Bikram Yoga Postfinitum

Reflection on Bikram yoga... 1 year on.

Opinions will always divided about Bikram yoga. Google the founder, Bikram Choudhury, and you'll get all manner of debate.  I think of Bikram as yoga marmite; love it or hate it, everyone has an opinion. I'm not even sure if I can decide. Before trying it I was sceptic. Can yoga can be copyrighted, and franchised? Do I really think spending 90 minutes stretching in a sauna in itty bitty underwear-esque clothing is a good idea? Even as a self confessed yoga tart (I've pretty much sampled it all, all over the world), I was dubious.

But... I try not to judge, and when the Fleet Bikram Yoga centre opened practically on my doorstep, I trotted over with my yoga mat (oh, the attraction of a proper yoga studio out here was alluring enough).

How did it go? I'm still not sure if I can decide. In 3 or 4 months of going (more or less) 2 times a week I lost 10 pounds. I tried not to care about that, but the truth is that I'm human; you can't help being chuffed at side effects like that. Through intense effort, sweat and extreme heat I sculpted my body to the leanest it's been in about 10 years. I reached new levels of flexibility, and the small issue of poor breathing resulting in dizzy spells brought a new (necessary) awareness to my breath. All good.

So what's the problem? Well, basically it's too darn hot. After a Christmas of going hither and thither, my attendence waned. In fact by the time I was back in Fleet, and finally managed to drag my bloated post-christmas bottom over to the studio, 6 weeks had passed since my last class of 2010. It was hell. They'd installed new heating that brought the oven to a new high. Furthermore I was ODing. Expecting my body to be where it was 6 weeks ago and instead finding I was gasping and flapping around like a dying fish on shore. I spent most of the class on my back, and on finishing decided I felt like I had regressed back to my first class. Not flexibility-wise, but adaption to the climate of the classes. Was I prepared to build my immunity to the heat back up to it's previous levels?

The answer, I confess, was no. That was my last class.

Looking back 1 year later I have mixed feelings. When it was good it was magic; I was a yoga sweat machine twisting myself into new shapes. But when it was bad it was a hell's kitchen of sweat and breathlessness. I think in summary it is too hard core for me. I prefer to sink slowly and mindfully into postures. I love the individual flavour, teacher contribution and variety of a more traditional class, rather than the repetative, scripted bikram style. And I really am rubbish with intense heat.

But this is a personal opinion, and everyone has their own opinions. You can buy a £30 introductory pass that gets you 30 days of unlimited yoga. What a bargin! I recommend getting it and trying it; go to as many classes as you can in those 30 days. Then make your own decision... and let me know what you thought!

Interesting reading:
> Fleet Bikram Webpage
> Guardian: Bend it like Bikram

Spotlight: Bikram Yoga Fleet

Approach: Bikram yoga
What are the classes like? Challenging and sweaty. Set series of 26 postures (repeated each class) in a room approx 40 degrees (Celsius) and 40% humidity. Poses are typically repeated and held. No props, but bring a towel and don't wear too much (the more flesh on show, the cooler you'll be)
Teaching style: When I attended the teachers were good, especially Sue, the studio owner. Very standardised script and posture series so less individual flavour but if you love getting a sweat on and your heart racing then give it a try.
Price: Around £11 per class depending on purchasing options

The first proper yoga studio in Fleet. You have to love it for that reason... power to the yoga!

What I'm currently reading...

Writing Yoga
by Bruce Black

I'm trying to get into the habit of journalling my home yoga practice. Bruce's book gives you a kick up the butt and some pointers to get you going.

Can't help being a bit intimidated by his lyrical prose in example yoga diary excerpts. That said there is some good stuff in here, looking forward to incorporating into my practice.

> Link to the book on Amazon

I'm also constantly referring to my battered copy of Moving into Stillness by Eric Schiffmann. Not only does he have luscious long curly locks that a pantene ad model wouldn't be ashamed of, he is the master of guiding you through yoga poses via the written word (with a few photos to assist). Genius.

Spotlight: Babs, Isvara Yoga

Approach: Vinyasa/Power yoga.
What are the classes like? Babs blends Ashtanga series with more posture-focussed Hatha style yoga. Focus mainly on Asanas with some guided relaxation at the end. (see here for yoga style guide). Energetic and challenging, but not too much. Classes vary in style and content from week to week. Classes are typically attended by regulars mostly and aimed at intermediate level, with options for beginners and those out of practice.
Teaching style: Babs is energetic, enthusiastic and approachable. Some adjusting (depending on size of class).
Price: Between £5-£10 depending on class (and gym membership)

When first searching for yoga teachers in Fleet, Babs reliably came top of the list. (Note this place has now been taken by the 1 yr old Bikram Yoga Fleet, which I'll spotlight soon).

Mostly teaching during the day, Babs also teaches a couple of classes during the evening. See here for a full list.

Postures of the Week

My bad guy and good guy postures of the week this week are:


Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
My good guy posture of the week. This is because I've recently rediscovered inversions after a lenthy spell of bikram-ness, followed by an even lengthier spell of laziness. I've picked a supported image of a shoulderstand as I have a terrible habit of putting too much pressure on my neck whilst in this posture. Very bad. This is to remind me to use support. Sarvangasana is, and has always been, one of my very favourite asanas.

> Health improving & metabolism boosting. See here for more benefits.

Salabhasana (Locust)
Hiss boo. I never look forward to this posture. Done properly it is very challenging, done lazily guilt inducing. I love backbends, but mainly the passive kind. I dream one day of being able to get my legs up as far as this lady has. I very much doubt that it will ever be easy!

> Strengthens spine & helps digestion. See here for more benefits.