Trying New Things - Bikram Yoga

Summer is no doubt the hardest time for me to lose weight. I know I've mentioned that multiple times before. What, with all the BBQ's and perfect weather for margaritas. So long as I choose to partake in these events, which I do, I need to stay more active than usual. So I thought I'd try something new. Bikram Yoga.

There is a Bikram Yoga studio about a quarter mile from my house. They have this great deal, new students who sign up get 30 days of unlimited classes for $30. I figured I'd give it a try. At $17 a class, even if I only went twice I'd be saving money. I've gone five or six times already since June 28th when I signed up.

For those who aren't familiar, Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga) is a yoga series that was founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. It contains 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises and is practiced in a heat room of 105 F (40.6 C) with 40% humidity. Each session lasts 90 minutes.

My favorite pose

I was intrigued by this form of exercise for a few reasons. One, I don't typically practice yoga and I know it focuses on flexibility and balance, two things I've made a focal point to improve. Two, it is estimated that one burns between 500-1250 calories in the 90 minute session. There are calculators you can use, I used this calculator, to determine approximately how many calories you burn. For my weight, I burn around 890 calories in one session! I've been doing it about 3 times a week. Lastly, I was convinced I couldn't meditate but wanted to see if I could get to that state of mind. I can honestly say, when I am in my Bikram class, I focus on nothing but improving my postures and holding them as long and properly as possible. I was impressed with myself after even my first class, that I could twist in ways I didn't think I could.

I haven't abandoned my favorite exercise, Fit in Six. On the days I don't go to Bikram I either run outside or do my Fit in Six. I will admit, the week of the 4th of July I think I worked out maybe once, and in two weeks put on 3lbs. I was half expecting it and I'm actually about 5 lbs from my lowest weight. I know the holiday played a big part - I didn't track like I typically would and I had a lot of foods I typically wouldn't eat. I know though, now that I'm back on my regular schedule, that I should be able to get those extra 5 lbs off in a week or two. I'm to the point, where I am happy with how my body looks but I am still number obsessed. I will hit that 120lb mark, no doubt. I'm just not as in a huge rush as I thought I would be. I like how I look in shorts or a swim suit, for the first time in a long time.

So, Bikram Yoga is my "NEW" thing, for the month of July. Once my 30 days run out, I can't afford to spend $130/month to continue. Next month, I'll find something new. Any suggestions on what I could try?

All 26 postures done in the 90 minutes