You guys, it’s over! During the last 30 days I completed 31 Bikram yoga classes and the challenge is DUNZO! It’s been quite a month. Over the past 30 days I’ve seen major improvements in my form, my ability to deal with the 105 degree heat, my flexibility and my feelings towards yoga.
In the past, yoga seemed more like a mini-workout. If I took a yoga class it was more for a good stretch as opposed to a workout. If I did yoga and no other exercise for the day, I’d consider it a day off. Definitely not the case with Bikram. By pairing the yoga with the Paleo diet and healthy eating habits, I’ve felt a change in my body and can see a difference in my legs, arms and abs.
While I’m no pro at Bikram, I did take note of small changes and improvements along the way. Here are the highlights:
Week 1:
- Straightened my legs during Seated Head to Knee Stretching Pose.
- Ditched my shirt. Yoga is HOT and even if you aren’t completely confident in the way you look working out in a sports bra, I felt good enough to go ahead and do it. It also helps to see your muscles working in each pose.
Week 2:
- Could fully twist both my right and left leg behind the other calf in Eagle Pose.
- Touched my head to the ground in Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose.
Week 3:
- Balanced in Toe Stand with my hands in prayer (for about 3 seconds- still an accomplishment!).
Week 4:
- Straightened my leg in Standing Head to Knee Pose.
- Could keep my hands in prayer in Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose.
(see all the poses HERE)
SO, after 30 days of Bikram, do I recommend it? YES! I think it’s a great challenge and by doing yoga every day you get maximum benefits from the postures and will be able to see improvements more quickly than if you went 1x per week. Sure, it’s a big time commitment, 90 minutes a day is no joke. But if you can fit it into your schedule, I really recommend it.
As for my next steps with yoga, I definitely do not have the time to go every day. Triathlon training starts next week and will be my major focus. However, I’ll be very happy with myself if I can fit in a Vinyasa yoga class 1x per week and perhaps a Bikram class as well here and there. I would love to stick with yoga to continue my progress; hopefully it will remain a part of my routine in some way.
Before our last class- 6:15am!
Our names are on the board- it’s official!
**Special shout out to everyone who joined me throughout this experience: Alison & Sara, my fellow 30 Day Challengers plus Stephanie, Michele & Melanie who I had the pleasure of taking classes with along the way**
