ZOMG... Took my first Bikrams

[sdtj]

ZOMG... Took my first Bikrams Yoga class... I made it all 90 mins but couldnt do posses for whole class.

Comments

[unclesully.livejournal.com]

d00d, be careful with the Bikram, it is bad newz!

[sdtj.livejournal.com]

So far, I think I liked it. As long as they let me take breaks I can make it all class. Was the type of Cardio I can actually do.

BTW, went to the one in Kearny Mesa, not the "Old Town" one they complain about on YELP.com

[unclesully.livejournal.com]

Hmm, what other styles of yoga have you tried? I won't go near Bikram or other types of "hot yoga" for various reasons (I sweat enough in Ashtanga Yoga!) but I understand that you rest a lot in-between poses in Bikram cos it is so damn hot. So in that case it might not be the best for cardio, a flowing style would be better . . .

Just be careful with hot yoga. I know many people that have fucked up their knees etc. by pushing too far. Your body feels extra artificially flexible cos you are so hot, so it is easy to overdo it.

Also, you may not care about this aspect, but the founder of Bikram yoga is a giant Capatalist womanizing asshole. He likes to show up at his big huge classes in his Rolex and speedo and talk about the chick he just fucked and the sports car he just bought. He also managed to copyright his style of yoga and sues former students of his that teach hot yoga but haven't bought into his franchise (of course Bikram yoga is just a compilation of yoga postures that have been around for ages). He has no regard or interest in the philosophical and ethical aspects of yoga (as it was originally designed as a path to enlightenment, not just for a good work out).

But to each his own . . . ;)

[sdtj.livejournal.com]

I hear you man.

I still have a very clear vision of our conversation at Sam's dinner. I have been very hesitant to take the classes largely based on comments you have made. And honestly you are spot on about the class, the instructors, and dangers. I am not giving up on my Iyengar practice. I think I like augmenting the class with Bikrams. Which really does work me more like a workout / cardio.

It did feel really good to sit in the heat (took me back to my desert camping days... before BM).

Also, after 2 years of doing Iyengar, I know how to listen to my body and not push to hard... even with the heat masking some of it. Luckly at this point, I'm out of shape enough that i get to tired to really push myself beyond anything. I also know to stop when I'm tired because thats when you slip and do something bad.

[unclesully.livejournal.com]

oh sorry, i forgot you had already been subjected to my rant about Bikram ;)

Coming from an Iyengar background you should be in a good place since that style is all about having the correct posture and listening to your body (from what I understand, I need to actually take some Iyengar one of these days).

For cardio I still suggest you look into a flow/vinyasa/ashtanga style to keep your blood pumpin'. Those classes get plenty hot too, but the heat is generated naturally by the students in the class.

[sdtj.livejournal.com]

I'm taking the class all week long... its $20.00 for your first week. Come join me in my torture.

[josiefiend.livejournal.com]

I went to a class with Chris once and loved it. Mostly for the sweat. The poses were pretty simple and straight-forward. I know my limitations and didn't push any of them. Was able to do every pose the for the whole class my first time. I was quite proud of myself!

Even tho I try to never mention the B-word around unclesully. He gets so tense ;)

The girl who runs the studio in Mira Mesa is super cool and not at all like the ... what did Ryan call him? Oh yeah, the giant Capatalist womanizing asshole. lol