Hot Sweaty Yoga

With all this unwanted "HairofGold" time I've been able to pick up some extracurricular activities. Some of you may not think that my intense studies warrant a break, but after 6 months of never really have a weekend and worrying about what I should be doing, I'm taking a little "HairofGold" time.a Lately I've been practicing Bikram Yoga. Some of you may have heard of this, but I have also posted some info from http://www.bikramyoga.com/ the official site. It's 90 minutes of the best exercise ever. Some of your questions may include:

Q. How hot should the room?
A. The recommended temperature is minimum 105F degrees and about 40% humidity.

The room is kept at this temperature or more for the following:

* Keeping the body from overheating (contrary to popular misconception)
* Protecting the muscles to allow for deeper stretching
* Detoxing the body (open pores to let toxins out)
* Thinning the blood to clear the circulatory system
* Increasing heart rate for better cardiovascular workout
* Improving strength by putting muscle tissue in optimal state for reorganization
* Reorganize the lipids (fat) in the muscular structure

Q. What is happening to my body during Bikram yoga?
A. Muscles are contracted and stretched at a cellular, biochemical level. Lipids and proteins reorganize optimally in such stretching, allowing for better circulation. Joint mobility and range of motion is increased, and strength is built by the use of gravity. Muscles and joints are balanced.

Blood and calcium are brought to the bones. Working against gravity strengthens the bones. The organs of the immune system within the bones (red marrow) are boosted.

The lymph nodes are massaged, lymph is pumped throughout the body, and white blood cells are distributed throughout the body as the lymphatic system works more efficiently.

There is compression and extension to the thymus, spleen, appendix and intestines; lungs are stretched and flushed out by increased blood circulation. The endocrine glands are encouraged to secrete appropriate hormones, and the communication between hormones and various glands and systems of the body is perfected. Toxins and waste are eliminated through the organs of elimination.

The nerves are stimulated by compression and extension, improving communication within the systems of the body and supplying fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout. The brain is stimulated by improved circulation and by varying blood pressure.

Q. What are the benefits of Bikram yoga?
A. A minimum of 10 classes per month is recommended to get the benefits of Bikram Yoga, among which is weight normalization. As a beginner, It takes three classes for your body to understand the proper approach to the posture, and ten classes for your body to begin to work with postures. You will realize optimization of all your body systems.

Digestion and respiration, as well as endocrine, lymphatic and elimination systems will begin to work harmoniously. Your appetite will normalize, and your unhealthy cravings will diminish. All of these results will help to normalize your weight if you devote yourself to regular practice, at least, but preferably more than 3 times per week.

Does Bikram Yoga balance emotions?
A. Bikram Yoga helps balance the emotions in several ways.

Physiologically, regular practice harmonizes the nervous and endocrine systems, two systems which figure heavily in emotional well-being.

In addition, practicing Bikram Yoga cultivates the mental faculties of faith, self-control, concentration, determination, and patience. As we become more aware of our inner life, we notice how events, interactions, and even the atmospheric pressure effect us. When we are aware, we can exercise choice in our response. This helps us balance our emotional life.


I must say that I feel much stronger, am more flexible, have better posture and love the intense stretching! I guess I can no longer use that excuse of "crazy emotions made me do/say that." :) Most studios offer a cheap introductory rate for about $20/7days for unlimited yoga. I would suggest it for all you non believers of intense stretching.