Incase you are unfamiliar with the yoga term, Bikram is not a person. But if it was one, it would be a hot, sweaty, strong person.
Let’s rewind for a minute. I’ve been steering away from Bikram yoga for a couple of reasons.
1. I was petrified of hot yoga. I have a fear of sauna’s. I slightly blame my mother (love you mom!) for this fear. Growing up watching horror movie after horror movie, you can’t help but fear getting locked in a sauna by some crazy serial killer. Obviously this fear carried over into a hot yoga room…
2. I am so not flexible. And, yes, this is exactly why I go to yoga. But Bikram has a reputation for being strict with it’s poses. I will be the first to admit I don’t know my poses.
This being said, I was slightly fearful to meet Bikram. I knew this fear would only turn into a series of unfortunate events: uncontrolled breath, panicked thoughts, (extra hot) hot flashes, running out of the room…you know, everything that could go wrong with a yoga class.
So, instead, I committed to being present. I committed to my breath. I committed to listening to my body.
And, oh my lanta, I am obsessed.
Basically, this class covered every pose I love to do. (When I’m a really good yogi…I can tell you the names of those poses…) We held the pose for x number of seconds, relaxed, and repeated. I could feel myself loosening up as the sweat dripped poured off my body.
Luckily, the instructor I was practicing with was not your typical, strict instructor. He was encouraging during each pose, giving the perfect cues letting everyone know how to adjust their body.
Okay, here’s the cheesy part. My favorite thing was the mirror. The instructor, Ross, was always reminding us to look at ourselves in the mirror. Watch yourself move. Focus on yourself and how your body looks. Of course there were moments where I did just the opposite. It wasn’t for comparison, though. It allowed me to see all the diversity in the room; diversity among 10+ half naked people. It was beautiful.
Last, but not least, here are some tips on how to survive your first time with Bikram
1. Commit to being present.
2. Remember to breathe…especially during those moments of panic
3. Bring a towel…or you’ll be slipping and sliding like I was!
4. Embrace your half nakedness. It’s going to be hot as hell in there…you’ll want minimal clothing.
5. You may or may not get a little delirious towards the end. It’s fine, really. Just listen to your body and rock the heck out of child’s pose or shavasana if needed.
Oh, and check out Bikram Yoga Asheville. I will without a doubt be sweating (profusely) there again.
Ohm & Split Pea 