When my friend, Teresa, asked me to join her for a Bikram Hot Yoga class I said “yes” before I remembered how hot it really gets during class. It wasn’t until I opened the door to the yoga room that I remembered. At first I was greeted by the distinct odor of sweaty feet. Yes, that eau de funky smell is an intrinsic part of every Bikram yoga studio I’ve ever been in. And I’ve only been in two. But don’t worry. You get used to the smell pretty quickly. Well, at least I did.
After I got past the stink, I remembered how the heat grows on you. I breathed it in and let it linger inside and out. It tickled my skin and flushed my face. Two thoughts raced through my mind. “What am I doing here?” and “Why isn’t that man in front of me wearing a shirt?”
I looked around the heated room. More people were showing up and saving their spots with their yoga mats. Teresa was smart – we got there early so we could snag the spot closest to the wall. I only had to contend with one person next to me instead of two. I do the same thing in my regular yoga class as well. It makes me wonder how yogic is being a creature of habit?
Where was I? Oh yes. I was looking around the room. I couldn’t help but notice the other half dressed people. Men with no shirts. Girls in yoga bathing suits. Maybe I’m old. Maybe I’m fat. Maybe I’m closed minded but for Pete’s sake, put a shirt on. I don’t want to see your belly button.
Half way through class I wished, oh how I wished, that I wore a yoga bathing suit. I was dying in my capris sweat pants and I soaked through my tank top. I didn’t care if the girl next to me had to look at my flabby belly. I was hotter than hot and dripping rivers of sweat onto my mat. Note to self: Next time wear less clothing.
What exactly did I get out of this class? Why would anyone put themselves through 90 minutes of yoga in 105 degree heat? After I got over myself and my internal crotchetiness I remembered how much I loved doing hot yoga. It gives you that feeling of being wrung out and cleansed from the inside out. My muscles were lengthened and strengthened. My spine was flexed and twisted to release toxins and stress. I felt stronger, taller, and completely blissed out.
When class was over and I was laying in shavansana, I didn’t have to remember how good hot yoga felt. I got to experience it all over again for the first time.
Note to self: wear less clothing: I *love* a class like that *grin*
I actually do not. I love yoga, but read so many disclaimers on the sign in sheet for Bikram yoga that I decided I would rather die a different way. I know so many people who greatly enjoy it, and I think it is about pushing past your perceived limits in whatever way is “comfortable” so kudos to you for going to class and reflecting this reminder to me
Hi Joy,
These days I’ve learned to push myself in gentler ways. What I liked about this class was the teacher. He actually taught – and explained that if something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Or modify it. Not everyone is at the same level, same pace, same ability. As a student, I very much appreciated his perspective because not all Bikram teachers share that.
Thanks for sharing and stopping by today!
Hi Peggy! My daughter LOVES Bikram – me, no way. The reason I took up yoga in the first place was to NOT sweat, haha! I’d rather sit in a sauna for that (key word: “sit”)
I’ve been crazy for my Wii for the last three months – daily, have all the “games” and I’m burning up a ton of calories and having such fun! Must be the kid in me. I get giddy with the cartoon reinforcements and the “Atta Girl!” stuff. Not to mention, I can wear what I want – or not 
Seriously at my age I look wayyyy better in yoga pants!
Hugs
SuZen
I look way better in yoga pants these days too…LOL. I think I told you that one of my friends swears by her Wii. And I’ve been over to her house for girls night and Dance Party
I’ll be there to soon enough! Sounds fun and I can’t wait to try it! Wii dance for now