Gotta love a bit of sweat!

So to count down to my trip, I have decided to do some Bikram again, its been 4 years since I last took a class in Melbourne and I was strangely excited about my first class back on Friday, if not a little apprehensive also.

Bikram Yoga London City’s studios are practically attached to my work building, so really I should have been going there sooner, but figured I do have to have a life as well as train and yoga, so have signed up to do some classes as a little treat to myself before I leave (I realise how sad that sounds!)

The Bikram Method of yoga is practiced in a heated room to ease muscles and joints, prevent injury and aid the healing of existing injuries, as well as promoting detoxification through sweating. Bikram Choudhury scientifically designed this 90 minute program of 26 postures to deliver holistic health through the balancing and strengthening of every system in the body in order to prevent illness and injury. The body’s health, strength and suupleness is improved thus releasing stress, improving concentraiton, determination, confidence and happiness!!
 
Bikram specifically tailored this series to systematically move fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body – to every organ, bone, joint, muscle, ligament, tendon, tissue, fibre, blood vessel, nerve and gland.  Bikram believed that every little bit of you will feel the benefits of the practise and vibrant health and a general sense of well being will automatically follow. The common notion and importance of push/pull in any form of physical exertion applies, using the body as a tool to rejuvenate itself. A brief relaxation follows each round of the postures, to allow the blood to flow and the body to reap the rewards of the preceding pose and like with all yoga, the focus on your breath is paramount!

In 2006 I did an intensive course of 6 Bikram classes a week for 2 months, through the winter and was hooked from that moment onwards. Yes its uncomfortable and not for the faint hearted or weak minded but I think that was a little bit of why I liked it, it is a challenge for the body and mind and there is no doubt that the rewards Bikram specifically designed the programme to have are very much clear to see for all those that practise. It does take a while to see and feel these, many may try a couple of classes and think what the !!! But if you decide to give it a go stick with it! It is definitely a yoga for the mind!

Now the smell and the sweat, mmmmmm you wont ever forget!! I didnt know your shins could sweat! I think simply due to the sweating  alone you cant help but feel totally invigorated and have the sense of clearing out your body during and after a class. Wear little and drink little during the class (be sure to drink plenty after tho!) are 2 little pointers! Thus said I’m not sure im ready to practise yet in my tiny’s as some do but hey hey!

It is quite a static form of yoga practise and one which you are guided through by the teacher with voice instruction and corrections only, I think now that I have built up my yoga practise that I can say I do prefer a flow yoga, but it is addictive and the constant strive to perfect your technique during the class and series of postures is the reason that along side your other forms of yoga or exercise will give you a greater sense of control over your body!

Bikram has become extremely fashionable and popular over the last 5 years with many studios popping up over London since I last practised. Celebrity status with famous sportsmen and Hollywood stars taking classes has aided in making this the latest yoga trend! As my teacher last night said, “I teach all over the world and New York and London students are the most difficult to teach.” I think this is because as society’s we don’t let ourselves take time out from the rush race to relax and re-balance and I think that has been my biggest challenge with yoga, yet also what I love most. I have learnt whilst in that 60/90 minute class of whatever style of yoga you choose, being able to clear you mind and focus on your body and breathe, helps us to feel more grounded, in control and alive!

So I’m 2 classes in and am aiming for another 6 over the next 2 weeks and then I think the smell of those generator heaters may get the better of me for the time being anyways, and till next time…..Namaste

Categorised in: Yoga, Yoga Styles

This post was written by Laura Avery