I had tried "hot yoga" in Burlington a couple of times in a class that was referred to as "pre-beginner level."
Last winter I had signed up at the YMCA her in Venice and took a yoga class there two to three times per week. When a new yoga studio opened in the next town back in Vermont, I signed up for classes there. I spent a year doing basic, beginning level yoga. And I was feeling subtle differences in my level of flexibility and balance. Subtle as in pretty slow.
I thought that this winter, I would explore some alternative studios while in Venice. I saw a hot yoga advertised. Not hot yoga as in yoga poses done in a very warm room, but Bikram yoga. I had the feeling my progress would get a jump start.
Well, my flexibility will get a big boost or it will kill me. If you want a real laugh check out the poses that are used routinely in the Bikram practice.
Now that show what the ultimate goal might be--not what you are expected to be able to do in your first session or two. But the room is hot, and the routine is fast paced. You do what your body allows you to do. But it is intense. You sweat--copiously. Your heart rate revs right up. And it feels SO good--when it is all over after a 90 minute session and you have had a chance to take a cool shower.
I am fighting the loss of physical well being with ever fiber of my being.
Last winter I had signed up at the YMCA her in Venice and took a yoga class there two to three times per week. When a new yoga studio opened in the next town back in Vermont, I signed up for classes there. I spent a year doing basic, beginning level yoga. And I was feeling subtle differences in my level of flexibility and balance. Subtle as in pretty slow.
I thought that this winter, I would explore some alternative studios while in Venice. I saw a hot yoga advertised. Not hot yoga as in yoga poses done in a very warm room, but Bikram yoga. I had the feeling my progress would get a jump start.
Well, my flexibility will get a big boost or it will kill me. If you want a real laugh check out the poses that are used routinely in the Bikram practice.
Now that show what the ultimate goal might be--not what you are expected to be able to do in your first session or two. But the room is hot, and the routine is fast paced. You do what your body allows you to do. But it is intense. You sweat--copiously. Your heart rate revs right up. And it feels SO good--when it is all over after a 90 minute session and you have had a chance to take a cool shower.
I am fighting the loss of physical well being with ever fiber of my being.
Good for you! I've heard so many good things about yoga in general but I've always feared that I'd be lost - I'm neither flexible nor rhythmic so following patterns of movement is difficult. I failed miserably at those exercise classes (whose name escapes me) that combined movement with dance. That was back in the 90's and I haven't been to a class since.
ReplyDeleteHave fun and enjoy!
Good for you. I shy away from classes, preferring to exercise on my own and on my own schedule. But then I don't always hold myself accountable. The new year will bring a return to diligence on exercising.
ReplyDeleteAlas, I would need a team of orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to get me into those positions and the jaws of life to get me back out.
ReplyDeleteMy male eye read bikram as bikini, giving hot yoga a somewhat different connotation.
I admire your fight!
You are so funny!
DeleteSometimes your commenters are as funny as your posts, Olga!!!!
DeleteI do not fight as hard as you do...but I do go through phases where I push myself on certain days and I never regret that.
ReplyDeleteMy younger daughter likes hot yoga. But, I prefer hula and am looking for a hula class in my area.
ReplyDeleteYou are smart to push to keep flexible. I am now doing stuff tot but at home. I have Buddy around and that keeps me limited in where we go. but he too ust walk and move around.
ReplyDeleteHe yearning for a warm lace where he can swim.
Most of us need to work of flexibility and I admire you intentions. Of all those poses, I am pretty sure I might manage the "dead body pose".
ReplyDeleteGood luck and keep bending.
The dead body pose is the one I have perfected so far. :))
DeleteI'm impressed. I've never dared try this type of yoga. My heart runs way too fast as it is. A dear friend of my daughters teaches Bikram yoga. I am amazed at her poses. Flexibility is my goal for the new year. I won't get it sitting here at the computer.
ReplyDeleteIt does get the heart rate up!
DeleteHow's that Wind Removing Pose work out during classes?
ReplyDeleteI think I would be pretty good at the Dead Body Pose....
I wish you the best with this program. God love y'for going for it!
Yeah, I was worried about that one.
DeleteYou go girl! Those are some very difficult looking poses but the fact you are trying says so much! You will win!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed. I think it sounds so scary. Well done!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh! I'm hurting just looking at those poses. Good for you! I think I'll stick to my Zumba. I'm hot enough after I finish only an hour. 90 minutes? Wow! You're amazing, Olga!
ReplyDeleteFirst time commenting. Good for you! My daughter takes hot yoga and loves it, but then she does cross fit too, lol. Seriously for the above commenter, as a semi cripple with a knee that does not allow me to do certain things, I have found an intense seated yoga class-but I don't sweat!!
ReplyDelete