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I am a huge fan of cardio training and unfortunately tend to neglect strength training and flexibility. 
Realizing that I am missing two vital components of a well-rounded exercise program, I have been making an attempt to improve in both of these areas.
This week it was flexibility, so I signed up for a Bikram Yoga class. According to the Bikram website, Bikram yoga is a
“series of 26-postures completed in an order specifically designed to provide optimal health and longevity. Classes are 90 minutes long and are conducted in a room heated to about 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit to warm up the whole body,to work the body deep into muscles, tendons and ligaments and change/regenerate the body from the inside out.”
Yes, you read that correctly. The room was heated to 100 plus degrees. Can you say HOT!?
The class was absolutely amazing and I loved all 90 minutes of it! I had not been to a yoga class in almost two years, so I was a little worried that I might not be able to keep up with everyone else. I also had apparently forgotten one of the main concepts about yoga:
yoga is not a competition.
It did not matter that I was not as flexible or skilled as those around me. It did not matter that I was brand new to this facility and no one knew my name. All that mattered was that I was honoring my own body and focusing on myself.
I was listening to the extremely tight hip flexors and hamstrings that constant running has given me. I was hearing the twinge in my right knee, still tender from not very successful surgery about a year ago. I was listening to the rhythm of my own breathing and the sound of droplets of my sweat falling on my mat.
I was focused, strong and powerful for 90 minutes and it was amazing. After class, I told my friend that this class was much harder for me than a 90 minute run. She disagreed and probably thinks I am crazy.
Difficulty is not always measured by the physical impact an exercise delivers. This class was about me stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging my body in a totally different way. Whenever I get time for a workout, I always choose running. My body goes on cruise control and as I run, my mind wanders everywhere.
Yoga does not allow me that luxury. This class taxed both my muscles and my mind. If my mind started to wander, I would find myself off balance and unaware. I had to push random thoughts (such as “what are my kids doing?”) out of my head and force myself to stay focused. When class was over not only was my body worn out, but my mind was exhausted as well.
I enjoyed the entire class but I must admit that highlight was the final relaxing pose. As I reflected on all the hard work and sweat, the instructor brought around cool washcloths that had a lavender scent. I put it over my eyes and just enjoyed the moment.
So, do you have a comfort zone when it comes to fitness?
Is there something you can do that will challenge you in a completely different way? Try it out. You may find out that you really enjoy it!
Written on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 1:22 am
Filed under about me, fitness, workouts.
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January 22nd, 2008 at 1:35 am
[...] Here’s another interesting post I read today by workoutmommy [...]
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 am
Great job Lisa! I love Bikram yoga (even though it’s a sweat fest!). Yoga was my first exercise love:) You are so right about a new workout being the most challenging. I love that feeling of having to focus everything on what I’m doing! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:51 am
I have a love/dislike relationship with Bikram. I love yoga, and I think I need to approach Bikram with a more loving attitude towards myself,lol! I’m also trying to rev myself up to take a full 90 minute Ashtanga class.
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Hey Lisa,
My brother-in-law (the marathon runner) does Bikram Yoga several times/week and loves it. I have yet to try it but guess I should wait a bit now, hehe. That’s awesome your blog got put on Foxnews.com, CONGRATS!
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I remember the first time I did a Bikram yoga class, it was actually an off site play day organized by work. I was working at a small startup and the CEO was/is a major yoga guy. Anyway, I thought, this should be a piece of cake because I stretch every morning since college and run miles and miles. How hard could this be?…
I was quickly humbled, and then midway my stomach muscles started to cramp like you would not believe. I never experienced anything like that even after years of working with a trainer. My stomach muscles ached for days after like I had done 5,000 crunches.
That experience really changed my perspective on what it means to be “fit” Just because you can be really fit in one arena doesn’t mean that it will translate universally. You make an excellent point in that it is good to go out of your exercise comfort zone and try new things that will challenge different parts of the body.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 am
I’ve attempted the “sweat yoga” before! I wrote about it here:
http://sarahviz.blogspot.com/2006/09/sweat-much.html
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
I did Bikram yoga once, I loved it…until I started barfing. Would you know why Bikram yoga would make one feel the need to vomit? (Other then the extremely hot room and the site of some old, sweaty, hair dude in his tighties)
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Kelly, it’s not uncommon for people to feel nauseous and /or get sick when they start Bikram. The combination of the heat and flowing postures (and, yeah, that hairy guy on your left who hasn’t showered since Nixon resigned) can make you feel icky. I was always told to lie down if I felt nauseous, and get back up when I’m feeling better. You could also try going to a less crowded class, if that’s possible.
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I know how you feel. Recently, I signed up for a once a week boot camp. It was so difficult, different kinds of moves than just walking and strength training. I’m in decent shape, but even hardcore runners were having trouble with this program. It made me feel good that I wasn’t alone………….:)
January 25th, 2008 at 2:14 am
100 degree temps. Wow, sends me back to the Florida days. Running is definitely my comfort zone. Yoga, Pilates and Swimming are all quite challenging to me and require my complete attention. I really do need to get back in the pool and start attending more of the classes at the Y.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:59 am
[...] Mommy: Thank you for sharing your hot yoga experience! Did you beat the midnight oil and hit the hay [...]
May 20th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
[...] for one class of Bikram yoga last fall, I haven’t been practicing Yoga for almost 4 [...]