Went to my first Bikram class last night (90 minutes of yoga at 105 degrees F); I’m still sweating this morning….this afternoon. Hmm, that doesn’t seem normal
I thought I would give it a try as so many people attend. Also, I wanted to experience what some Vancouver policemen experienced when they went; pure frustration (and funny).
Analysis: It’s not my cup of tea.
I might have liked it in my 20′s when I had energy to burn. Now (at 50), I don’t have any need for all the intensity. The class reflected that; I was easily 20 years older than most of the students. People are essentially bending over in their underwear, so be prepared for that. It is so intense, you really need to focus just to stay in the room, keep moving, and monitor if your overheating. I had a halo of heat around my head for the last 1/2 of the class, so I dialed back the intensity to complete the entire process. I just made it. And I’m a yoga teacher (so, somewhat prepared).
The postures are all great, just more difficult to do at 105 degrees. They are limited to just 26 positions, so that seems like it would get boring after awhile, let alone teaching. The body can move in so many cool directions (up, down, left , right , front , back, strong, soft, intense, restorative, twists, turns), I would not want to limit my yoga practice as Bikram yoga appears to do.
If you are looking for a work-out, great place to get your sweat on.
if you are travelling to a hot humid country, it’s a great place to get acclimatized.
If you just want to feel good, increase your range of mobility, I can think/offer a lot more appealing ways.
I’m not sure of the effects of the heat; I don’t think it is for everyone. I know if I did it more classes , I would get used to it, but to what end? You can train yourself to get use to anything. And I’m done with these sort of “personal” physical challenges, and happy to focus on other important topics, like getting the majority of men (most of which are not fit anymore) moving and feeling good again.
Would I go back? Yes; infrequently, when I want my ass kicked, which, as we all know , is a good thing once in a while.
I can’t say I felt better after class (or worse), which is the reason I go to yoga class; to feel good.
Bla, Bla, Bla.
Just one guys opinion,
The guy at YoGuy® Men’s Yoga.
