Phew. I just completed a 10-day Bikram yoga challenge. Bikram yoga, unlike other forms of yoga, is a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises…in a 105 degree room. Yeah, you read that right, 105 degrees. With 40% humidity. It sounds crazy but after it’s all said and done, I’m a convert.
Before moving to Seattle, I’d taken two Bikram classes and really enjoyed them but I never had the time (or the money) to practice regularly. Fast forward to 10-days ago. Now that I’ve established a bit of a routine here, I’ve found my mind drifting back to Bikram. I researched a few studios in the area and found The Sweatbox in Capitol Hill. Turns out they have a $10 beginner series pass…with a catch. It’s $10 for 10 consecutive days of yoga. You don’t HAVE to go to all 10 days but I was ready to challenge myself, so I walked on over and signed up.
Now, I won’t lie. The first class was brutal. I spent most of the first hour lying on the floor, trying not to pass out. The next day I was able to get through almost the entire 90 minutes. And by day 3, I was standing, balancing and stretching with the best of ’em. Ok…maybe not the best. Some of those experienced yogis are incredible! At the end of 10 days though, I feel stronger, I sleep better at night and I am noticeably more flexible.
I’ve been recommending Bikram to everyone I come across as a solution to their problems. Illness? Try Bikram! Heartbreak? Try Bikram! Addiction to ice cream? Try Bikram! You get the idea. I highly recommend it.
I know some of you are skeptical so let’s alleviate any concern right away:
- Every class is filled with people of all levels, ages, shapes and sizes so you don’t need to worry if you think you’re not the yoga type.
- The instructors are extremely sympathetic to beginner’s. They will push you to your potential but fully encourage taking breaks as you need them.
- Everyone is focused on themselves and no one is watching you.
- It gets better. I won’t say it gets easier because you’re constantly pushing your body to its limits but as you get more familiar with the positions and with your body, it becomes enjoyable.
So give it a try! Be sure to hydrate before class and get there a few minutes early to talk over any anxieties with your instructor. This Bikram FAQ guide is a great resource to check out before you go.
Namaste (I bow to you).
Have you ever done Bikram or any other types of yoga? Tell me about it in the comments!