My Attempt at Bikram Yoga

I have been trying to get into yoga lately and made my first attempt at Bikram yoga this afternoon. I was skeptical at first because I feel like there is nothing worse than being dreadfully hot and sweaty. Living in Florida, being hot and sweaty the majority of the year is the norm so the last thing I wanted was to experience something even hotter.  I have tried regular yoga before and really enjoyed it, but never stuck with it unfortunately. Some friends I have from work swear by Bikram and go religiously, at least once or twice a week. They convinced me to give it a shot since they talk so highly about it at work. I decided to keep an open mind about it because you never know unless you try!

This is "yoga_girl" from Instagram. 

I am pretty much obsessed with her. Follow her and you will be too. 

Anyhow, I walk into the class and meet up with my friends. I chose to wear nike shorts and a light breathable tank because the less hot the better. I also brought my yoga mat and a little towel. They laugh at the measly little hand towel I brought, little did I know everyone in the class was holding huge shower or beach towels. Thankfully, my friend Michelle had an extra big towel and they explained I was definitely going to need it. We laid down our mats and towels and got comfortable before the class began, it was already very warm. I look around and see all these people who look like professionals and you could definitely tell this was not their first rodeo. 

Fifteen minutes into the eighty minute class I was drenched, literally drenched. I have never sweat like that in my life. Not even laying out for hours on a Florida beach in August. I've never looked down and had sweat dripping to the floor underneath me. It was unreal. I felt like the class was only getting hotter and hotter. I was thinking how thankful I was for that extra towel my friend generously let me borrow, it was a godsend. That said, it was almost like a good sweat, sounds crazy I know. Not to mention, the instructor is saying things like "this is your body releasing any stress", "you're flushing out the impurities" and in the most calming manner. So as focused as I was on the heat, she steals your attention to focus on your thoughts and movements. It was sensational. The key is to stay hydrated and if you feel like it is getting to hot, relax and breathe through your nose. It was not NEARLY as bad as I expected and I can be quite the wimp, especially when it comes to 100 degrees. 

When I left, as haggard as I looked frizzy hair and all, I felt rejuvenated. It was so much better than what I had pictured. They say the heat makes your joints and muscles more flexible so it is easier to do the poses. You feel less tight in a hot yoga class rather than an air conditioned room. As intense as it is, it is definitely mind over matter. I definitely could not do all the poses in the class, but I did better than expected. I am as goofy and uncoordinated as can be so if I though I did alright, everyone else will do just fine for their first time. 

Bikram yoga is great for:

1. Weight Loss
2. Skin
3. Back Pain
4. Blood Pressure
5. Stress & Anxiety
6. Breathing Problems
7. Anti-aging/ Preventative Medicine
8. Thyroid
9. Injury Recovery
10. Balance/Flexibility
11. Detox/Healing
12. Strength 
13. Endurance

The list is endless! Now I understand the reason behind the Bikram yoga popularity and I definitely plan on going back weekly. 

After the class we all were completely famished and parched so we went to the juice bar next door. I got a fresh pressed kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, apple, kiwi juice. It was delicious and if I did not feel good already, now I felt like a million bucks! 

 

          Just some more from my favorite yogi! 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/video/hillarylevine/what-youre-really-thinking-during-yoga

Eat, Sweat, Rest, Repeat

Being a University of Central Florida college student is not only pricey, but extremely time consuming. My weekly schedule is loaded to the maximum with school four days a week and working long restaurant hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. My goal is to make it to the gym at least four days a week for at least an hour per session. Tough? Yes.....but...

You do not have to be a member of the fanciest gym in town or have the best trainer either! I work out in my neighborhood gym, simple and has everything you need. If you are not sure what to do in the fitness center, there are many internet sites and phone Apps that give great tips and workout plans. I use the workout Apps all the time! That said, the gym is not what is going to get you that great physique you have always dreamt of. Although working out is necessary, it is mostly what you do in the kitchen that gets you that bikini body! 

I used to think that I was a healthy eater until I really did my research. Lean Cuisines, weight watchers, diet soda, fat free popcorn and salads drenched in that 15 calorie dressing are the worst things you could put into your body. I would bring these things to work with me and think highly of my dinner choices. Little did I know about the high sodium content, genetically modified organisms, high fructose corn syrup, etc. that make up these "healthy options." It is not all about just the weight loss, but about being healthy in all aspects. Processed foods are the farthest thing from healthy whether you are losing pounds or not. 

I have recently (in the past year and a half) revamped my diet completely and have become extremely cautious of what I purchase at the grocery store. Fellow college students, there is more to life than ramen noodles!  Yes of course I spend more at the grocery than I used to, but to me it is worth it. I buy organic fruits and veggies and incorporate them into my meals everyday. When a normal person thinks organic produce, they think, expensive. This is true, but I believe it is worth it in the long run. Organic or local produce is much better for you rather than conventional. Conventional is cheaper, but contains preservatives and chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. Organic farming uses all natural fertilizers and pesticides instead of synthetic insecticides to reduce pests and disease which is better for you and our environment. I also cut out meat completely from my diet, but still eat fish and free range organic eggs. As a woman and animal lover, it was a no brainer to cut out meat from my diet. I also very rarely eat gluten, soy or dairy and started buying almond milk and veggie cheese instead of the usual. Honestly, meat was the easiest thing to cut out, it is the cheese that was more difficult! Meat is a good source of protein, but there are many other ways to maintain enough protein in your diet. I am not saying everyone needs to be a vegan or else, but no need to eat it every single day!

People might think that since I have become more nutritious, I eat bland, flavorless food. Just because I am not eating pizza and cheeseburgers for dinner does not mean my food is not delicious! I am a big time foodie and love trying new cuisines and recipes. My options are a little more limited now, but I truly eat more now than I did pre-nutrition! Eating more and staying thin? It isn't nonsense, I promise! Since I have changed my diet and exercise, I have never felt better or had more energy in my entire life. Invest time into exercise and healthy living instead of TV shows and going out to eat for every meal.  It only takes 21 days to form a habit and only took me this long to change my  lifestyle.