Yesterday, I finally took the plunge and committed to doing a Bikram Yoga class. I took the commitment one step further, and posted on Facebook my intention, so that I could not back out of it, and would have to answer to lots of people if I did! Including the instructor, whom I happen to be friends with. For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, here's the dictionary.com explanation.....
This would also be classed as the
BIGGEST UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE CENTURY.
I leapt crawled out of bed at 6.40am and dragged on some of my gym gear from years gone by. Put a couple of extra layers on because I knew I would freeze my arse off. Jumped in the car and made the 20 minute drive to get to a 7.30 class on time.
Was greeted by the lovely Mish (instructor) who was impressed to see I had kept my word and actually turned up. She gave me some quick instructions and directed me in to the class room.
BANG - smacked in the face by the 39 degree heatwave. And fear.
Took my place at the back of the room, and was pleased to see that I was joined by another first timer - Matthew - who was a rather "burly" looking bloke, who had a strange look of fear on his face also...
Next thing i knew, it was show time! I somehow managed to remember to breath, and managed to get through the first few poses (DON'T think Madonna). Then my body starting reacting to numerous factors:
1. It was early morning and I had not eaten breakfast - I am a creature of habit and usually eat as soon as I wake up.
2. I had clearly not drunk even close to enough fluids yesterday to have any sort of decent hydration.
3. I was just a widdle widdle bit out of my depth!
But I DID soldier on. Whenever I felt the need to pass out, I just quietly slid to the floor and sat for a minute. Whenever I felt the need to throw up, I just quietly slid to the floor and sat for a minute. Paints a pretty picture yes?
Ninety minutes later - I was done. I survived. And I felt pretty bloody proud of myself!! I looked over to my new mate Matthew and said if I could actually move I would hi-five him. He retorted that he would cut his hand off and throw it in my direction....
I have thought about doing Bikram Yoga for a few years now. Have spoken to a few people about it, but never got the feeling it was something I wouldn't be able to manage. Now that I have conquered that first class, I know what will work better for me next time. I know, I know - I'm a nut bag for even talking about the next time...
Next time, I will go to a day time or evening class - when I have had plenty of energy food throughout the day and plenty of fluids. And next time, I will be better prepared - mentally. Because I will know what to expect.
Why am I doing this? Well, the medication I was prescribed by my lovely neurologist, to help my daily headaches and regular migraines, worked wonders. BUT (pardon the pun) it also helped to increase the size of my arse. So I am trying to find a better, healthier option to managing and hopefully eliminating the pain that is my head. Fingers crossed that all the pain I am going to put myself through, sweating like mad, will be beneficial for not only my head, but everywhere else!
Have you done Bikram Yoga? Have I convinced you that it could be a good thing?
