30-Day Bikram Yoga Challenge – Days 1-3
I have been a yogi for 13 months. Just over one year ago, my college roommate, Tina, took me to my first ever Bikram Yoga class…I had no idea what I was in for. For those who are familiar with the Bikram practice, you can probably relate to my initial shock at the blazing 105 degree heat and the fast-paced dialogue of the practice. For those unfamiliar, imagine stepping off an airplane into the warmth of Southern Californina in July. The mercury has climbed well over 100 and you are hit by a wall of intense heat. Now add humidity. That describes the atmosphere of a Bikram Yoga studio. Every class lasts for 90 minutes and consists of the same 26 postures, or “asanas.” The instructor gives direction via a specific dialogue and us yogis follow along as best we can.
Needless to say, after my first class I never thought I would return. I then, however, reasoned that since I had already paid for the introductory, unlimited week of classes, I may as well make the most of it. By the end of my first week – I probably went 5 times – I was hooked. Yoga has helped with so many aspects of my life. I began to feel more relaxed throughout the day – in class, studying, even in traffic (and I’m a Bostonian!) The yoga practice especially helped balance out the running I was doing last winter and spring to train for the 2007 Boston Marathon, and most recently, has been greatly beneficial in my Phoenix Marathon training. Since Bikram Yoga is a cardiovascular workout (try it and you’ll see) it offered a nice alternative to other forms of cross training. Plus, talk about adding mental toughness…this yoga makes you strong!
Since graduating from college, I have kept Bikram Yoga as a major part of my life. I practice at a fantastic studio in Waltham, Massachusetts where I have just embarked upon a 30-day Bikram Yoga challenge. In short, I must go to 30 Bikram classes within 30 days. I may double up on a day in order to miss a day – all that is required is that I practice 30 times in 30 days. The incentive? One free month of yoga 
I began this challenge on Sunday January 20th, so without further ado, here is a recap of the past 3 days:
Sunday January 20, 2008 - Day 1; Class 1
7:30 a.m. I am NOT flexible in the morning. I am especially not flexible on a Sunday morning. I knew that the 7:30 a.m. class would be less crowded than the 9:30 a.m. class, so I dragged myself out of a cozy bed to head to Day 1 of my 30-day challenge. For a moment, though, before emerging from the body-heat-filled bed, I almost thought I would be able to take the 3:30 p.m. class. That was, of course, until I remember the Pats/Chargers AFC Championship game. So I went at 7:30 a.m. Once I got myself there I was fine – I always am – the toughest part is just getting out of bed. The class in general was mediocre. I did, however, have a teacher I had never had before which is always interesting and fun. She gave an enthusiastic dialogue and stayed very engaged, but my body was just not feeling it. Oh well, I’d rather end the challenge strong and start sluggish than the other way around.
Monday January 21, 2008 - Day 2; Class 2
5:30 p.m. This class was fantastic! It was the first time that my hamstrings actually seemed to have loosened up after being home from running the Phoenix Marathon. Kelly, the instructor and owner, always teaches a great class, and I find myself learning something new every single time. During this class, I realized that sometimes when I bring my head down to touch my knee in the standing head to knee pose (the name fits well;) ) I inadvertently lower the leg to which I am bringing my head. You’re not supposed to do that. Instead, you’re supposed to keep that leg completely, 100% parallel to the floor. I think this is going to be something I’ll have to focus a lot of energy and attention on. All in all, the class was hot and wonderful – a lovely way to spend 90 minutes in from the cold.
Tuesday January 22, 2008 - Day 3; Class 3
6:30 a.m. I know that when I am finished with these early morning classes I’m always so thankful that I was able to go, yet while I’m actually in the class, well, let’s just say I’m wishing I was in my warm, rather than sweating in the yoga room! Despite the high temps, my body didn’t completely warm up or wake up until about an hour into the class. For the entire “standing series” my legs felt tight and my back felt tired; however once we got to the “floor series” I began to feel a bit more alive. I finished the class strongly with some great hamstring stretching in one of the final asanas and was the first one to the shower…yippee! At work I felt amazing – so glad I was able to get myself to class!
Tuesday January 22, 2008 - Day 3; Class 4
6:30 p.m. I decided to do a double today because I had the time. I don’t plan on missing any days during this 30-day challenge – I really want to take a class every day for 30 days, but if something unforseen comes up, forcing me to miss a class I want to make sure I’m prepared. I couldn’t be happier that I went to class tonight. It was by far my best practice of the challenge. The room was nice and hot and stayed hot through the final breathing exercise, but I was able to channel my mental strenth and use to to push my body to its limit. In the standing bow pulling pose, I was so close to straightening my kicking leg; I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m able to by the end of this challenge. The class tonight was pretty full as well, but I became so in tune with my own breathing and my own practice that I didn’t really notice any of the other yogis. (Except for my mother, when she was able to put her hands on her heels in camel pose, something she has been working toward!) If I can have a handful more practices like tonight’s, this 30-day challenge will be phenomenal!
