Bikram backup

I can’t vouch for his morality or spirituality, but I sure do appreciate his sequence, and his yoga changed my life. These are facts, as far as I know.

I talked with a friend tonight who has never tried Bikram yoga. I think we’ll take a class together, and I asked her to commit to taking three classes in one week’s time.

Since I have no intention of going that often I feel like a hypocrite asking my friend to undertake the challenge. But then, I’ve got years of Bikram under my belt. I know 3x a week is doable. And also, two years ago I encouraged another friend to take three Bikram classes in three days, and she did, and she felt amazing, and she’s been a devoted practitioner ever since.

Bikram himself asks newcomers to take thirty classes in thirty days, at least. I would say forty is even better. But I don’t have much room to talk, my personal record being two days back-to-back. Bikram is not always best for my body, but oh how much good it can do.

My friend asked why the heat was helpful so I told her–it loosens muscles and joints (so be careful and listen to your body), it provokes sweat (which is said to detoxify), and it challenges you mentally and emotionally. She said the benefits reminded her of what she gets from running.

I told her she needs Bikram even more then, if she runs. I don’t begrudge runners their joy or their torture, but a natural complement is some time in the hot room for focused strength and stretching. Show those hardworking muscles and joints some love!

This heart, which to me represents both Bikram's heat and our most important muscle, was titled "heart-lou" by the artist, who reserves all rights. Click image to see where I found it.