8th Bikram Yoga Class and I'm flying!

Well I'm flying compared to the first class back anyhow!

It is still all about the adductors at the moment, however I am pleased to say that my hamstrings are opening back up and I am now managing an extended 'locked out leg' in many Bikram Yoga poses. I even managed to extend out (kick out) in 2nd set of Dandayamana Janushirasana. It feels like after 'only' 8 classes back, I can already feel the old (and frankly better) me returning!

What was interesting was what I didn't notice in class tonight.

I didn't notice my heart pounding away and I didn't notice any conscious effort required to slow down and deepen my breathing back to abdomino-diaphragmatic breath.

In fact the instructor tonight had a few 'newbies' in the class and what I did notice was that the additional huge amount of information being delivered was annoying me a little - I just wanted to get on with the postures! Naughty boy! Shouldn't be getting impatient in a yoga class!

Anyway it was all good and a great class to boot, nice and sweaty. No matter how much the so-called 'fitness experts' harp on about the heat being this and that, personally I have never found it anything but beneficial. The same goes for all our students. Mind you, one does have to re-focus on sufficient daily hydration and also maintaining good habits during class. There is actually a great article written by a non-Bikram person - Lesley Funk - on our website, which sets out quite clearly the facts about any form of exercise in the heat.

Namaste

Robert Scanlon

PS Gabrielle hasn't posted for a while due to a recent and complex ear operation preventing her from attending class. We wish her well and anticipate her return and her wonderful classes.

Phew! 5th Bikram Yoga class ... too many gaps!

Well having been away for a week (again) where there is no local studio, it was good to get back tonight to a great class (thanks Gabrielle!).

 

Hips are now fine, my hip flexors are not hurting at all - most stiffness now seems to be hamstring and adductor related. Very common in men of course.

 

However, the bliss I can now feel stretched out' in Savasana is amazing - as if pure energy is flowing back through my legs. And that lovely 'looseness' after a good solid Bikram Workout! Mmmmm.

 

Interestingly my focus and balance were way off tonight - not surprising as I have finally managed to drum up a bit of frustration and stress with my 'other job'. Fell out of standing separate leg head to knee and Tadasana, which had been rock solid the previous 4 classes. Everything moves in this yoga series!

 

And tonight was the night the instructor decided to run Camel/Ustrasana somewhat longer! The panic started early as I was already testing some limits - could I regain the pull on the heels? (Yes yes, I know, achievement oriented. But Bikram is good for that!). Fortunately over the years, I have learned how to make Camel work for me not against me, so:

• Push out the tummy and breathe fully into it, even if it is difficult at first.
• Arch up (of course).
• Relax the tongue and jaw.
• Keep squeezing the buttocks!

And I have to say, the long holding was excellent, felt great.

 

This week I'd really like to be able to run a few classes together, so there is something more to report ...

 

Until then,

 

Namaste

 

Robert Scanlon

 

Feeling good, but alas, no Bikram Yoga this week!!

Oh dear. 3 classes in a row after nothing for over 8 months ... and then nothing again for a week!

 

I was away with work, too busy to do yoga in the hotel room, no Bikram studio available! But, the day after that 3rd class I felt awesome! Just like the old days (not with the range of motion I used to have of course), but it felt good. Anyway, back home now, so I'll have to get straight back into it. I could feel my internal organs really appreciating the cleanse too. My digestion felt better, my waistline had already shrunk some ... and only after 3 classes!

 

I tell you, this Bikram Yoga is really good, so deep and satisfying, it is a shame that some of the yoga community is a little -anti-Bikram. (Somewhat snobbishly I reckon!) as it really does suit the general tired and stressed modern day citizen. Oh well, we believe in it, so we'll just keep on keeping on and let the yoga and it's amazing results speak for itself.

 

So how many times should one practice?

 

Over 5 times a week is absolutely magnificent! 3 or 4 is good and you will notice progress. Twice per week is sufficient maintenance (holding position) if you are really unable to make any more classes.

 

But once per week? That's gonna be stiff and achy every week! And difficult to make any progress. Better than nothing I guess.

 

And feast and famine as I am currently experiencing? That's not good, too much up and down for the body. Hopefully this week, it will be a bit different ... I'll keep you informed!

 

Namaste,

 

 

 

Robert Scanlon

Returning to Bikram Yoga after a long break!

Too long without yoga. Too long without hot yoga. We decided to take a long break with our 2 year old and take ourselves to France. With only 2 hot yoga studios and the closest 2 hours away from our apartment I had little choice than to skip it altogether. Save for the few times I managed to bundle off my husband and child, take the trouble to shift the furniture in our tiny lounge room, then heat it with a tiny convection heater, I had to resign myself to a break from yoga, almost all types really due to the size of the flat and the disruption to our home life.

 

What I didn't count on was the disruption to my life in general. I NEED this yoga. A bit more of an animated personality than my calmer husband I found my resources started to dwindle after a few months. My temper was a little shorter, my body a lot less toned, my metabolism slowed and on top had to deal with delicious French cuisine. It was then I decided to document my return. Loads of my students in the past (hey even me) have returned feeling the dread of coming back and going through 'it' all over again. The dread of possible aches and pains, that heat, those same 26 Bikram Yoga poses AGAIN! Coupled with that the promise of renewed sense of inner peace, better balance focus and concentration in and out of the room, and a trimmer taut body tip the balance back again...

 

So how was it you ask? That first class back. Difficult. Physically. My body is far less flexible now (although still very flexible) I am tight particularly down the back of my legs (why is my left leg worse, I wonder?). My tendency towards scoliosis - (all but disappeared when I started Bikram yoga, now returned to about 10% original severity) exacerbated by no yoga and carrying my daughter on my left hip which is hers and my preferred side - has returned a bit, reminding me that it is all part of a continuing maintenance program.

 

The most important thing on returning back to the hot room is to put ego aside and work on the basics. So my first few classes are devoted to strengthening my legs. You know, "lock the knee, lock the knee, lock the knee!". I purposely avoided going further into standing head to knee paying more attention to also strengthening core muscles by 'sucking in the stomach' and lifting the pelvic floor. With my ego out of the way I just did the best I could trying to still the chatter in my head. I was the observer noticing the extent I could (or indeed, couldn't) go into postures. A few 'returns to yoga' after forced breaks has taught me at least that.

 

I definitely worked hard. In fact I think it is impossible not to. Bikram Yoga seems ideally set up that way. Chunked for success. Short to long bursts of effort followed by short breaks or savasanas. So just when I think I cannot go on any more, I have a break and then, hey presto, I can reapply myself with renewed vitality and determination.

 

Let's see what else happens.

 

Namaste,

 

 

Gabrielle