Does Going 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 came back with the Bikram yoga studio in the town where I live. Although all yoga obviously derives from hatha and the principles to apply are the same, the styles and variations to the application of practice are completely different. Practising the most ancient form of yoga in Ashtanga, I've deemed Bikram previously as being a little 'faddish' and certainly very commercial. Judgemental? me? no! No expectations I said. I was delighted to see that the once Bikram yoga studio had expanded it's practices to include 'Urban Yoga' which includes a whole range of other styles. get more info 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 meant to be practiced in a reasonably 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 basis of Bikram (aside from practising in intense heat!) comprises 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 little bit more about Bikram. We discussed Ashtanga and the differences to anticipate in the Bikram practice. She felt the postures wouldn't be challenging to me, but the heat would. As we stepped across a doorway towards among the hot rooms I was immediately met with a blanket of moist heat. That was by way of a closed door and I already felt like my clothes were sticking with me. My mad curly hair, still down at this point, started to feel similar to a blanket encased around my head. The owner stood chatting happily, drinking hot tea I would add, while I began wondering how I would ensure it is through the practice easily felt this uncomfortable standing outside the door! Additional hints assured me the teacher would take good care of me and not 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. Love Sweat Fitness App ensured I had eaten a little more than usual and had already consumed almost 2 litres of water. I wasn't entirely sure just how much I was going to sweat out but decided that could take action. I'd also taken heed of the advice to wear as little as possible, deciding on yoga shorts and a bra top. I scooped my unruly hair along with my head in a tight bun and problem off down the stairs armed with another bottle of water, my yoga mat, cotton mat to soak up the sweat and an extra towel. As I walked through the door I wasn't too surprised at heat that hit me. 42 degrees to be exact. Being really hot always makes me feel uncomfortable (don't ask why I chosen Bikram) but maybe that's part of it, stepping out of your comfort zone? After all here I was, venturing out of my yoga solitude and joining a class, not only in a different style of yoga than I'm used to but one which boils your blood and stings your eyeballs! Nice.Like it? Share it! More by this author |