One pose, one breath, one day at a time

"Never too late, never too old, never too bad to start from scratch again" 

-Bikram Yoga Wollongong

The first day I walked out of class I felt as light as a feather. I probably weighed that much after the buckets worth of sweat that spilled out of my pores. A 90 minute work-out in 40 degrees celsius and 50% humidity heated room. It makes it easier and harder at the same time. 

The heat warms the body up faster, which helps prevent injuries and allows for a deeper stretch. Sometimes the muscles become to relaxed and the effort is in holding them strong while trying to maintain a steady breath throughout the process. This is where the concentration comes in. 

Image from www.easternbeachlife.com

You keep your eyes open the whole time. It helps not only from passing out but also staying in the correct posture longer. The key is to find a spot on your forehead and focus all your energy there. 

It really takes a lot of determination to get through the first practice. If you go consistently it gets easier but not if you take breaks in between. The best feeling I get is from the sweating. To me it is less of a workout and more of a detox. 

The benefits according to the flyer: 

1. It rids your glands and organs of toxins in the body.  
2. Provides natural irrigation of the body through the circulatory, lymphatic, and respiratory systems. 
3. Prevents and alleviates illness
4. Promotes weight loss
5. Relieves stress

The overall energy in the room is welcoming and personal at the same time. I felt no judgment or competition with the people in the room. I also didn't focus on others around me a lot because I was so focused on what was going on with m body. 

I have done bikram yoga with a shirt on and off. I prefer a shirt on. I use the extra material to wipe my hands on which allows me to have a better grip on other poses. You only need one water bottle, anymore and you might get sick. Take a bath towel, yoga mat and extra change of clothes afterwards. 

I recommend bikram yoga to anyone who likes a good sweat. Its work at first but you come out centered and relaxed. I also noticed that I wanted to fuel my body with healthier food. It makes sense that once you detox your body that you are not going to pollute it again. That would mean all that hard practice went to waste. 

Bikram Yoga is located at 18 Kenny Street, Wollongong. Visit their website www.bikramyogawollongong.com.au for more information.