7 Day Challenge: Bikram Yoga
I’ve decided to do a 7 day Bikram Yoga challenge. They have an introductory package where you’re able to take a week of classes for 23 bucks. I’ve wanted to try this for some time, but wanted to be able to commit to doing all seven days. I feel like my other 30 day challenges have given me the strong foundation that will allow me to do this.
Here’s the challenge:
For the next 7 days, I will attend one Bikram yoga class a day.
It’s pretty straightforward. I will shoot for taking the first class offered each day, but I won’t let that keep me from completing the challenge if I can’t. I also may provide addendum’s to this post with my progress throughout the week.
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Updates:
–Day 1: Saturday–
Holy crap. Definitely one of the most intense workouts I’ve ever had. What the heck have I gotten myself into? Please let it get easier as it goes along.
–Day 2: Sunday–
I think I can say that it was a bit easier today. It’s still hellishly hot, and you’re literally bathed in sweat for the entire 90 minutes, but it took me longer to reach the “Oh my God, let this be over” stage. I also gave up any remaining modesty that I might have had and ditched my t-shirt 10 minutes in. It’s just too freakin’ hot to keep it on.
–Day 3: Monday–
I crashed last night at 10 p.m., got up around 4:30 this morning and made it to the 6:30 a.m. class today. It’s still pretty darn brutal. The standing poses are the most difficult… at least with the floor poses you get to lie on your back in between to let blood flow back into the joints. I bought some Glaceau “smart water” after class. It’s supposed to have electrolytes which are supposed to be good for you. I’m hoping to avoid the fatigued feeling that I had for alot of yesterday. I’m thinking that might have been dehydration, so I’m going to keep pouring the water down for the rest of the day. Also there were a couple of people in class today who didn’t sweat. They are very clearly mutants.
–Day 4: Tuesday–
Made it to the 11 a.m. class today. I had alot of dread going in, but it actually went pretty well. I got thru most of the poses and only had to take a couple of breaks. (I think she may have had the heat a bit lower today, which no doubt helped.) I’m also not as wiped this afternoon, and have been able to focus better.
–Day 5: Wednesday–
I got thru the postures better today. Definitely feel my strength and flexibility improving. (Went to the noon class…).
–Day 6: Thursday–
Somewhat tougher today. The instructor cranked up the heat more, and was moving through the postures faster. There were a couple of times where I had to sit out the 2nd half of the posture because my heart was really racing. I guess the moral is that every day is different. I went to the 4 p.m. class today.
–Day 7: Friday–
Woohoo! Final day of my 7 day challenge. The heat really kicked me hard today, but it was what it was. I showed up and did the best I could which is what it’s all about.
Final Thoughts
It’s been an enlightening 7 days. This has been some of the most difficult exercise that I’ve ever done. The heat adds a whole new dimension to things, both mentally and physically, but I love the way my body has felt. The first couple of days knocked me out more, but I seemed to get used to it about 3-4 days in. (I also felt better when I hydrated immediately after the workout.) It’s definitely something that I hope to pursue in the future.
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7 Day Challenge: Bikram Yoga
Start date: Saturday, June 24th
Check-in date:Friday, June 30th