Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Bikram Yoga ~ we survived

For anyone who hasn't heard of Bikram Yoga before it's basically a yoga class done in a 39 degrees room over 90 mins.

One might say it's crazy, but I've been wanting to try it for ages as apparently it has a whole range of benefits, including;
Detoxing the body happens instantly, pores are opened to let toxins out and you will notice from the first breathing exercise the detox process has begun.
The heat contributes to increased heart rate for a better cardiovascular workout and thinning of the blood to help clear the circulatory system.
Strength is improved by putting muscle tissue in an optimal state for reorganization. Muscle tissues are more relaxed when warmed up which promotes a safer and deeper stretch.
The heat helps reorganise the lipids (fat) in the muscular structure.
- See more at: http://www.bikramyogaav.com.au/classes/faq-a-first-time-information#sthash.iMYSGIpx.dpuf
  • improves your health
  • reduces stress
  • assists with weight loss
  • strengthens and tones your body
  • increases your heart rate for better cardiovascular 
  • detoxes your body

Soooo, Raels and I decided we'd give it go as the Ascot Vale Studio are currently offering a 10 day pass for $19. Perfect opportunity right??

Nervous and excited - we were ready. In the lead up to any bikram yoga class they recommend you drink double your normal intake of water. That means 3-4 litres a day..  How can any one possibly manage that, we thought. We arrived at the studio and had a bit of a giggle about much of the day we spent on the toilet. The staff were pretty welcoming and suggested we took our spot at the back of the room so we could see the regulars and had someone to follow. It was literally like walking into a sauna. How are we going to survive this?

Apart from getting the giggles at the start we soon managed to control ourselves. The hardest thing about yoga in the heat was controlling our poses. As the sweat just poured off it was so hard to keep your grip and often kept slipping. We couldn't help but laugh everytime she said hold it, don't lose it!! For our first attempt we did pretty well, and would been keen to give it another go. Although it was a little intimidating seeing just how well others can do the poses. Some of them just seemed impossible. But like with most other things, I'm sure if we stick to it we'll just keep getting better. They also say you don't have to be great at it, you just need to stretch and try and improve with each pose and class in order to gain any benefits.

I managed to get through most of it apart from the odd cramp here and there and at one stage I got a tiny bit dizzy because we had to do a few quick movements. The instructors were pretty good though, they just tell you take a minute sit down and have a drink off water. I didn't felt judged at all.

Was an interesting experience and one I'd be prepared to give it another go. I'm still not really sure how many calories it's suppose to burn but nevertheless hopefully it will make some change on the scales in the morning. Oh yeah and hopefully I won't break out in pimples either. The only downer of the night was walking out to my car to find a parking fine. NOT HAPPY JAN! Beware to anyone parking opposite the studio. After 4.30 - Don't!

Thanks Raels for making my first bikram class such an enjoyable one. For Raelene's awesome version of tonight's events check out her blog Bikram Yoga! The Bridget Jones Version.


Night all,
Woo hoo ~ We survived!!  Thanks for the pic Raels :)

Detoxing the body happens instantly, pores are opened to let toxins out and you will notice from the first breathing exercise the detox process has begun.
The heat contributes to increased heart rate for a better cardiovascular workout and thinning of the blood to help clear the circulatory system.
Strength is improved by putting muscle tissue in an optimal state for reorganization. Muscle tissues are more relaxed when warmed up which promotes a safer and deeper stretch.
The heat helps reorganise the lipids (fat) in the muscular structure.
- See more at: http://www.bikramyogaav.com.au/classes/faq-a-first-time-information#sthash.iMYSGIpx.dpuf
Detoxing the body happens instantly, pores are opened to let toxins out and you will notice from the first breathing exercise the detox process has begun.
The heat contributes to increased heart rate for a better cardiovascular workout and thinning of the blood to help clear the circulatory system.
Strength is improved by putting muscle tissue in an optimal state for reorganization. Muscle tissues are more relaxed when warmed up which promotes a safer and deeper stretch.
The heat helps reorganise the lipids (fat) in the muscular structure.
- See more at: http://www.bikramyogaav.com.au/classes/faq-a-first-time-information#sthash.iMYSGIpx.dpuf

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