How Bikram Yoga Is Making Me One Of “Those People”
Posted by: Erin Flaherty
Filed in:
style
2:30PM, Tuesday October 13th 2009
Let’s get one thing straight: I am not an “exercise person.” In fact, if I was dating some smart, hilarious, darling and hot dude who was otherwise perfect but had a penchant for enthusing about his early morning gym regimen, I probably wouldn’t call him again. Overtly healthy people annoy me, maybe because they have an irksome way of making me feel guilty that my favorite leisure activities involve a glass of wine and a Parliament Light. OK, OK, I wasn’t always exactly a lazy slouch: I was a serious ballet dancer until the age of 18, and I ran and practiced some yoga in college. But since moving to New York almost a decade ago, let’s just say my workout history can best be summed up as “slightly cloudy with a chance of pizza.”
So how the hell did I become the kind of person who is highly optimistic about doing one of those disturbing-sounding hot yoga for 30 days challenges?
When it comes to realizing that you should actually do more physical activity than lift a cigarette or a burrito to your mouth, I don’t know what that tipping point is for you personally. For me, it was a summer of house guests and hostessing, which involves a lot of food and beverage and very little taking care of yourself or “me time.” So, recently, even though we had what was approximately our seventh visitor in four months, I carved out 90 minutes of time in the evening to steal away to a Bikram yoga class I found via Google. I’m not sure what came over me. I think I just needed a place to hide out.
Even people who are completely comfortable with yoga have reservations about Bikram. “It scares the sh*t out of me,” is a pretty standard refrain. That’s because the class takes place in a room heated to 105 degrees with something like 50 percent humidity and the 26 postures are seriously challenging enough to make you curse like you really mean it. You are sweating profusely out of pores you never knew existed before the first 20 minutes of the class have even gone by. You get dizzy. You get nauseous. Some people panic. You slip and slide. After, you’re sore down to the tiniest muscles surrounding your ribs. Torture, right?
Only for some crazy reason, I didn’t see it that way. Yes, I got dizzy and had to sit down a few times. It was absolutely annoying and uncomfortable to be surrounded by insanely hot, humid air. My heart pounded so hard that I wondered if anyone had died during a class. (As far as the internet knows, no, no one has.) Because, despite all those superficial roadblocks, it felt really, really good. And don’t get me started on how rad it feels to stroll out into a cool night feeling all smug about your accomplishment afterward.
You could say that people love Bikram so much because it’s so freaking horrifying they get addicted to how great they feel after the class when it’s all finally over. I have to admit that was my original hypothesis. But after doing it religiously for a few weeks—I simply haven’t wanted to stop—I can say that there’s a lot more to it than that. Not only has class become way easier (the heat, the poses, all of it), I’m a bit sad, or rather, could keep going when it ends, which I know is a totally vomit-inducing statement, but trust me, it was a shocking and pleasurable revelation. Maybe there is something to be said for positive thinking? And while I still feel elated from the feeling of endorphins and blood pulsing through my body after, I’ve also noticed that it creates some sort of physical equilibrium—lately, my body craves vegetables and fruits and coconut milk, not cheesy, meaty Mexican food. My skin looks better. I stand up straighter. I have more energy. I feel good.
So since I love it so much I wanna marry it and stuff, I took a seemingly logical next step: Those familiar with Bikram know that studios encourage you to do a 30-day challenge and offer incentives like free classes if you complete the period. A month ago I thought this sounded like the most insane, impractical, inconvenient and most offensively goody-goody exerciser thing to do ever. But suddenly, it seems like a doable goal. I realize that it will take sacrifice: It takes extra time to wash my sweat-soaked yoga clothes every day and pack them; I have to work extra diligently in the office to make sure I’ll be able to make it to my evening class on time; I can’t drink because you really can’t do it hung over; and I have to drink lots of water all day and regiment my food intake—not too long before class so I have enough energy, not two hours before so I don’t get sick to my stomach. Any money I would’ve normally put aside for fall clothes or other indulgences will pay for classes instead. Have I joined a cult? Maybe.
No one likes a gloating Gussy, and I certainly hope you’re not getting the impression that that’s my motivation here. For some reason, yoga people are especially infuriating. (Eat Pray Love drove me nuts, ugh.) I’m just so genuinely happy about the whole goddamned thing—we tend to be so self-destructive, especially as work hard/play hard New Yorkers, that these types of moments happen rarely. I’ve tried to share the love with friends. Amelia says she’s coming to try it tonight (yay!), and obvs, she’ll do great—after all, she survived surf camp. That said, I seriously hope she fares better then my best pal who hated it so much I don’t think she’ll ever set foot in a yoga studio—heated or otherwise—again and now I feel terrible for recommending it to her. The point is, it’s not for everyone. And if you’re already the type who eats well and goes to the gym on a regular basis then good for you, you’ve got a gene that I certainly don’t possess and you’re probably all like, “Wow, you discovered exercise, way to go genius.” I guess what I’m trying to say is, if you’re not that person, then keep looking. For some of us, the only way to find pleasure in working out and making healthier choices and sticking to it isn’t because you want to lose weight or feel you ought to but simply because you found a way to love it. I think I’m getting there.
Of course, I’m only on my second day of the completely uninterrupted month soooo, you know, keep ya posted .... Has anyone done this before? I’d love to hear any and all tips.
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cymbelene
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 01:44 pm: [report]
be careful with bikram not to hyperextend. I’m guessing as a former ballet dancer you probably have a pretty limber body. I used to be the same and sustained injuries do to hyper extension with some of the poses in bikram. And I’ve taken class with the man himself and he never warned me about going to far before *snap*, I hyperextended my knee back into itself (as in- it bent the wrong way). Yoga is great (I’m a certified instructor)—- you just need to be careful with bikram. I’m not against it- that’s
but all the sweatiness feels great, doesn’t it???? good luck with your 30 days!
just my two cents
Lexington
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 01:50 pm: [report]
I actually really enjoyed Bikram the one time I tried it, but I was pretty much too overwhelmed with the sweat and mostly naked old people (I’m sorry, but I was pretty much rethinking my desire to ever have sex after that class) to go back. It was fun, and the feeling afterwards is great, but I have a little bit of a sweat phobia and I felt like I smelled like it all day after class.
bijouu
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 01:59 pm: [report]
Hi Erin,
I did the 30 day challenge too, this past August, in an attempt to push my lazy ass into some exercise regime. Also, my local yoga place offered an amazing price for new members.
The first few days I felt like throwing up and cursing out the instructor every time he offered me praise.
Afterwards, I looked forward to it all work day.
Sure I felt amazing afterwards, ate less throughout the day and drank about a gallon of water each day; but I think what motivated me most was my competitive nature!
To see women and men, who I assumed were in worse physical shape than me (because of size or age), actually hold all the poses without breaking (additional) sweat drove me crazy! “Why couldn’t I do it? I want to do that!” lol.
So, each day I returned, more determined than the last to kick some butt—-usually, I kicked my own…and I’m certain no one was aware I was competing. Sigh…I’ve got a slight-type A personality.
I’ve stopped going because it’s pretty pricey. Despite my personal problems with competition, I would recommend Bikram for anyone looking for an amazing workout! I really did feel satisfied at the end of each class.
Jessalyn
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:06 pm: [report]
@cymbelene: A friend of mine’s mom is also a certified yoga instructor and she gives everyone she talks to about Bikram the same warning. Since my knees are naturally slightly hyper-extended (which looks pretty in ballet but, um, nowhere else!), that freaks me out enough to keep me away from Bikram…at least for now.
I’ve never done yoga, I have issues with my brain going into hyperdrive when I try to sit still, but my “omg, I freaking LOVE this!” class is pilates. Same feelings of euphoria during and afterward that you described, Erin, and a general “I can’t get enough of this!” attitude. Pilates is active enough that it engages my brain rather than letting it drift and in trying to explain why I love it so much to a friend recently, I came up with this: Pilates classes are the only time during the week that I’m focusing on ONE thing. It’s a little hard to balance your body weight using a couple of bones and your breath if you’re thinking about what you have to do at work tomorrow. As a result, it’s impossible to hold on to any negative emotion leftover from the day and within three minutes of class, I’m in a fantastic mental place, in addition to feeling physically great. Love it!
Good luck with your 30-day challenge, Erin!
sadie
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:07 pm: [report]
I am a gym rat and I loathe yoga. The slow pace of the class, the hippy talk from the instructors… gah! I do not want to feel the earth beneath me and do the child’s pose. Gimme a spin bike and some dance music, please! Definitely not for everyone. Glad you found exercise you enjoy though.
Erin G
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:12 pm: [report]
I’m in the same exact boat. I HATE exercise. I mean it. I HATE the gym, I hate running, I hate lifting weights, etc.
So when my friend convinced me to go, I knew after the first class that this as something I could really be in to.
Its helped with my sleeping problems, my anxiety is less, my eating disorder is gone (!) and now I eat without guilt and healthier in general, and I’m building muscles I’ve never ever lifted a finger to work on. (And the 600+ calorie burning isn’t hurting either!) I’ve gained muscle weight, but my muffin top is shrinking at the same time.
I can’t say enough good things about bikram.
Christinaval
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:13 pm: [report]
Great article!!
Erin Flaherty
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:18 pm: [report]
@jessalyn: pilates is awesome and i have enjoyed it, though not as much as bikram. perhaps it will be a future obsession!
@sadie: i hear ya! think i like bikram because it’s a hatha practice, which means no child pose, lots of action…
thanks for weighing in all, am really enjoying this conversation!
Erin G
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:32 pm: [report]
@sadie: I can’t speak for all bikram studios, but my instructors seem to say the style of bikram is universal. That being said, there is NO hippie talk, NO nature music, NOTHING like that. They’re on a microphone, talking you through the motions in a very intense-paced (but not too intense!) way, and the most “hippie” thing they say is the “namaste” at the end of the class. Its definitely NOT like the other yoga’s.
Give it a shot! You’ll see what we mean! :D
Bond Girl
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:37 pm: [report]
Thanks for the info. I’ve been wanting to try the Bikram but now I definitely will do it, well hopefully…you guys are kinda scaring me about the price tag.
@Erin G: Thanks for that 3rd paragraph. Once I read that, I made the decision to go for it.
Lynn
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:54 pm: [report]
I’m definitely not into the “hippie talk” but I put up with it because the yoga itself is awesome.
I like Moksha yoga - I’m not fluent enough in yoga talk to really know what the difference is between that and Bikram, but google tells me that it’s just about how many times you repeat the poses or something.
FrzKey
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 02:59 pm: [report]
Haha, you remind me of me when I first switched from Pilates to Physique 57. I cursed, swore, called the instructor names screamed in pain, sweated out all my fluids and collapsed in a flat out sprawl well before the workout was over (don’t worry it was on a tap I didn’t actually insult my instructor to her face though I think my roommate thinks I’d gone insane). And I made the mistake of doing it first thing in the morning before work. I was flat out exhausted and unsure I could make it down the stairs and out the door let alone across the city.
But by the next day, sore as all hells, I was completely in love. It hasn’t gotten easier (if anything it’s gotten harder as I was sick for a week and just couldn’t work out) but it’s still amazing how great I feel and love the experience.
BikeRunYoga
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 03:41 pm: [report]
I practice Bikram Yoga and love it. I have also completed a 60 day challenge. It is a commitment. 30 or 60 days is hard. How do get through it? One day, one class at a time. I travel for work so some days I had to take two classes, one in the morning and one in the evening to get all 60 in. It is doable but you have to really want it and be dedicated.
Like any form of exercise, you have to be careful and know the limits of your own body. Injuries happen in all forms of exercise if you are not careful. Listen to your body and only push yourself as far as your body says it is willing to go. You will find each day is different.
I hope you enjoy your journey. Namaste.
@bikerunyoga
mayorbubbles
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 04:27 pm: [report]
my cousin used to do bikram yoga and she absolutely LOVED it. it made me want to try it.
Lilly
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 05:58 pm: [report]
I’ve done yoga for years, so this past fall I thought ‘new Bikram Yoga studio down the street. Sweet sauce, let’s try it!’.....90 minutes later when I poured myself out of the studio all I could think was, ‘Bikram yoga is for sadists. Never. Again.’
But, you know, good luck to you!
Shriekback68
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 06:18 pm: [report]
I’ve been working out for over 20 years. Never understood the whole yoga thing, but hey…if it works for you, cool!
And for those young’ins out there who “hate exercise,” just wait until you hit the WALL at 35. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll take it up. You can’t smoke and gobble down burritos forever, kids.
Katrina
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 06:51 pm: [report]
I went to bikram for the first time on Sunday and I loved it. I was worried about not being flexible enough but the heat and beginning stretches helped quite a bit. I was quite sore the next day but that’s also probably due to my lack of exercise since the summer. Bikram was great and if I can find a way to get back there (my cousin took me before and the bus doesn’t run there so it’ll be tough) I think it’s worth the money.
raqueleza
wrote on October 13 2009 @ 07:47 pm: [report]
I’m so with you, Erin. I started practicing Vinyasa yoga in May, then I added Ashtanga, and finally, about two months ago, I started Bikram as well. I am completely addicted to yoga—I went from slim-to-none exercise to doing practicing 5-6 times a week, and it has completely transformed me! Not to sound New Age-y, but the whole “living in the present,” moving meditation thing is so incredibly beneficial. Not to mention it has completely sculpted my body (I can see my tricep muscles!). Now we’re working on inversions and get to do HANDSTANDS! How awesome is that?
And to the gym rats who think yoga is too slow-paced: try an Ashtanga class. It will kick your ass so good.
Olivia Allin
wrote on October 14 2009 @ 01:50 am: [report]
I love Bikram yoga! But I haven’t found a place to do it in LA yet. It felt more hardcore than yoga, and because there’s so much sweat involved, it felt like actual exercise! I was a little bothered by the smell of the room and the fact that I now know how much other people sweat, but I have bad knees and the heat really helped loosen them up!
adamjs
wrote on October 14 2009 @ 05:47 am: [report]
Do they still have the nap… erm I mean meditation time at the end of Bikram Yoga like your standard yoga class? I live for that part…
EnglishGirlNY
wrote on October 16 2009 @ 03:27 pm: [report]
“My heart pounded so hard that I wondered if anyone had died during a class.” Unfortunately, the answer is yes. A friend of a friend in Spain - he was the actual Bikram instructor - died in a class last summer…
Everyone should be very careful with Bikram - it puts a lot of strain on the heart - and you should listen to your body very carefully, but anyone with a heart condition should seriously avoid it.
abbylyn
wrote on October 16 2009 @ 06:38 pm: [report]
I tried Bikram for a week last year and LOVED it. I wish I could keep up with it, but I can’t afford the $150/month :(
Emily8442
wrote on October 20 2009 @ 09:35 am: [report]
I tried it last night as a result of this article. WOW. I think I will go back but I hope it gets easier.
Jeni
wrote on October 22 2009 @ 08:45 pm: [report]
Good for you! I did Bikram for a while when I was in NYC and finished a 30-day challenge. I dropped off for a few years while I relocated, but now I’ve found another lovely Bikram studio and am currently about to finish off my 300-day challenge (yes, three-hundred). Once you get past 30, go for 60. Just keep going and it will be beyond just a fitness regiment. As you were kind of hinting at in your article, your practice permeates different areas of your life and just improves it and improves it. My best advice for you is to “Just do it.” Cut out the mind-chatter that tells you it’s too hot, it’s too humid, it’s too hard, you’re too tired, you don’t have time, and just do it.
For the naysayers: agreed, Bikram Yoga is not for everybody, and of course, one must listen to his or her own body, but the teachers are generally pretty good about discerning whether you’re just being lazy or whether you’re legitimately tired. As for the fear of hyper-extension, that’s why you need to listen to the dialogue and what the teacher says. Locking out the knee does not mean to push it back as far as it will go—locking out the kneee means to engage your leg muscles, particularly your quad so that basically your femur bone is lifted up so that you have a straight leg. To the sweat-phob, you were probably smelling like that because your body was detoxing (Bikram is so great for that). You are what you eat/ingest/inhale/imbibe.