Bikram

For many years I have heard of a type of yoga called Bikram yoga. This class moves one through a series of postures in an environment heated to 105 degrees. The theory behind Bikram is a heated environment promotes deeper stretches (which for me this has proven to be absolutely true). It also tauts that through stretching and compressing muscles, muscles and joint health are restored through the delivery of fresh oxygen.

Looking through the schedule of classes I decided it was time to give it a try. I entered the class and quickly realized by listening to others as they unrolled their mats that those who follow this practice are true die-hards. Once we got started I realized I would never be one of them. It was the most miserable hour I can recall in my exercise history. The poses did not feel cohesive. It felt jagged, aggressive, and perhaps more for an advanced yogi. There was simply no smooth flow. It was misery from the first second to the very last. I was nauseous and ready to roll up my mat and leave, but decided to truly know my path, I needed to experience as many aspects of the yoga world as I could. So I participated, I took it all in, and I'm so glad I did.

After class and later that night after a hot shower, I sat back on the couch with a ginormous glass of iced tea and I felt AMAZING. My head was clear, my body felt relaxed and at peace. Although this is not a version of yoga that I enjoy or will pursue on a regular basis, I can say that it is worth a try. The practice I'm seeking is one where I enjoy the both the process and the benefits, which happily I found many,