I am a five year practitioner of the Bikram Hot Yoga style. I have had less and less pain in my joints and back over the years. When I began I was healing from burns on half of my body. The hot yoga assisted in skin cell turnover, softening of the scar tissues, and the emotional issues surrounding a traumatic event.
The room is so hot and we do the yoga for 90 minutes at a time. I believe this assists in leaving the rest of the world outside of the room. The teachers always mentioned that the hot yoga is a moving meditation and I am in agreement. After trying to hold poses for 60 seconds and then the same ones afterwards for 30 seconds, it is so physically difficult that I “leave” my body in order to execute the poses. To me, that is a type of meditation.
The leaders in Bikram Hot Yoga suggest we practice for 3 times a week minimum for maximum benefits. As I healed from my burns, I wanted to go more. Why? My sleep was deeper and even if I did not get 8 hours, it was a “delicious” sleep. That’s the word I use: delicious! Even now, after 5 years, it still is the hardest workout I ever do. It is never easy, and this is coming from a 16 time marathoner! I’m 52 years old and know this is my go-to exercise for life, plus walking in nature as I age. The heat creates a cardio workout as we perform the stretching and contracting poses. The muscles respond with lengthening and strengthening as a result of my practice. I’m more muscular than ever.
We must be silent in class, adding another layer of self discipline to my life.
The downside to this practice is the price. Each drop in class is about $22, and one year unlimited is about $1200. The other gym membership I have is $79 a year for life. I wish there was a way to reduce the costs, but I believe it is probably expensive because of the heating bill!
The smell is another turn off for about a month. At first I smelled feet, sweat, and funk. It does dissipate after a month of regular practice. I just got used to it!
I hope this helps you, dear readers!
Blessings,
KJ Landis
-Author and Creator of the Superior Self series
-Life and Wellness Coach
-Personal Trainer and Workshop Facilitator
The room is so hot and we do the yoga for 90 minutes at a time. I believe this assists in leaving the rest of the world outside of the room. The teachers always mentioned that the hot yoga is a moving meditation and I am in agreement. After trying to hold poses for 60 seconds and then the same ones afterwards for 30 seconds, it is so physically difficult that I “leave” my body in order to execute the poses. To me, that is a type of meditation.
The leaders in Bikram Hot Yoga suggest we practice for 3 times a week minimum for maximum benefits. As I healed from my burns, I wanted to go more. Why? My sleep was deeper and even if I did not get 8 hours, it was a “delicious” sleep. That’s the word I use: delicious! Even now, after 5 years, it still is the hardest workout I ever do. It is never easy, and this is coming from a 16 time marathoner! I’m 52 years old and know this is my go-to exercise for life, plus walking in nature as I age. The heat creates a cardio workout as we perform the stretching and contracting poses. The muscles respond with lengthening and strengthening as a result of my practice. I’m more muscular than ever.
We must be silent in class, adding another layer of self discipline to my life.
The downside to this practice is the price. Each drop in class is about $22, and one year unlimited is about $1200. The other gym membership I have is $79 a year for life. I wish there was a way to reduce the costs, but I believe it is probably expensive because of the heating bill!
The smell is another turn off for about a month. At first I smelled feet, sweat, and funk. It does dissipate after a month of regular practice. I just got used to it!
I hope this helps you, dear readers!
Blessings,
KJ Landis
-Author and Creator of the Superior Self series
-Life and Wellness Coach
-Personal Trainer and Workshop Facilitator
RSS Feed