Bikram Yoga ... by Louise Jeckells

After just finishing my first Bikram yoga class at the new studio, my body is sore, my mind is clear and I feel fantastic. So fantastic I’m lying face down on the floor hoping it will open up and swallow me. Why? Because I’m in a tiny bit of pain and I can’t seem to cool down. I drink too much, I eat bad foods, I have sleep-less nights and I worry about the small things. I know I need to start setting up a better lifestyle for my body, and I’m not the only one!

My experience was, in fact, amazing. I feel like I have taken up meditation, therapy and yoga all in one. I went into the class stressed and bloated from a day at work and have left sore and weary, but after a few hours of drinking water and the feeling returning to my body I feel flushed and … taller. No stress pulling me down.

Bikram yoga is yoga for all ages and strengths. It is a series of 26 positions and two breathing exercises. It is conducted in a room with the temp turned up to 38 degrees. Half way through the class, I knew I wasn’t pushing myself to the limits but it was because my body was adjusting to the heat. I would have passed out if I pushed my body to its expected limits. It was a ninety minute class and it was only when I could hear the next class arrive that I knew it was coming to an end.

The teacher, Anna was amazing. She had the body I wanted, so that was enough motivation for me to come back again. Throughout class she talks you through the exercises, which means no matter where you are in the room, you still understand what you should be doing.

After class, I asked her about one of the positions that I was unsure of, she was so helpful! It's important to get the positions right and breath correctly, otherwise you could hurt your body.

On returning to my mat and stepping out of the 38 degree room, I knew I had been converted.
I feel surprisingly lighter and focused on the week ahead.

I have signed up for the introduction offer - 6am tomorrow morning, I will be back inside that room, giving my body the best go at looking its finest.

If I knew the guy at the front desk was such a dish, I would have signed up earlier! Muscles, toned, handsome and sweet … mmmmmm my kind of guy.

Reminder* next time wear my new slimming pants, not the ones with holes in them!

Louise, a lover of yoga … Bikram style.