FitScapade #1: Bikram

Hey Loves:
So, today is the first installment of a monthly spotlight, FitScapade. In these monthly tidbits, I will be sharing a new fitness diversion and what I loved, hated and all in between about my escapade.

Breaking into Bikram

Yesterday, I set to reach one of my 2010 fitness goals less than a month into the new year --- to try Bikram yoga.

Nitty Gritty:

Imagine this: You are in a 105 degree room with scantily clad aficionados and some novices, sweating like it's your job and bending into 26 different asanas (postures) like birds, airplanes and all other sorts of amazing species.


Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is not for the faint of heart. It was truly an experience. I was prompted to go to the class because I received an email that informed me that the class' proceeds would go to a charity I adore. SOLD! Well, next I read up on the studio and tips for new students. Well, first, in order to be most successful in class, you have to be super hydrated because of the amount that you sweat. I had to drink between 90-128 ounces of water before 8pm. I was like a madwoman on Friday consuming water after and during every move I made. It was ridiculous but I totally got the point once I was in class because I literally sweat enough to fill a 12 gallon bucket in the 90 minutes.

So, fast forward, I am now in the studio. As I enter, there are scantily clad females and males prancing around without shoes but I appreciated the diversity of the crowd -- manly White and Black men, effeminate men, skinny wannabe Yogini white women, heavy set Black woman in her 20s, 40 yr old woman with her 60 yr old mom --- I felt somewhat welcome but totally out of my element. Not to mention, you instantly feel like you have disembarked a plane in Miami --- super hot and humid even in the lobby.

Once I entered class, I was seriously doubting my choice to put myself through 90 minutes of South Beach style HELL! Within 5 minutes, my mind was totally wigging out and doubting my abilities to make it through the class. The instructor, some 95 pound Ukrainian woman, was amazing and although her incessant talking irked me at first, it truly was one of the most motivating parts of the class. I loved that she verbally gave each person corrective steps and was super attentive. Also, she was all about making the class about your 'personal practice' and not about others. I still saw some peeps sneaking peeks at others though *side eye*

At some point after the first 20 minutes, I lost my mind and completely forgot about the ridiculous heat and the people --- everything. I was able to focus on myself and increase my strength and flexibility. You repeat each asana twice so I felt like I had good opportunity to improve and build mastery of the moves. I went into class with a stomach ache and totally forgot about it and felt nothing during class. It must have been the toxin release that Bikram is known to promote. At the end of the class, I felt empowered and invigorated. I had done something that I initially did not believe I could or should do and it was AWESOME! When I got home, I swear my skin was clearer than ever and I felt so alive. I definitely am not a true believer but I will definitely add a monthly class to my routine to spice things up.

DO:
-Wear the right clothes: nothing too tight or too lose and the less the better (WOOT!)
- Nutrition: Drink a ton of water ahead of time; you will thank yourself when you do not pass out. Also, do not eat a heavy meal within 3 hours of class, unless you want to hurl on someone's mat. NOT CUTE
-Embrace the heat and try your best; know your limit and rest when necessary

DON'T:
-Leave the room; it will hurt your practice and ability to complete the class
-Go in thinking you won't sweat or be worried about your looks; you are guaranteed to look a HOT mess within 5 minutes of class and, you know what, it just does not matter when you're trying to lift your right leg with your right hand while stabilizing on your left side. Leave your vanity in the dressing room ;-)

In short:
If you are looking for a challenge that will leave you exhausted yet invigorated, get Hot and heavy with some Bikram yoga.

~M

Time to Switch it Up

A new year, a new week...
TIME TO SWITCH IT UP!

Many of us having been doing the same workout for the past few months or possibly years and our bodies are simply bored. In my quest for better health, I have hit several plateaus and realized that change is necessary in order to reach your health goals. The more that you do the same activity, your body adjusts and does not respond the way that it once was. Even while trying for my 10 miler last Fall, I realized that although I felt as tired by runs that I had done several months earlier as well, my body was not necessarily changing. As a result, I had to change up the terrain, frequency and speed of my runs.

I came across an excellent article that gave 6 practical steps to improve one's fitness outcomes and "change the game".

http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/articles/workout-boredom

Thoughts? What are we doing to switch up our fitness lives these days? Anyone taking a new gym class? new exercise move? Sharing is caring, my lovelies!

Cheers to 2010!

Happy New Year everyone. I hope that you took the time to reflect and leave the yuckiness of 2009 in the past.

2010, as any new year, is a fresh opportunity to meet your goals.

This year, I am continuing to work on some previous fitness goals including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Complete the Army Ten Miler in October 2010 in Washington, DC

Last year was awesome so why not challenge myself again?

2. Finish my first half marathon

I figure if I can do 10 miles, why not 3.1 more?

3. Begin certification process to teach Pilates or Zumba

It's been on my to do list for a while

4. Try Bikram Yoga

It scares the crap outta me but I'm no wuss so I'm going to give it a go!

5. By December, I will be able to swim 4 laps of an Olympic size pool without stopping

For most of you, this is nothing but for me it is a daunting challenge. Water and I do not have the best relationship yet.


Well, cheers to everyone. What are your fitness goals for the year (great or small)?