That's right, I have become a hot yogi. My older daughter Erin got into Bikram hot yoga a year ago. This is my child who found walking to the beach too much trouble, much less going to a gym and now she's telling me she loves going to a yoga class where it's 104 degrees in the room and the goal of the first class is not to leave the room. Well, I thought, how long can this last? A regular yoga class is enough work without adding the heat. To my surprise, she excelled in it and goes almost daily for over a year now. I am proud of her for sticking with it and she tells me that you will never in your life feel so good, along with improved health. Then she began trying to get Ashley and me to try it. Ashley started going about a month ago and tells me the same thing, saying "Mom, you gotta try it!"
This weekend Ashley came to stay with us and found the Bikram place here on the Cape. To my surprise, it's right down the road and I drive past it everyday. She convinced me, hot flashes and all, to try it yesterday. I was so nervous about passing out that I didn't sleep the night before and the class was at 8am. Not only that, she made me get up at 6 so I could drink 2 bottles of water before going. I must say I surprised myself. I made it through the 90 minute class and only sat out for 2 out of the 29 poses. The heat was very different than 100 beach heat and as long as I concentrated on my breathing, I never got dizzy or light headed at all. The instructor was very good. She doesn't do the class, she just walks around and gives very specific, fast paced instructions. You don't even have to watch. I even took off my glasses (otherwise they'd sweat off). I found the level of concentration unparalleled to any other exercise I've ever done. You have to focus so hard on your breath and movement take you totally into yourself. I have done regular Yoga for years, but this is totally different – for the mind, body, and soul. I was exhausted the rest of the day, but that was more a result of not falling asleep until 3am the night before. We went again today and I didn't sit out at all. (and now that I am familiar with the routine, of course I was more prepared and organized) Also, after a good night's sleep, I wasn't nearly as tired as I was yesterday.
Afterward, you feel you've had a total cardio/strength workout, you feel much lighter, and so stretched that you actually walk taller and with better posture after only 2 classes. We are going again tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it. Ashley bought me my introductory package, so I am going all week long and compare this to my regular gym exercise routine. Both girls have given up their gym memberships and I am beginning to see why. For me, only time will tell.
And so, another day goes by, and I have written. Namaste.
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