Stronger

As I grow older I am realizing some things about myself.  I sort of wish that I had known them at a younger age, because I think I would have attempted things that I was scared to attempt, for fear of failure, but I guess that these realizations are all a part of growing up, maturing...becoming that confident woman.  I remember reading about and hearing about women that said that life in their 30s was great.  They were sort of over that searching and wondering what the heck to do with their lives time of their late teens and 20s.  Many become, if not happy, at least comfortable with their bodies.  They realize that their bodies have served them well and work hard for them.  They are just...content.

I feel like I am hitting that stage.  Last night proved that fact to me even more.  I tried Bikram Hot Yoga for the very first time.  I was petrified, worried, afraid of failure.  It sounded HARD.  I hadn't really worked out for almost two years.  I didn't know if I could handle it.  If you aren't really sure what Bikram hot yoga is, let me explain.  It is a series of 26 postures-some hard, some not quite as challenging-that are designed to detoxify your body, build up the muscle, create better posture, and simply challenge you.  They would be difficult on their own, but the thing that really ups the challenge for hot yoga is the fact that the postures are done over a 90 minute period in a VERY hot room.  In fact, it is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of 40%.  To some that might seem like torture...and in fact it does feel like torture for a little while.  The benefits though?  They are worth it.

My first experience was last night.  My heart was pounding and I was so nervous.  I wasn't really nervous about the fact that it was yoga, because I have taken a lot of yoga classes throughout the years and after researching Bikram yoga I knew that I had done all of the poses at least a few times.  I knew my body wasn't exactly at its prime-I mean, it has been two years really...I got pregnant with Rocky around this time two years ago!-and I haven't exactly set myself as a priority lately.  I figured I could at least attempt the poses.  My big fear, however, was that hot, hot room.

Generally I like heat.  I can lie on a beach in the hot sun for hours and be ok with it.  Our house always has the heat cranked up higher than most people-poor Kev!  In fact, some of our friends joke around about it, and one friend in particular once told me that he always dresses lighter when he knows they are coming to my house.  Not exactly financially the best choice, but I really hate being cold!  I also can usually handle humidity pretty well, although I have to admit I have never really lived in an area of EXTREME humidity, like the 80-100% humidity.  Anyway, I digress.  In short, I usually like heat.  I would rather be too hot than too cold. 

Even knowing that I love heat, I was scared!  I almost backed out.  The thing that kept me going was the fact that I had already paid for six sessions via an online coupon and the fact that my body was basically crying out for some exercise.  I needed to do something! 

Last night after helping Kev put the boys to bed I was off for the 8:15 class.  I walked into the studio and I think the receptionist could tell right away that I was nervous.  She assured me that I would do fine, and the main goal for your first Bikram hot yoga class is simple-stay in the room for the full 90 minutes!

I am happy to report that I not only stayed in the room for the full 90 minutes, but I also was able to do both repetitions of every single pose.  I never had to take a break and sit out of a pose.  I was proud of myself...bringing myself to realize once again that I am stronger than I think.  The teacher at one point said that our minds will give up 20 seconds before our bodies are ready and that we should try to push through.  I did that, I would push through, even though my mind wanted to give up.

I'm not going to lie.  At points I was wondering exactly how many postures were left, how soon would I be able to escape this hot room, would I pass out?  I truly felt like quitting at points, but I didn't.  Now I am over that first hump and I can't wait to go back again.

I walked out of that room exhausted and covered in sweat.  Sweat was streaming off of my body at points throughout the workout.  I actually had sweat dripping into my eyes and would lose postures because my hand could not maintain its grip due to the slippery sweat covering my body.  It sounds awful and disgusting, yet it was actually kind of awesome!

Last night I slept deeply...more so than I have in a long time.  This morning when I woke up I felt sore, which I love.  I love that sore feeling that comes after a good workout, it means that I did something!

Hot yoga?  It gets my stamp of approval!  Tri City Bikram Hot Yoga has some specials on right now for new students...if you have ever wondered about it and wanted to try it I suggest that you do!  I don't think you will regret it!  I definitely don't!