The List: Bikram Yoga
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 7:01AM 
My first entry on The List!
So, I've always wanted to try bikram yoga. Always, always. It's funny - I never tried yoga until a few years ago. I grew up in conservative Christian America, and growing up, I had the impression that yoga was "of the devil". I don't even remember why I thought that - my parents never said it - I think I heard it at church. Why is it of the devil? I have no idea - probably because it's associated with Eastern spirituality. Whatever - I love it. It's a great way to connect your body to your mind - when I take yoga, I feel my body very clearly. Hard to explain, and I know it sounds weird, but yoga helps me understand my body and breathing so much better. Yoga breathing involves filling every bit of your core with air, and then expelling every bit of it back out. Sounds crazy, but it's great and really makes a huge difference in how I feel. I love it.
Anywho, I've only ever tried Vinyasa flow, which is a great starting place for new yogis. I've always wanted to try Bikram though! Bikram involves moving through 26 different poses, twice, and it takes about 90 minutes. Bikram yoga rooms are heated to 105 degrees, with 40% humidity. Wearing a minimum of clothing is recommended. !!!
My friend Colo had always wanted to try bikram, as well, so we decided to give it a go together! We bought a class at Bikram Yoga Andersonville and went together on a Saturday morning a couple weeks ago. Upong entering the studio, we removed our shoes and stashed our stuff in the locker room. Then... it was time to go into the hot room! I'll be honest, we were nervous because neither of us is a yoga pro, even though we do love going to classes.
We did our research and showed up in teeny, tight yoga shorts, with yoga tanks. Ummmm, I stripped down to my sports bra/shorts within 5 minutes of starting the class. Everybody does it, so it was no big deal. We moved slowly and specifically through the poses - taking a couple breaks because I felt like I was dizzy a few times. Apparently, this is normal for newcomers to bikram.
And you know what? I loved it! I sweated like a racehorse, but it was great. I felt fantastic afterwards. I bought a one-month pass, and I'll be going back. Since I already have a gym membership, I can't afford to keep going longterm, but I bet that after my monthlong pass is up, I'll keep going from time to time. Both Colo and I give bikram a big thumbs up! It's a challenge, but I loved it. My first foray into The List was a success!
Have you tried bikram yoga? What did you think??
The List
Reader Comments (5)
I just checked out your "list" for the first time and I have to say I totally love it!!! Can I steal your idea?
By the way, Ethiopian food is delish. Go with a big group of friends because you have to share stuff.
Also, I have read To Kill A Mockingbird a bazillion times (I teach high school English) and it gets better with each read.
Ooo, hooray for Bikram! I have only done it once, but have been jonesing to go back. I was SO nervous at first, especially since I hate heat and humidity, but it was awesome. (Despite the fact that the yoga instructor scolded me for wearing pants!) I may have to steal your list idea, too!
I don't do Bikram, but I do hot Vinyasa in a studio that's 95 degrees plus added humidity... I think I'm weird because I never feel the need to wear shorts! Seriously, I run cold though. And I have only had one other class where I sweated as much as my first... one of my instructors swears you never will.
Do you think you'll stick with it? I don't think I could handle knowing that it'd be the same class over and over! I love trying new poses, etc.
Major kudos! I've wanted to try Bikram because it seems like an awesome workout. I don't do so well in head though; I'm afraid I'd faint!
I love Bikram! I just finished my first 6 months of classes. It is sooo wonderful. Glad to see that you had a great class!