how i got my ass handed to me at bikram yoga.

Having completed a round of P90X just last month, I like to think I am "in shape". Sure I am still chasing a flat tummy and slimmer hips, but really, I am fairly confident that I can tackle most physical challenges thrown my way.  That was until I went to my first bikram yoga class at Bikram Yoga Oakville.

I got my ass handed to me.

I started the class feeling a little cocky. The instructor told me that since this was my first class to take it at about 40%. Right. Whatever. I started out okay, keeping up with the postures. But then it got hard. I did my best to keep going but eventually came to the realization that there was a reason for the 40% rule. I laid down on my mat and focused on breathing through my nose, and tried to calm my racing heart. And I sweat. My dog did I sweat.

I made it through the class (barely).  The feeling of relief when I got out of the studio was incredible.  Quite a rush! The instructor (Dann) and I spoke about the class for a bit.  He told me that one of his first instructors had said that the people who need to be in the class most are the ones who are struggling with something, not the ones who are executing every posture perfectly. Also, that bikram yoga is an individual practice. It doesn't matter what someone else is doing - it only matters what I am doing. Good thoughts to apply to life in general, really.

One of my favourite things about this studio is that it is a really large open space.  While other studios have cramped facilities, these change rooms are huge with lots of showers so you don't have to wait to freshen up after class. If you live in the area you should check it out. They have an intro 10 days for $10 offer that gives you a chance to take some classes and see if you want to sign up for a membership. Also - they are having an open house this Friday night so if you are free, swing by and say hi to Dann! I'm thinking of going to tomorrow's 9:30am class if anyone wants to join me.

hot yoga at kula oakville.

I'm not much of a group exercise person.  I prefer to grunt and sweat and curse by my lonesome.  Over the course of my life, I have attended a total of four yoga classes.  The first was at a studio downtown, where it all seemed very competitive and new comers were looked at warily (lest you take a regular's favourite spot).  The last three classes were at a gym here in Oakville, and the vibe was all wrong.  Seems to me that vibe is fairly important when it comes to yoga. 

So, here I am, strangely having the urge to go do some yoga at an actual yoga studio, with other people (*gasp*). I put the word out on facebook to my friends, asking what they suggested.  My friend Julie suggested "kula" so I checked them out. Nice site, and on facebook and twitter as well! I love a business that gets social media, so I figured I'd check them out.  (Though, if the folks at kula are reading this I do have a bunch of suggestions regarding social media and would be happy to do an energy exchange for some classes!)

On Sunday I took a "restorative yoga" class which was really what I needed going into a new week.  I wasn't feeling quite ready to venture into hot yoga (or as I like to call it "fart" yoga due to its reputation for being  stinky).  As happy as I was with the restorative yoga, I really felt that I still needed to try to hot/fart yoga.  The stars aligned and I was able to go last night for a 60 minute power vinyasa class.

First off, it really is a bit stinky. But, you get used to it, after about 10 minutes.  I got to the class 15 minutes early and stretched out on my mat.  By the time the class started, I was already sweating.  The teacher, Becky started out by asking us if any of us were new, and much to my relief, I was not the only one.  I really liked her style.  She has a relaxed way about her, and a gentle sense of humour that really works.  Also, I don't think she sweats, which I find intriguing as it was dripping off me within 5 minutes of class starting. 

I am not normally someone who likes feeling hot, but I really enjoyed doing hot yoga.  There is something about exercising in close quarters with other people who are working through their own stuff that is powerful.  Nobody cared what I was doing, or how good or bad I was.  There were all shapes and sizes and a wide range of skill levels.  Seriously, there was an older guy in front of me that blew my mind with the stuff he could do, and a complete beginner who had never done yoga behind me.  After doing P90X yoga for the last 3 months, this was a terrific change.  What is cool is that I was actually decent and felt like I kept up with the class, so thanks Tony, for that.  But - it was way more fun and challenging than the Yoga X dvd, so if you are doing P90X and sick of that workout, I recommend you go check out a real class as it is a better experience overall.  Now I just have to figure out when I can squeeze another class in! I think I may have a new addiction.