7 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge
Sunday, May 8, 2011 
About three years ago I took my first Bikram Yoga class in Atlanta. It was an absolute nightmare for a hundred reasons I won't air out (i.e. I completed the class, but cried in my car afterwards... let's just say the instructor was very unprofessional). But one of my personal challenges this year was to experience seven Bikram Yoga classes (one per day), finishing off a solid week of practice. Additionally, I commited to walking a 5K every day and taking a cardiovascular trampoline class. So here's what went down this week...
For those of you not familiar with Bikram Yoga, it's described as a "26 postures Sequence selected and developed by Bikram Choudhury from Hatha Yoga." All classes are 90 minutes long and take place in a studio heated to at least 105 degrees with about 40% humidity (translation: you sweat like a pig the entire class).
I found Bikram Yoga NYC from positive reviews online. There was a studio near my place, they offered a great introductory special, and the business seemed very welcoming to novice yogis. The bonus was that I could complete my 5K walking challenge by simply walking from the studio to my apartment and by taking my dogs on their daily exercise.
The first day of my Bikram Yoga class I was entirely nervous, completely awkward and very self-conscious. But my instructor was wonderful, and the advanced students proved inspiring examples. We were challenged to welcome the intensity of the poses, to commit to stillness between them, and to focus on our breath. The experience couldn't have been more different from my previous nightmare class. As I walked home from the studio that evening, I thought, I think I can really do this. I think I want to do this.
But there were days that I dreaded going to class. Days that even as I walked towards the studio, I debated in my head about turning around and going home. One particular rainy morning, I looked out my window and almost stayed cozy in my pajamas and curled up with my laptop.
But I didn't. I commited to show up, each and every single day. And once I was in the Bikram Yoga studio, embracing the turned-up heat and zeroing in on my breath, I tried my best to participate in every element of the practice. Sometimes my mind wandered, and I had to exert laser-beam focus to maintain my balance. Other days I performed well on a pose, but faltered the following day. But – for the majority of the time – I enjoyed each and every class. And even during the moments I struggled, I always knew that my body was thanking me, and I recognized that I'd feel amazing afterwards. So I just kept plugging along.
By Day #5, my muscles were less sore and my understanding of the poses a little stronger. Soon I noticed that my skin was brighter, with almost a glow to it. I was sleeping much better and waking up with more energy than the previous day. I felt that I was truly detoxifying. And then tonight, walking home from Day #7, I just felt grateful for allowing myself 90 minutes, each and every day, to take care of my body and mind.
So, I have a secret to tell you... Seven days was just a toe in the water. I've decided to try for 30.
Find out the story behind my personal challenge list here and read blog posts about completed challenges.
5 Comments | tagged New York City, challenges, personal, sports, yoga | Share Article | Tweet | in fitness
Reader Comments (5)
30 days in a row of bikram yoga! OMG! Jodi, you are such an inspiration for me. Next time I'm screaming my way through a workout, I will think of you. 90 minutes of yoga plus walking a 5K daily is a lot of exercise! I hope you're eating a lot to make up for those calories. :)
Yay! I'm so excited that you're continuing. I love yoga. I don't get to go very often, cause it's just too expensive, but I used to go all the time. It really is great. Now, I never went every single day, but it was still great. Good for you!
not going to lie, bikram yoga scares me with the 105 degree room. glad you stuck with the 7 days and going for 30. ok, back to watching biggest loser... i'm hoping that will motivate me to exercise in the morning.
i love your life!
Sharon you need to come with me sometime!!