No Words...

Long Story Short

Went to Mason Jennings last night. Got inspired. Recorded me playing one of his songs. Posted it:

Bikram Yoga

Bikram is a type of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury. It is...

"ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 40%. Classes are guided by specific dialogue including 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Classes last approximately 90-minutes. People of all levels, ages and body types practice and start together as this is a beginning yoga class." {wikipedia}

It is sometimes referred to as "hot yoga". This, however, is a gross understatement. It is not just "hot." Allow me to paint a picture. Imagine with me...
it's mid-August in Death Valley, NV. It's high noon and you're in a tin shed without windows. There you sit on a pancake skillet. You're wearing a wool sweater under a black pleather parka and chaps. Right between your butt cheeks lies a single habañero pepper that just recently got microwaved. In the pepper is a burnt Hot Tamale- When I practice Bikram, I'm that Hot Tamale.
In Bikram yoga, the class lasts about 90 minutes. There are a series of 26 postures. Here is a chart illustrating these postures:

(Click to Enlarge)

Note: During posture 17 I twirl my face towel around to create a "cool" wind. I call this the "Helicopter Pose."

I have to say this though, even thought Bikram yoga literally feels like hell, it's surprisingly therapeutic. It's like cleaning the toilet- It sucks while you're doing it, but afterwards it feels great.

You should try it. And you know what they say, if you can't take the heat... lay on your side 'til class finishes.