My Favorite Place

There is something about the bikram studio. It's my favorite place. I feel like every minute spent in the studio is a minute spent doing something I love and something that is good for me. I go to it happily and I leave it happier than I entered. Even when the time in between is miserable (which it is sometimes).

My new mat and towel are perfect in class! Perfect! Thanks Mom.

not bikram

So, my two-month membership ended like two Sundays ago. So, I haven't been to a bikram class in that long. And, well, honestly I haven't worked out since then either - so unlike me. I've been making excuses, work, cold weather, stuffy sinuses make me drowsy... blah blah blah. I don't like when I allow myself to make excuses from working out. I feel very strongly about being active in some way at least 4 times a week. Aside from the fact that I feel physically better, I also tend to feel less sickly when active and more happy. I can tell you that it is a universal side effect of working out too - my parents recently started going on 2 mile walks every evening. They live on the other side of the country and so I only see them 3 or 4 times a year. The difference between how they look and feel now versus last time I saw them is HUGE. They have both lost over 30 pounds and they just seem sincerely happier. If you read this and you're feeling like you don't want to go for that run or that walk or to yoga - know this - the hardest part is putting on your shoes. 

I'm getting long-winded here. I'm sorry. Anyway, after two weeks of making excuses I finally got myself out of bed and went to a yoga class this morning. It wasn't Bikram, but it's ok. I got a new yoga mat for the holidays and I was itching to use it! The studio that is in my neighborhood does donation-based classes every morning - this is awesome for someone like me, who is feeling the burn of holiday shopping, continuing education courses, bar exam tutoring and a social life. (on that note, I also noticed that a Bikram studio in the city also has a donation-based class once a week, which makes me pretty excited). So, here's what I've decided. I don't like vinyasa yoga as much as I like Bikram. I know, I know, I said in my last entry that I wanted to learn inversions and other forms of yoga, so I will keep up with it, but I just don't like it as much. I feel sore already. 

It's a very different work out. Oddly, it's more physical and less mental. I feel like with Bikram because it is the same postures every class, you are obviously doing great things for your body, but getting through the class becomes a mental challenge as your body instinctively knows what to do. This class was hard for me. I was confused. People were going into crow before they went into their vinyasa flows (show offs)... and at one point the teacher complimented another person's headstand - it must have happened behind me because I didn't see it - but I am not exactly sure when the class attempted head stands... we didn't. It's just not very disciplined and that is weird for the Bikram student in me. I'll give it more chances. There is no doubt in my mind that it is a legit work out covering strength and stretching if not cardio. 

I'll keep you guys posted. Also, if you know of any studios with donation-based classes, please share! I would love the tips as I am sure some of the followers would too. 

Reflecting

I think one of the most important things I learned over my challenge was to prioritize my life. I made time to eat well, sleep well, and work smart. I made time for myself and made sure to still enjoy time with friends. Making time for yoga became a bit of a chore, but when I didn't go, I missed it.

My 2 month membership is over now. I feel kind of empty without it, but there are other things I must devote my time to, at least through March. I will probably reward myself with a challenge in the month of March. In the meantime I think I will go to occasional regular yoga class. I'm really interested in learning inversions and building the upper body strength necessary to do them.

I guess, the long and the short of it, is that just because I'm done with my yoga challenge, I hope to keep going back on these blogs and remembering the lessons I've learned. Remember the accomplishments and use them constantly.