Amber - Rules of Bikram

Rules of Bikram

1. Drink double the amount of water you are supposed to the day you take class.
2. Don't eat at least 2 hours prior to class and keep your meals light that day
3. Try to allow at least 10 minutes prior to class in the room to begin to adjust to the heat at a resting heart rate
4. Don't drink half of your bottle of water you have for class on your way to class when you are running late.
5. If you are late - still go to class, it's better than not going at all, but you will suffer for your tardiness.

I managed to break ALL 5 rules I listed above yesterday. I only drank one liter of water compared to the 3 I normally drink. I had some carrots and dip around 4 pm yesterday. I showed up to class a few minutes before it started. I drank so much water on my way to class I ended up walking into class late because I had to use the restroom. My heart was already racing when I walked in. They were half way through the first breathing exercise. I struggled breathing in for 6 counts and breathing out for 6 counts. My body didn't seem comfortable with the heat at any point. On the bright side, I never felt sick or dizzy. I was able to get through everything. I just felt everything. I collapsed after the class was over. I decided to shower there to try and get my heart rate down. No luck. I sat in my car for about 10 minutes before I drove away. I got home and sat on the couch for about 30 more minutes before I finally felt normal. I never felt bad - my heart was just racing. I think I was probably still burning quite a few calories when I got home.

Not every class I go to will feel great. I know that. I also know that every class I go to will yield improvement. That's what I'm ultimately after. There is a quote, "To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did." Two months ago, if I didn't feel like doing something, I wouldn't. I have almost been doing Bikram Yoga for one month. There have been many days I didn't feel like going, but I did. The rewards far out weigh the sacrifice. Put it into perspective. The day has 24 hours in it. There is no reason I can't spend 90 minutes of that 24 hours doing something I didn't feel like doing. It isn't that much time. The best part is, I came home to huge rewards. Jodi came over. We watched two of my favorite cooking shows. Then we stood outside and had the most amazing conversation that ended up lasting two hours. I had planned on picking up in the morning before work, but I spent 20 minutes before bed doing it. Every night I go to bed having accomplished something. Always more than I thought I was capable of. Things at home are being completed not just started. Things at work are being completed and not just started. There is a different focus and approach happening and the change I made was to give 110% to something I've never done before. I left my comfort zone and I don't feel the sacrifice any more. The change has become a lifestyle. The lifestyle has yielded a better mental state, better health, better sleep - a better me. The best part is, it's only been a month. Imagine what I'll feel in a year!