Bikram Yoga

I was introduced to Bikram Yoga by a fellow female West Pointer a few months back. She caught me taking slick leave from work at the Mall and when I asked her what she was doing out in Columbia (she lives out in Upper Marlboro) she told me that her Hot Yoga Studio had closed near her and she came out to Columbia twice a week to take class. She asked me to come try it out with her, I did and have been hooked ever since.

What is it?

"Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class is a twenty-six posture series designed to scientifically warm and stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons, in the order in which they should be stretched. While the yoga gently guides the body into correct alignment, strengthens and tones the muscles, lubricates the joints, and promotes flexibility, it provides tremendous benefits on the organs, glands, and fluids of the body by aiding in the release of toxins.

Bikram Yoga's twenty-six posture sequence systematically moves fresh, oxygenated blood to one hundred percent of your body, building core strength while restoring all systems to healthy working order, just as Nature intended. Proper weight, muscle tone, vibrant good health, and a sense of well-being will automatically follow. The focus and intensity of the class help to build mental clarity and determination.

Bikram is practiced in a heated room about 105 degrees & 40% relative humidity for 90 minutes."

You will sweat a lot. You will either LOVE it or you will HATE it. There is no in between. Personally, I absolutely love it. It has helped me in the areas of focus, flexibility, strength, breathing (I have a greater deal of control of my breathing, especially during a run and keep my breathing regulated even when my heart is racing), digestion, and sleep.

You really have to give it a try for yourself to see. Don't knock it, till you try it. You'll be amazed OR you'll kill somebody before you would be dragged back in there.

Furthermore, I love the studio that I go to. Bikram Yoga Columbia. It is black owned, it is pretty, clean, well staffed & maintained. Every instructor seems to take a sincere interest in your practice and will help you with your postures. Kat and her studio were featured in the Nov 2007 issue of Ebony (see article below) and/or check her out on the Director's Page on her site.

I hope to see you in class. Namaste

FindArticles - Sizzling hot fall workout: warm the the mind, body and spirit with Bikram yoga
Ebony, Nov, 2007, by Lynette R. Holloway