There are two parts of the body that I have learned to respect when they have pain: the back and the knees. I had to take a short break from my challenge for day 9 and 10. I had a horrible pinching in my lower left back. I could even feel a small knot where the pain was. Back bends on Day 8 were very difficult, so I decided to honor that pain and get some rest. It sucks to have to take a break this early on, but unfortunately, it's necessary.
Luckily, I'm feeling better today and am contemplating an outdoor rooftop session tonight. The conditions will be perfect (105 degrees, 50% humidity) and it will definitely be a new experience!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Day 8
I had a frustrating day. Again. I was in a grove and Sunday totally threw me off. I'm hoping to get back into it tonight. Also, my mind was everywhere else but in the room. I never realized before how important it is to focus on yourself and your practice.
Just because you walk into the hot room does not mean that the world stops turning. Shit happens and it keep happening during each one of those 26 postures. You just have to learn how to let go and let it happen without you for 90 minutes.
That being said, my goal today is to let go, focus on my practice and mentally stay in the room.
Just because you walk into the hot room does not mean that the world stops turning. Shit happens and it keep happening during each one of those 26 postures. You just have to learn how to let go and let it happen without you for 90 minutes.
That being said, my goal today is to let go, focus on my practice and mentally stay in the room.
Monday, July 18, 2011
How many calories can you burn in a bikram session?
For those of you that count calories, I found this interesting little read:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/447329-the-average-calories-burned-with-bikram-yoga/
Not sure of the accuracy, but very believable. So far I've lost 2 pounds. See you later vacation weight!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/447329-the-average-calories-burned-with-bikram-yoga/
Not sure of the accuracy, but very believable. So far I've lost 2 pounds. See you later vacation weight!
Day 5, 6 and 7
Days 5 and 6 came and went with no problems. Despite being ridiculously tired on day 5, I made it through class, completed every posture and left with my energy levels totally restored. I even managed to make it to dinner with a friend! But by 11:00, I was falling asleep on the couch.
Day 7 is another story entirely. I woke up Sunday morning around 8:00. I ate two pieces of toast and a peach. Class was at 10:00, so I had time to drink some water. Two bottles later, I was in transit to Takoma and ready for a great class.
Now, I hate to play favorites, but there are some bikram instructors that I do not care for. Sunday's instructor was one of them. I've taken her classes a couple times before and this was my last. I believe that all yoga, especially bikram is about knowing your limits and not forcing yourself past those limits. This instructor does not feel that way at all. There was a lot of singling people out at their lack of ability among other things that I don't agree with. Plus, it was too hot. There were 30 people in the class and the heat/humidity levels were through the roof (I had the opportunity to check the temperature gauge...107 degrees and 64% humidity. NORMALLY it's 105 with 40-45% humidity). Halfway through the class, I mentally checked out. I was so frustrated at this instructor, that I just wanted to leave. Savasanas got longer and my sit ups were super sloppy. I just wanted to get the hell out of there, take a cold shower and go relax at the pool.
As horrible as this class was, it's important to experience them. When I do start teaching, I will be more aware of what kind of instructor I want to be (or in this case, do not want to be). Namaste.
Day 7 is another story entirely. I woke up Sunday morning around 8:00. I ate two pieces of toast and a peach. Class was at 10:00, so I had time to drink some water. Two bottles later, I was in transit to Takoma and ready for a great class.
Now, I hate to play favorites, but there are some bikram instructors that I do not care for. Sunday's instructor was one of them. I've taken her classes a couple times before and this was my last. I believe that all yoga, especially bikram is about knowing your limits and not forcing yourself past those limits. This instructor does not feel that way at all. There was a lot of singling people out at their lack of ability among other things that I don't agree with. Plus, it was too hot. There were 30 people in the class and the heat/humidity levels were through the roof (I had the opportunity to check the temperature gauge...107 degrees and 64% humidity. NORMALLY it's 105 with 40-45% humidity). Halfway through the class, I mentally checked out. I was so frustrated at this instructor, that I just wanted to leave. Savasanas got longer and my sit ups were super sloppy. I just wanted to get the hell out of there, take a cold shower and go relax at the pool.
As horrible as this class was, it's important to experience them. When I do start teaching, I will be more aware of what kind of instructor I want to be (or in this case, do not want to be). Namaste.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day 4
Yesterday would be a perfect example of why I practice bikram. I completed every posture. I didn't get dizzy. And afterwards, I felt absolutely amazing. Fully awake and ready to go party it up for the midnight viewing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2.
I'm hoping that today will be a repeat of yesterday. However, in bikram, as well as in life, there are good days and bad days. I remember reading somewhere that there are many challenges towards this type of goal and lots of stress factors that will rev up your emotions. It is normal to feel temporarily discouraged but the most important thing to know is that another day lies ahead and to keep yourself balanced. Another day is a chance to revive your confidence.
I'm hoping that today will be a repeat of yesterday. However, in bikram, as well as in life, there are good days and bad days. I remember reading somewhere that there are many challenges towards this type of goal and lots of stress factors that will rev up your emotions. It is normal to feel temporarily discouraged but the most important thing to know is that another day lies ahead and to keep yourself balanced. Another day is a chance to revive your confidence.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Day 3: Oh, the humidity!
General rule of thumb for the Dupont studio: If it's humid as all hell outside, it's going to be even worse in the hot room.
DC had one of it's awesome summer thunderstorms yesterday afternoon around 3:00. By the time 5:15 rolled around, it had stopped raining, but the humidity level had increased significantly. No worries! I'll just be able to adapt to the hot room in a heartbeat. Sike! Now don't get me wrong, I lovelovelove the heat, but damn. When I walked down to the second floor and stepped in the room, the mugginess took my breath away. By the time full locust reared it's ugly head, I was ready to call it quits. It was just so hot! But I managed to finish out strong. And I drank my entire water bottle, which I never do.
I will say that I managed to push out a second set of triangle (take THAT, trikonasana!) and I was able to keep my arms with my head during the situps. Go me!
Thankfully it's cooler outside today, so I'm hoping the hot room will get the hint.
DC had one of it's awesome summer thunderstorms yesterday afternoon around 3:00. By the time 5:15 rolled around, it had stopped raining, but the humidity level had increased significantly. No worries! I'll just be able to adapt to the hot room in a heartbeat. Sike! Now don't get me wrong, I lovelovelove the heat, but damn. When I walked down to the second floor and stepped in the room, the mugginess took my breath away. By the time full locust reared it's ugly head, I was ready to call it quits. It was just so hot! But I managed to finish out strong. And I drank my entire water bottle, which I never do.
I will say that I managed to push out a second set of triangle (take THAT, trikonasana!) and I was able to keep my arms with my head during the situps. Go me!
Thankfully it's cooler outside today, so I'm hoping the hot room will get the hint.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Day 2 (and other things...)
Yesterday went by so fast! I skipped the second set of triangle (again), but I made it through the rest of class relatively unscathed. However, my legs were HURTING. The muscles on the back of my thighs are so sore! They hurt even worse today. Walking up the escalator at Dupont was a challenge this morning! Not to mention I was woken up at 3:30am with the most ridiculous charlie horse in my left calf. You know, the kind that when you try to stand up, you immediately topple over. Being half asleep wasn't helping the situation. That has got to be one of the worst ways to wake up.
But I'm just going to have to put that behind me and focus on day three's class. My goal for today is a little more than just showing up for class. During the floor series, there is a bikram situp that is done after each savasana. To do a bikram sit up, put your toes and heels together, flex your feet and keep your heels on the floor. Bring your arms over your head, cross your thumbs, keep your arms and head together. Sit up, double exhale....yeah well, you get the point. And yes, that's verbatim. Anyway...the part that I always have trouble with is the "arms and head together". I always seems to use my arms for leverage and swing them forward. Tonight, I will try to keep my arms and head together. My arms and head will not separate dammit.
But I'm just going to have to put that behind me and focus on day three's class. My goal for today is a little more than just showing up for class. During the floor series, there is a bikram situp that is done after each savasana. To do a bikram sit up, put your toes and heels together, flex your feet and keep your heels on the floor. Bring your arms over your head, cross your thumbs, keep your arms and head together. Sit up, double exhale....yeah well, you get the point. And yes, that's verbatim. Anyway...the part that I always have trouble with is the "arms and head together". I always seems to use my arms for leverage and swing them forward. Tonight, I will try to keep my arms and head together. My arms and head will not separate dammit.
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