I woke up at 6:30am on Saturday... seriously, this is easier for me than running, I'm telling you exactly how challenging running was for me - not a fan. I can try anything now! :)
PJ picked me up so we could arrive by 7:15, get signed in, our mats in place and get in a little relaxation (or adjust to the heat a bit I guess). I have to say, living in a warm climate like Austin, I would never attempt this! Who wants to go from 100 degrees outside to exercising in 100 degrees inside and then for a "cool down", go get in your 120 degree car? Ha! So yeah, San Francisco is quite ideal in my opinion for practicing Bikram yoga. Much more motivating I think.
The class is always the same, which I really like. I am not the most coordinated or the most graceful person I know and all those classes that switch stuff up usually have me trying to find someone to watch who knows what they are doing and then attempting a very sad imitation of mimicking their movements. It's not pretty and very discouraging. If I wanted to spin in circles looking confused I could stay home and do that without the mocking wall of mirrors.
26 poses that begin and end with a breathing exercises. The first to expand and stretch the lungs, which "according to Bikram, many people only use up to 50 percent of their lung capacity, and just like any muscle, 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)" The first breathing exercise was, lol... for me a little confusing - surprise surprise. It involves a tad bit of coordination, I'm sure I'll figure it out in no time. Then there are a series of standing poses and then a series of ground poses. I like those. Only because I battle light headedness with the heat and standing, much less the poses, is very challenging. Start with little ability and there is nowhere to go but up, right? :) The instructors continuously talk you through all the poses always reminding you of little corrections you should be making to be sure you are working on the correct form of the pose and not just how deep you go. I have to sit down on my mat a lot to recover in between lots of poses, but I know there is only room to improve, so that is motivating!
Lots of sweat. Not sure I'm a fan yet. It tickles my face... I'll keep you posted!
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