I started Bikram Yoga

Today I have officially committed to my Bikram Yoga journey.

I started with a trial pass (10 consecutive days) on Monday 2nd January 2006 - a good way to start the new year.
Out of the 10 days, I participated in 7 classes - pretty good for me considering my previous "stop, start" attitude toward fitness.

The first four trial classes were great - energising and tiring all at the same time. In the last two classes, the fear started creeping back in. The little voices in my head were really playing havoc with me, so much so, that I wondered if I should just quit - maybe Bikram wasn't for me.

It took 3 days of no yoga at all to realise that I wanted to get into that hot room again, that I deserved to care for my body and allow all of the emotions that have been stored in my body the chance to finally be released.

So today we went (my husband & I) and it was great - I tackled all except one posture and today I have energy to burn after class (during the trial period I was so exhausted after the classes that I didn't get anything done and wondered how I could justify continuing with this).

My intention is to complete at least 3-4 classes per week, more if I'm so inclined. Bikram suggests that beginners start at 6 classes a week for life changing results - that's what I'm working towards.

Visit the frequently asked questions section on the main Bikram Yoga site:

Bikram's Yoga College of India

I know that to do the 6 per week is more of a mental challenge for me than a physical one. My body is perfectly able to complete six sessions per week, but past conditioning and a bit of negative self talk has had me believe that I can't do that much.

Who says it's too much? The current suggestions by most gyms and personal trainers would have you believe that 6 sessions per week is too much.

Then I have to ask, do you eat every day? Do you practice basic hygiene every day? Then how about yoga every day?

Who to believe? I like to see what results people have - because it's really the results that people are after, not the theories.

I am aiming for results - results that have eluded me for quite some years as far as my physical fitness is concerned. Instead of focusing on weight loss (no-body likes to "lose" anything), I am now focussed on flexibility, strength and a lean, healthy body.

"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape."

- Anonymous

Take care

Helena :)