Category Archives: BMA

30 Days of Bikram Yoga

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“Reach down behind you and get a good grip on those heels. Touch your forehead below your knees letting it rest on your shins. Engage your quads, really ENGAGE them.”

I listen to my instructor trying to blink the sweat out of my eye and breath at the same time. Bent at the hips, my quads burning, and hands gripping the hell out of my heels while looking at the puddle of sweat on the floor I keep thinking, to myself “Breathe. Don’t forget to breathe.” And finally, when I hear that joyous clap to release my body from the pose I take a deep, calming breath.This is Bikram Yoga.

Bikram yoga, or hot yoga, is the new craze that is sweeping the nation. 26 poses set at a lovely 105 degrees with a 70% humidity for 90 minutes is said to be one of the most challenging and healthy yoga you can do. So in order to prep for Bryn Mawr Soccer Pre-season I decided to add some good hot yoga to help me limber up. Oh, was I in for a treat.

bikram-hot-yoga-postures

Basic example of the 26 poses. Looks easy right?

I was first introduced to this yoga when my sister dragged me to a class in Hawaii over the summer two years ago. “You’ll love it,” she said. Of course who wouldn’t love yoga with a view overlooking the beaches? She just forgot to mention the heat and the contortion. I stopped going with her after that class. However, after some time apart I decided I should give it another chance and help prevent some reoccurring pulled muscles and such. This time I truly have fallen in love.

After my intro week I have taken on the oh-so-popular 30 day Bikram Yoga Challenge; 30 days, 30 classes, and plenty of sweat. Let’s see what this yoga really has to offer!

To be continued…

TL;DR: Started the 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge. Wish me luck!

 

 

Aca-scuse me!?!

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** Correction: The original article mislabeled 2 of the acapella groups. They have been restored to the correct description**

With a freezing wind chill, dash of snow, and the madness of shopping week I offer a large and grand WELCOME BACK. After a nice long break I have to say I am so happy to be back at Bryn Mawr. Seeing all my friends from abroad reminds me how much I missed my Mawrter family. I will be posting about my winter shenanigans in a later post, but for now I want to warm everyone up with a little adventure I had last night.

In lieu of the the end of shopping week the acapella groups on campus and in the Bi-Co held a Welcome Back performance last night. It was Aca-mazing to say the least. The Campus Center was packed with eager ears waiting to hear the sweet sounds of the beatboxing and melodic voices. Here is a breakdown of the performances:

Counterpoint– Made up of Bryn Mawr and Haverford students this group sings all types of genres from Top 40 hits to folk songs primarily in jazz, rock, gospel, soul, and R&B.

Chaverim-a tri-college, co-ed a cappella group that sings songs from many countries, including traditional folk songs, rock and popular music, and original compositions while bringing in various music from different cultures in the community.

Acabellas –Compiled of Bryn Mawr students this group sings a wide range of song, from 80′s pop to indie rock.

Lavender’s Blue– A Bryn Mawr acapella group that dedicates their melodic voices to song of the oldies.

Extreme Keys– Originally known as the Suburban Squares when they were founded in 1981, Extreme Keys is a Bi-Co all-female acapella goup known for their “Extreme, electric energy” and sing songs ranging from 70′s and disco to their current song list which is mostly Indie/Pop.

The Night Owls-Founded in 1989 they are the official acapella group of Bryn Mawr College singing  various arrangments.

Unable to make to the performances, check out the newest installment of Bryn Mawr Adventure: Acapella Edition

To be continued…

P.S I also hope you caught on to my cheesy homage to Pitch Perfect ; )