Several of the balancing postures require as much focused concentration as strength.
Mind over body.
It's often easy to "give up", but it's a useful practice to challenge the mind and body to stay engaged for those extra few seconds.
It's about surrendering into a posture, finding serenity within the intensity, while allowing the body to stretch just a little more deeply.
It's also about "being with yourself" in moments of failure.
There are still postures I struggle with, so practicing love and compassion with myself is necessary.
It's also about nurturing yourself.
And, I could go on and on...
Life is challenging.
Everything I just mentioned above is excellent practice for living life.
Being present, reducing mind chatter, focused mental energy, stamina, balancing, surrendering, giving 100%, relaxing 100%, and being loving and kind in moments of challenge.
And, you get fit and healthy, while developing yourself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
Bikram Yoga is for everyone, whether you're fit, flexible or not.
You are your only point of measurement and progress.
Your journey begins where ever you are.
Try it, you may fall in love with it, as I and many, many others have.
I've included links to the right for more information about Bikram Yoga, my local studio, and a list of locations/schedules Internationally.
However, the idea of doing yoga postures in a heated room -- didn't sound fun at all.
Then, I was visiting my friend Wendy in New Jersey, who owns a Bikram Yoga Studio.
And, I tried it.
26 postures, designed to scientifically warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons in the order in which they should be stretched.
The heat of the room allows for deeper stretching, and stimulates those sweat glands for maximum detoxification.
"The exercises systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to 100% of your body, to each organ and fiber, restoring all systems to healthy working order, just as Nature intended.
Proper weight, muscle tone, vibrant good health, and a sense of well-being will automatically follow.
" - All this in 90 minutes.
I felt AMAZING after my first session.
I returned home and signed up for "10 Days for $10", a promotion that many studios use to encourage people into the hot room.
Eight months later...
I LOVE it even more!!!Not only do I feel energized after Bikram, my body has transformed.
I was in pretty good shape before, but Bikram has added NEW definition and a few, new sexy muscles too! AND lots of new flexibility.
I also found that my running was positively impacted, as doing Bikram expands lung capacity.
After a month off of running, I actually felt stronger than before!! It's also been instrumental in healing so old injuries.
***BONUS *** Bikram Yoga is so much more...
The physical benefits are only a small part of why I love Bikram Yoga so much.
It is a "practice" to truly "master oneself" - mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
It's about "being present" and finding stillness, and reducing the chatter in the mind.
"Being present" isn't easy for most of us, and particularly when you're challenging your body into unusual postures.
But, how many places in life do we get 90 minutes to practice being more present?It's also about practicing going from "maximum intensity" to "total relaxation", without drama.
Several of the balancing postures require as much focused concentration as strength.
Mind over body.
It's often easy to "give up", but it's a useful practice to challenge the mind and body to stay engaged for those extra few seconds.
It's about surrendering into a posture, finding serenity within the intensity, while allowing the body to stretch just a little more deeply.
It's also about "being with yourself" in moments of failure.
There are still postures I struggle with, so practicing love and compassion with myself is necessary.
It's also about nurturing yourself.
And, I could go on and on...
Life is challenging.
Everything I just mentioned above is excellent practice for living life.
Being present, reducing mind chatter, focused mental energy, stamina, balancing, surrendering, giving 100%, relaxing 100%, and being loving and kind in moments of challenge.
And, you get fit and healthy, while developing yourself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
Bikram Yoga is for everyone, whether you're fit, flexible or not.
You are your only point of measurement and progress.
Your journey begins where ever you are.
Try it, you may fall in love with it, as I and many, many others have.
I've included links to the right for more information about Bikram Yoga, my local studio, and a list of locations/schedules Internationally.