My Bikram Experience...

For a while now, a friend and I had discussed going to Bikram "Hot" Yoga. For those who have never heard of this, basically you spend 90 minutes in a room heated at about 40 degrees,and practice yoga. Why would a sane person do such a thing?

In a bid to tick off weekly challenges from my 'things to do before I hit 25' list, I plucked up the courage to go along to a class. Nervous and excited, I felt more than prepared. I had about 4 litres of water throughout the day, and a light meal a couple of hours before the class commenced. Physically - I was set! My mind, however, told me to get the hell out when I walked into the studio from a chilly 8 degrees outside. No point backing out now. I registered and got changed and entered the sauna that was the yoga room. Not as smelly as I thought! But very, very warm.

I have never done yoga before. I have a fairly short attention span, so the idea of doing nothing for an extended period of time freaks me out. But instantly my focus shifted to how hot it was, and on how I was to survive 90 minutes of yoga in a sauna. The instructor entered the room and we did some breathing exercises. As strange as it sounds, it is actually quite refreshing to take in a huge breath of hot air, and then expelling it. We got into the poses and pleasingly, I am not as uncoordinated as I imagined, and I have some core strength. Great! So I didn't struggle as much as I thought I would. The heat was intense, and you sweat from everywhere. There were sweat beads dripping down my legs at one stage! I wouldn't say it was easy, probably one of the most mentally challenging things I have done. But I was able to focus on myself, my mind and body, and nothing else. That was incredible. As was the feeling driving home - like I had had a whole body massage!

A few people I know asbsolutely hated their Bikram experiences, so I guess it is up to the individual and what that wish to gain from it. For me, I was able to turn off from the outside world for 90 minutes, focus on myself and have no sense of stress or worry. Give it a go. Physically, anyone can take part, the challenge will be telling yourself mentally that you can survive the class.

Let me know if you give it a try!