As I laid down in the hot room before class started, I was staring at the fan going round and round. But that fan wasn't there to cool us down, it was there to churn the hot, sweaty air. As I laid there on the mat watching the fan turn, I thought, "this isn't so bad. It just feels like a sauna, which is actually kind of nice." Rookie mistake. I identified myself as a newbie, and as I look around the room, I'm one of a few, and I realize I'm in the front row. Awesome. It's hot. I'm dripping, she's dripping, everyone's dripping! How much longer? There is no clock in the room, and I thought I'd be able to count the poses, knowing there are 26, then I could surely figure out where we were in the class. Ha! That plan was blown immediately as I found myself focusing on staying upright and alert! I was very aware of the warning signs of passing out. Ears closing, light bursts appearing and I just kept telling myself, "don't pass out, don't pass out!"
Basically Bikram Yoga, you kicked my ass! I had to rest a lot, I even tried fanning myself with my towel, (which the seasoned woman next to me kindly mentioned that would only make me hotter.) But, I'm thrilled to report that I did not pass out and I did not puke! So I consider my first Bikram yoga class a success. I have signed up for two more classes, and even though I'm not particularly excited to go back, I think I ought to give you a fair shot. Bikram - are you my passion? Are you my crazy? Is it possible that I will get hooked and be motivated to keep going back to get better and better? I think this remains to be seen.
A special shout out to those in class who bared almost all. Making me feel comfortable to embrace my body and embrace the fact that it is HOT in there and even if my body isn't perfect, I'm there sweating with everyone else in pursuit of a healthy and strong body!
Maybe yours,
Nelle
