Bikram Sweaty Yoga is Fun!

Bikram Yoga is the most delicious thing one can do for the body in the midst of a holy hot as shit room, smelly neighbors, and interesting positions. I believe some day; I will be able to stick my own foot up ny ass. Metaphorically, I am able to do this, but not yet literally, and I would like to achieve parity in my life between who I think I am what I can actually do. Bikram Choudhury says you must try. And I love love love it.

A year ago, my friend Brent introduced me to Bikram Yoga. I was addicted from the first class, and I knew it when I finished the class drenched and sat in the waiting room on a cool wooden bench and gulped a whole liter of water. Why oh why oh why: Umm. After six months, I quit smoking, I'm able to breathe through stressful situations at work, and after huge hikes, Bill complains of muscle cramps and I have only a few. (Bill totally disagrees with me by the way) At first, my bones and joints creaked out of class, but as soon as I was back in the room the joints were getting oiled up again with the heat, stretching, and relaxation. The whole structure of my body is changing, muscles are being balanced out, for example between inner and outer thighs, and my skeletal system is straightening out.

My mom told me the other day she heard Hot Yoga is dangerous. There are lots of people who think Bikram is dangerous from the über Yoga traditionalist to the medical community. If you don't hydrate properly, it can be dangerous. This means before, after, and during. Otherwise, I am not a doctor, so I can't comment on such a claim. However, I can comment on my own changes. Better overall health, better sex (position 4 is supposed to be really good for that), flexibility, less fat, and I finally quit smoking (more importantly, the urge to smoke is gone)!! I'm a fanatic and trying to convince Bill to go to Yoga with me. When I mention it to him, he laughs, like, "You are never going to get me in that class, but I think it's cute that you keep trying" laugh. That was yesterday. Today, he says he will try it, but we are not going to the same class together.

A lot of men think Yoga is for sissies. Not so! Many of the studios are signing up football players from high school to Seattle Seahawks. These guys realize that hot yoga is teaching them to breathe, use their own strength, and also be flexible, quick on their toes. They are visual too, so the panoramic view must have something to offer as well.

Google Bikram Yoga in your area. Hot Yoga is not sanctioned by the Bikram folks, as there are some strict standards regarding teachers, poses, and classroom settings. If you want a location that offers different classes like Power Yoga, then you're better off at a Hot Yoga place. Studios in Seattle: West Seattle (Great teachers, and lots of time slots). Since I moved in with my boyfriend, I tried a studio in Kirkland, Hot Yoga of Kirkland. While they "do" yoga and it replicates Bikram, it's not "Bikram" approved. Some of the teachers use music during class which messes up my meditation. To be honest though, some days I really like it. Mid November 2008, a studio is opening in Redmond, the Bikram Yoga of Redmond. Hurry up and open the studio already Jenny!!

For testimonials, please click on Bikram's webpage, and on the right side click on Testimonials: It is a complete body workout including stretching and strength as well as all of the following: TRANQUILITY High Blood Pressure, Peace of the Mind CARDIOVASCULAR Arteriosclerosis, Cholesterol, Heart Disease, Small Arteries & Poor Circulation DIGESTIVE Anorexia Bulimia, Hypoglycemia ENDOCRINE Diabetes among many, many more.