Mission accomplished, thanks to Bikram yoga
IHAD heard of Bikram yoga but had not had the opportunity to try it. So when the opportunity came this past January, I was overjoyed! From the very first class, I could tell that this was something special that would prove transformative. Each of the 26 poses challenged me, and change for the better is always a savoured byproduct of challenge. After all, as Franklin Roosevelt reminds us, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”.
I am an avid athlete and was in training at the time for my debut effort at the Manchester High Mountain 10K. Given that it’s the island’s most gruelling and mountainous 10K, I was elated and surprised that I came first in my age group! Every aspect of an athlete’s training regime matters, and I was seeing that Bikram yoga was already reaping benefits.
My next goal was to complete the Jake’s April 29, 2017, triathlon, even though I had to learn to swim to do it! Continuing with Bikram yoga helped to strengthen my core, improve the effectiveness of my breathing (which benefited my swimming, riding, and running), and kept my muscles pliable, which is integral in warding off injury. Additionally, my flexibility, muscular tone and strength have improved.
The practice is also a great asset to weight-loss efforts as the heat increases your metabolic rate. I lost eight pounds throughout my triathlon training, and I was always eating, and always hungry!
Other benefits I enjoy are increased energy levels, balance, coordination, focus and discipline, diminished effects of stress, clearing of my mind and calming of my soul, while still being pushed to challenge my limits!
I successfully completed the triathlon and am grateful for the role Bikram yoga played. I unreservedly recommend this practice to anyone.