Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, is a style of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury and a Los Angeles, California based company[1]. Bikram Yoga is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 40%. Classes are guided by specific dialogue including 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Classes last approximately 90-minutes. Beginners may take Bikram yoga classes.

Bikram yoga is a system of wellness, restoration and rejuvenation. The heated studio facilitates deeper stretching, prevents injury, relieves stress and tension and detoxifies the body. Bikram yoga was designed to systematically stimulate and restore health to every muscle, joint and organ of the body. Participants are guided through a series of 26 postures. The heart, lungs, blood circulation, muscles, brain activity and mental capacity are all affected by participating in the art of yoga. There are two descriptions of the 26 exercises and they are asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), both of which rely on each other to deliver positive results. According to Bikram, many people only use up to 50 percent of their lung capacity, and just like any muscles, the lungs must be stretched and with time will be able to withstand holding more oxygen. When one is practicing the pranayama he or she will eventually be able to enhance oxygen conversion and absorption, as well as improve blood circulation. (Choudhury, 2007)

So last night per a friends suggestion I decided to try Bikram Yoga at mission yoga. I rode my bike there not really knowing what to expect. I knew it was yoga in a hot room.

At first I couldn't find the place because it was above some stores. Finally I spotted a couple of young people chaining their bikes in an indoor courtyard area. So I was a bit late. Then the people checking in pointed me to the changing rooms. I was like "Oh I was just going to wear this." I was wearing my long workout pants and a t-shirt. They kind of smirked and said "your going to soak through the clothes you should have brought a change of clothes," and I felt really stupid. I walked into the room after the class had started and immediately started sweating. Most people were wearing shorts and many of the girls had small sports bra shirts on. So I was like fuck it and took off my shirt, so that I could have a dry article of clothing to bike home in.

Wow it was intense! I have never sweat so much in 90 minutes in my entire life. The poses were really difficult, but others struggled with them as well. I had the reddest face in the entire class and I was profusely dripping sweat the entire time.

After the class I felt amazing. I was completely rejuvenated. I felt limber and calm but energized. I rode my bike home at top speed smiling in sweat soaked clothes. I even rode all the way up Powell to my apartment without stopping.

I was exhausted when I went to bed and slept really well through the night.



I have decided to focus more intensly on my health and wellbeing. I figure if I feel good it will help me figure out the rest of my life- where I am going what I want to do. I have started working on my essay for Mills graduate school admissions. The early application is due in February. I want to write a really good essay. So far I only have 1 very boring paragraph but if I work on it a little bit everyday I'll get there. Today I have a doctors appointment so that she can fill out the physical examination part of my Peace Corps application.