As the title would suggest, I took my first Bikram yoga class today at Bikram Yoga Walnut Creek, and yes, it kicked my ass. I chose the accompanying photo to represent the serenity I hope to feel one day, when I am able to move again… haha…
Ok it wasn’t really that bad, but I truthfully cannot remember ever sweating so much. I’m talking serious water weight loss here people – I’m actually down five pounds since this morning. Crazy.
For those of you who think I’m just a sweaty girl, let me assure you I don’t normally perspire any more than the average person. But this yoga studio has an ambient temperature of about 102 degrees F (I’ve been in the US too long, but I think that’s about 35 – 40 degrees C). The room is approximately 30 x 20 feet and jammed with equally sweaty people (who by the way, are much more flexible than I am – and I’m reasonably flexible).
As I said, this was my first class. I didn’t really know what to expect so I showed up wearing an outfit perfect for running – long track pants and a grey t-shirt. Boy was I overdressed! It says right on the flyer (which I didn’t read until after class) to dress like you’re “going to the beach.” OH JEEZ.
So here I am, hangin’ out on my yoga mat. The warm-up hasn’t even really started yet and I can see in the mirror that dark spots are growing in awkward places on my shirt. My embarrassment didn’t last long, as my entire shirt turned the same darker shade of grey within the first ten minutes. After that I was able to focus on my breathing and enjoy the workout. Sure there was one point when I thought I was going to throw up, but hey, Bikram yoga is one hell of a workout.
The class was 90 minutes long, and even though there were definitely times I prayed it would just be over, I completed the practice and came out thoroughly stretched, refreshed and grateful that I had forced myself to go. Sweating that much has to aid in the detoxing and cleansing process right?! After all was said and done, I purchased the two-week membership and committed to go every day for the next 13 days.
I think this will be an interesting experiment – Bikram yoga + Isagenix. Susan Sly does it and she looks amazing. Maybe I can too… wish me luck!
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