“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.

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!