Feeling the Heat

September - I took up Bikram Yoga (aka hot yoga)!!!

Brace yourself - it's HOT. 106 - 115 degrees to be exact. (the humidity is kept at 30%).

Things to bring to Bikram - a yoga mat (obviously), a change of clothes, water (and lots of it), towels (both for your yoga mat and for showering), toiletries for shower time, a power bar (for after class), extra hair ties, and a positive attitude and open mind.

Nothing can prepare you for the amount of sweat that will pour from your body. I was sweating in places I didn't realize there were sweat glands. We move through 26 postures repeating each. It's a 90 minute class - the first hour is standing postures and the last half hour is on the floor. I find the floor portion to be the most challenging. Class begins and ends with breathing exercises.

Since that first class in August, I've been going regularly. Sometimes with some of my girlfriends. Sometimes by myself. And sometimes Dennis joins me - he's decided to take up Bikram and I'm so proud of him for it. (He's actually pretty good!)

Bikram has done wonders for my body both physically and mentally - cleansing my body of toxins, stretching my muscles, burning tons of calories, clearing my head. It's a great workout with serious health benefits.