A Cool 105 Degrees

The definition of Bikram Yoga is: Bikram's Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, or "Fire Yoga," is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F with a humidity of 40% for 90 minutes. This is where I was last night.

I have gone to one of these classes before (when I was in really good shape), but hardly made it through the class. I didn't hydrate and had no idea that you shouldn't eat for at least two hours beforehand. I've always wanted to give it another try, but just haven't gotten around to it. So, with a fair amount of badgering from Britt, I agreed it was high time I get my butt in gear and she convinced me that this would be just the way to do it. You see, in my head I still have the "I just had a baby" excuse for not fitting back into my regular clothes and not focusing attention on myself, but come on, William is going to be ten months this weekend. (TEN MONTHS, I know, it's crazy!)

Anyway, I like to complain about the extra junk in my trunk, but I'm not doing anything about it. Luckily I have Britt, who knows what I need (even when I don't) and insisted that I join her in class. It took me a couple of weeks to agree, because I was scared I'd get my butt kicked again. And I did. But, that's OK. There were moments when I was positive that I would throw up and then possibly pass out. At one point my mind started to go a little cookoo and I convinced myself that the class would never end and this hot room was my new reality and I would live there forever -- In other words, I convinced myself I was in hell. The mind is a powerful thing (my mind also tends to be a bit dramatic). But, there was one thing that kept bringing me back: If I made it through 22 hours of labor, I can get through 90 minutes of anything.

And I made it. No running out the door for cool air, no passing out, no vomiting. Afterward, we took cool showers and then went out for tapas and white wine. I figured we just sweat the wine out from the night before and then replenished the system. The best part is I felt centered and relaxed in a way I have not for a long time.

This morning I still feel great, and instead of my usual 5 am playtime with William, I strapped him in the BOB and went for a walk. I credit this to the class last night. So, I'm going back on Thursday. I took them up on the Beginner's Special and have a $25 2-week pass. Consider this the exit from my "I just had a baby" period. Hopefully.