Week #3

     This week I used Chris's Bikram Yoga as my weekly experience. I have never tried Bikram Yoga before. Although, we did not get the full physical experience (with the 105 degree room), I still really enjoyed the yoga pose series that we did complete. We would experience a pose, and then rest, and then go back at the pose full throttle. We would hold the pose for a few moments. This definitely triggered our physical being. I do not think it is as physical as other gym classes, say Zumba. However, I think it was more strenuous than simply running. I am very athletic; I work out regularly. But imagine this, I woke up sore! Chris mentioned this could happen. We worked muscles that we do not always work in a day, or even in a workout.
     Why 105 degrees? That was one of my wonders. An Indian man, (I am not sure of what his name was), won three yoga championships. When he came over to teach, what were the requirements? Well, a hot room. In India they do not have air condition, so practicing yoga in a 105 degree room was nothing short of normal. It helps loosen your muscles, creating a more successful practice. Chris even admitted to doing his stretching after he runs about 5 miles. You're body is more relaxed and elastic when it is hot. Chris also mentioned eating right is a part of this practice. A simple "eat good, feel good" explanation. 
     Chris talked about a little comparison involving lions and tigers. Why are they so powerful? Is it because they work out in the gym like a typical weight-lifter (Ha-Ha). A lot of strength comes from the lower back movements. A lot of yoga poses demonstrate this. Staying in a few of these poses, I could feel the muscles in my back tense up.
       This yoga practice helped me use muscles that I did not even know that I have. I really enjoyed Bikram Yoga and I plan to go to another class like this, especially to get the full experience. It definitely challenged me for the better. I am excited to better myself.