Words: Tammi Ireland

The first time I attempted Bikram Yoga, I spent most of the 90 minutes lying on the ground.  Crying.  It was the most mentally and physically challenging thing I’d put my body through, and I just wanted to get out of that 42 degree room. 

The second time – a day later – I made it through the class without a tear dropped and only lay down for the last few postures.   When it was time to get up after the final relaxation period, I promptly ran upstairs to the bathroom and expelled all the toxins that hadn’t left my body already through sweat. 

Bikram Yoga is not supposed to be pretty.  It is hard, it is intense and it is rewarding.  You push yourself to the limit in every beginner-friendly class, telling yourself you can go that bit further each time.  Sometimes, you can’t (hence the nausea).  In every class since those first two, I’ve been able to stay in the room and work my way through the postures without feeling sick, only dizzy and stopping for the last few.  Afterwards I feel a huge rush of energy, which usually lasts throughout the whole day. 

Bikram is great because it allows you to sweat out your toxins, take time for yourself and reflect on being one with your body.  When I first heard all of this, I thought it was stereotypically suited to greenies and those who are very ‘zen-like’.  Being glued to my computer and a bit of a stress-head with a constantly huge to-do list, I didn’t at all fit the bill.  Apparently, that’s the reason I burst into tears in my first class – it’s what people do when they let go of all that tension and take time for themselves.  We get quite emotional.  Embarrassment aside, I felt fantastic afterwards! 

The instructors at Perth Bikram Yoga are amazing.  They know their stuff and push you to your limit, encouraging you just when you’re ready to give up.  Each has their individual style, fitting with the layout of the studio and the 26-posture series. 

I don’t get hungry after, nor do I want to fill my body with unhealthy foods when I am hungry.  I have tons more energy, my posture has improved and my skin glows because of all the sweat, all in just six sessions.  It is the very first exercise I’ve done where I wish to instantly do it again the next morning and that I’m excited to do.  

Today was my first class where I completed all 26 postures, and it feels bloody fantastic!  

www.perthbikramyoga.com.au