Does Likely to a Yoga Class Make You a Yogi?Posted by Mitchell Ejlersen on May 29th, 2021 Class 1 Bikram 'hot' Yoga After deciding to embark on on my '108 Yoga Classes' journey, the first Google search returned with the Bikram yoga studio in the town w here I live. Although all yoga obviously derives from hatha and the principles to practice are the same, the styles and variations to the use of practice are completely different. Practising the most ancient type of yoga in Ashtanga, I've deemed Bikram previously to be a little 'faddish' and certainly very commercial. Judgemental? me? no! No expectations I said. I was delighted to note that the once Bikram yoga studio had expanded it's practices to incorporate 'Urban Yoga' which includes a whole selection of other styles. The differentiation being either 'hot' or 'cold' yoga. I don't think I would ever have thought about any yoga practice being cold. Although hot definitely describes Bikram (I possibly could think about other words actually) any yoga is intended to be practiced in a fairly warm room and certainly never a cold one. I decided this might give me a path upon which to start towards my goal of attending 108 Yoga Classes. I enrolled in a one month trial and eagerly booked myself set for a '26/2 Hot Yoga'. I already knew that the foundation of Bikram (apart from practising in intense heat!) is made up of 26 postures. I assumed this meant (and I was right, now wishing I was wrong) practising them twice. I arrived early for my first evening class so that I could learn where everything was before starting. The owner of the studio was around and took me on quick tour and told me a bit more about Bikram. We discussed Ashtanga and the differences to anticipate in the Bikram practice. She felt the postures wouldn't be challenging if you ask me, but the heat would. Once we stepped across a doorway towards one of many hot rooms I was immediately met with a blanket of moist heat. That has been through a closed door and I already felt like my clothes were sticking to me. My mad frizzy hair, still down at this point, started to feel much like a blanket encased around my head. The owner stood chatting happily, drinking hot tea I might add, while I began wondering how I was going to ensure it is through the practice if I felt this uncomfortable standing beyond your door! She assured me the teacher would take good care of me rather than to push myself in the postures too much; resting easily felt dizzy. I hadn't taken the instructions I'd been given earlier in the day lightly. I made sure I had eaten a little more than usual and had already consumed almost 2 litres of water. I wasn't entirely sure how much I was going to sweat out but decided that would do it. I'd also taken heed of the advice to wear as little as possible, opting for yoga shorts and a bra top. I scooped my unruly hair along with my head in a good bun and problem off down the stairs armed with another bottle of water, my yoga mat, cotton mat to soak up the sweat and a supplementary towel. As I walked through the door I wasn't too surprised at the heat that hit me. 42 degrees to be exact. Being really hot always makes me feel uncomfortable (don't ask why I decided on Bikram) but maybe that's part of it, stepping from your comfort zone? I mean here I was, venturing out of my yoga solitude and joining a class, not merely in a different design of yoga than I'm used to but one that boils your blood and stings your eyeballs! Nice.Like it? Share it! More by this author |