So what would of been the point of that, blogging about my incredibly short experience of Bikram Yoga to yet another blog that would sit in the Ether of the Internet to annoy and distract.
Or as I have done...
given myself the time to assess my commitment and decide Yay or Nay and here we are.
I am not a teacher just another yogi.
So I am ready to share my Bikram Journey with the masses, butfirst we must catch up on what has gone before, this is the abbreviated version:
I am female in my 40s who was diagnosed primary immunodeficiency disease and fibromyalgia two years ago. I had shoulder surgery a year ago, subacromial decomp, bursa removed and the ac joint removed. There is a mild double scoliosis of my spine with two bulging discs,a rotated hip joint and calcified toes from breaking them so much when i was younger doing ballet along with a current bunion in my left big toe. I see an osteo every three weeks and a physio every month.
I had major surgery to remove my uterus because of andenomyosis after 12 years surviving Ovarian cancer in my 20's. So to start off I have a chronic illness and sometimes incredible pain but I refuse to let this define me but if you want to know if you can do Bikram, I start at a pretty low base. I am not one of those done sports, fit types. So Bikram says, you are never too young, old, too sick or too late to start from scratch and do Bikram Yoga.. I like to take people at their word.
In the great words of Yoda, do or do not, there is no try, so I decided I am going to do..
and here we are 2 months later.
I promise my future posts will pick up the slack and catch you up on the last couple of months, my first class, week, month etc but for now, what is this Bikram and what should you know before doing it.
So what is Bikram....
It is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises which creat a 90 minute moving meditation in a room heated to approx 40 degrees Celsius with 40 percent humidity.you will do pranayama breathing first, then the standing series then you are on the floor, with a final breathing exercise.
Ok, so I think the best advice I can give is what to do before you begin Bikram. Before my first class I researched like a sponge, I read so much stuff. Google "how to survive your first Bikram Yoga class" . You will get heaps of good advice..
My top 3 tips for survival...
Drink heaps of water ...
and just when you think you have enough drink a litre more...at least 3 but try 4. I drink approx 6 -7 litres a day, but I'm extreme.
Do not wear lose fitting clothing...
it traps heat and makes you sweat more. The lesser the better.No one is judging or looking at you. Ladies try a yoga top and a singlet and bike shorts or crop pants but not cotton. Something that is moisture wicking is better. Men, singlet or no top and bike shorts. You want clothes that move with you.
Do not eat for at least 3 hrs prior to class ...
Nothing creamy or curry. Try a tomato based pasta, a salad with protein or a sandwich. Nothing heavy. I usually have a piece of fruit with my meal too it gives me the sugar I need to get me though the standing series.
Your first class while you are in it will feel like torture. Your brain will do everything within its power to make you leave the room.
Stay in the room.
The first thing you learn is not to do poses but to master your own mind. You can breathe , there is enough oxygen.
Number one tip I can give anyone in their first class is do not breath through your mouth.
Shut it. You have no mouth.
Once you have done the first breathing exercise you only breath in and out through your nose.
If you feel stressed and hot your primal urge is to suck in as much air as possible through your mouth.
Your sympathetic nervous system and your fight and flight reflex are now in control.
You are freaking out.
Usually I see these people sit and collapse over hunched or put their head on the floor, sucking in gulps of air
Not you.
Sit down (if you have to) sit straight, put your arms out straight palms resting on your knees...keep your head above your heart. It will help your body to work easier, breath in through your nose 1.2.3 and out 1.2.3.4.5.6 , in about 3 cycles and I guarantee you will feel better.
Join back in once you have settled your heart rate and breathing down. You will be ok. Namaste
.
