Returning to the Heat: My Recent Bikram Adventure

 Photos via Pinterest.

Last weekend I took a Bikram class, my first in quite a few months. I arrived a little later than I wanted to, and rushed in to find a spot.


Sweaty yogis lined the room, familiar faces I have missed. I set up on the hot side, feeling brave, wiggling into my hips a few times before class started.


The teacher pushed us hard. Pranayama lit me up inside; I could feel the glow of fresh oxygen in my lungs. I felt strong through Half Moon, Hands to Feet, Awkward and Eagle. I took my tiny sip of water during "Party Time" and smiled, thinking about all the systems in my body working together to create the sweaty magic that Bikram brings.

The balancing poses of the standing series kicked my butt. I hadn't done Balancing Stick in months! My knees wobbled, the arches of my feet felt weak and achy.


But I listened. I kept going. I let go instead of resisting.


I felt stronger in Triangle than I ever used to, even way back when I was at the Bikram studio up to 5 times a week. I realized it's because I've branched out -- because I've done Vinyasa and Hatha and yin classes -- that other parts of my body have grown stronger than they could only taking Bikram yoga.


I finished class smiling, dripping sweat, wanting more. I'll be back to the Torture Chamber soon :)

I believe in balance. I'm so glad yoga found me, and that I've been blessed to get involved with a number of local Evanston studios. I hope to continue switching up the style of yoga I practice, and I know I'll always come back to Bikram and the healing those 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises have to offer.


What kinds of classes have you been taking lately, yogis?