If you’re living anywhere north of Kentucky this week you’ll notice that we’re slowly thawing out (looking out my windows I can see that Lake Michigan is less of a glacier!). It is around this time of the year that we begin to realize we may have put on some winter weight. I know I’m guilty of this with my birthday, Christmas and New Years all occurring the last 3 weeks in the year. It’s even harder to motivate yourself to work out when there is a blizzard going on and you don’t have access to a gym inside of your residence. So I came to a crossroads as the reality hit that winter is almost over, spring is on the way. I knew I desperately needed to find something I enjoyed doing and wouldn’t mind putting into my routine to get my “summer body backâ€Â. I found the answer in Bikram Yoga.
My co-worker and my boyfriend both did Bikram last summer. I wanted to, but was unable to do so. So last week I decided to give it a shot. Bikram is INTENSE exercise and should not be done for those who tire easily and have an aversion to sweating and working hard. The general gist is this: you go do 26 poses within a 90 minute time frame in 105-115 degree heat. The reason for the heat is so that you are more flexible and you sweat the toxins out. When you attend your first class they encourage you to sit or lie down if you feel dizzy, faint, weak or light-headed (a normal reaction to the heat). They also recommend you have your mat in the back rows so you can watch all the yogi’s who can do the poses correctly. As you begin with a simple breathing exercise you start to sweat. I’m not kidding. The further you get into the class the more sweaty you will become. Note: this class is NOT for those who don’t want their hair to look jacked up- you will sweat through all of your clothing to the point you can wring it out afterwards. As my boyfriend had described to me there will come a point during the class where you will realize “this is hard as hell and it really sucks!!†I got to that point, but I kept going and ended strong. How could you not after you already accepted the challenge?
The results of my hard work began to pay off almost immediately. I left the class feeling energized rather than exhausted like I do after other workouts. When I tried it one morning last week I was in an AMAZING mood that lasted for most of the workday. By Friday I made it through an entire class without taking any breaks. I am also more aware and considerate about what I put into my body so I have inadvertently put myself on a diet causing my next big accomplishment of the Bikram: my weight loss of 13lbs in my first week!! I know, that after hearing that many YBPs are going to jump at the chance to do the yoga. Here is my word of caution: don’t use my testimonial as a guarantee for losing weight. It will come over time as it does with anything. Try the yoga as something that ties the mental, physical, and spiritual together. It is a time to focus completely on yourself for 90 minutes. In todays hectic world it’s nice to have a comfortable place to relax, workout, and focus on YOU.
Kimberly Michelle
I’m so proud of you for sticking to (what sounds like) such an intense program! You have inspired me to try something new…hopefully my results will be as good as yours!
March 12, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Brittania
13 pounds in one week from yoga!! Wow, and I thought it was just stretching. I was thinking of taking yoga just to loosen up my very stiff muscles but the possible weight loss makes the yoga idea even better.
March 12, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Gloria
For me the yoga is great because the weight loss is an added benefit. Going to work on friday after attending my morning class was great, because my clients (I work at a bankruptcy law firm so just imagine…) couldn’t piss me off!!! I was just so happy NOTHING could stop me. I even felt good enough to do a 2nd class. Good luck with your class.
March 13, 2007 at 9:16 am
YBP Guide — weekly roundup: 3/17
[...] The Wonders of YOGA [...]
March 17, 2007 at 8:18 am
Brittania
I, along with two friends, took this class. The intensity of this yoga class is the equivalent of taking tae-bo in the middle of the sahara desert. This class goes well beyond just stretching and pushes your body and lungs to the limits. It is extremely challenging, but fun and quite a unique workout experience.
March 19, 2007 at 9:03 am
Gloria
So what did you think of the class?? How much did you sweat? Have you kept it up?? I truly believe it is the best thing I’ve done for myself. Did you take it in Chicago?? It seems I’m noticing more Black people in my classes lately….come say hi to me! I’m always in a bandana SWEATING…LOL
March 23, 2007 at 11:37 am
Kimberly Michelle
So hot! It was like being inside of a radiator! But as long as you continue to breathe through your nose, you should be straight. I would say the hardest part was feeling nauseous (since you can’t eat before you go)….and also looking at other people’s nasty feet, lol. But I’m going back to get my sweat on!
March 24, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Reflections of a Tomboy Turned Princess
[...] hearing great things about Bikram Yoga from 2 of my friends, I decided to try out the intensity for myself. Plus there was a special, 30 [...]
March 24, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Gloria
YAY for another person trying it out!!!I think the nausea wears off once your body gets used to doing the class. I don’t experience it anymore. Also, a teacher told me it’s ok to have a yogurt or banana before class if you must. Just make sure it’s light!!! Keep it up! Breathe throuhg your nose
March 24, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Gregg
Wonderful post! Looks like you are combining Yoga with other exercises in your program. How I wish I were living near Kentucky to try out your program.
February 5, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Michiko
In Japan we have Yoga classes, but those are mostly for keeping ourselves fit physically and mentally. I have not heard about anything like Bikram Yoga for losing weight. Hope we have some programs like that in Japan too.
February 5, 2009 at 10:09 pm