A form of exercise that can give you relaxation, detoxification, and better flexibility: Bikram Yoga. Bikram Yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury and it is a series of 26 yoga positions and two breathing exercises, done in a hot room at a little over 100 degrees. What, why, and how, you might ask, luckily I was able to speak to two teachers who practice.
Meet Lori Logan, owner of a Bikram Yoga studio located on:
570 Higuera Street, Ste. 200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Lori was introduced to the practice six years back and got hooked right away.
“Its has been one of the most life changing things I have ever done in my life as far as implementing something into my lifestyle. I had lots of injuries in the past and I was super athletic. It is just the most wonderful maintenance to, well, I call it my coping skills for me mentally and then my muscles, my whole system, my spine, is just healthy.”
Three years back she decided to go to teaching school for the practice, and soon after began working at the studio she owns today. Two years later the previous owner was ready to sell the studio and Lori ceased the opportunity and bought it. She has owned the studio for about a year now.
While I was visiting the studio, Lori had guest teacher, April Sammartino teach the 9 am class. I was also able to talk to her about her experiences in practicing as well. April has been practicing for 10 years and is currently practicing in Reno, Nevada. She describes Bikram yoga to be
“A rigorous therapeutic workout done in a hot room and it challenges your whole mind and body”.
In talking more about the benefits to your body April shared her reason for starting to practice; severe chronic back-pain. April says that it only took 10 classes and she was no longer in pain. Other things Bikram yoga treats are muscles, depression, and warped body image especially for women.
“I learned to finally accept my body when I look in the mirror and realize I have some strength and it may not be perfect but you know, you start to actually love the skin you’re in. It’s pretty amazing” April said.
What makes this different from regular yoga? April was happy to answer the question by explaining the arrangement of the poses.
“Bikram is a specific sequence of postures. Choudhury put these 26 postures in a row, we do them twice, because of the cumulative effect in the body each posture sequenchially preparing you for the next ” April said.
Lori also added that because the design is a scientific series and they do the same sequence every time, it is great for beginners!
” Anyone could try it, anyone, and there is no reason to be intimidated there is no handstands or anything intense like that” Lori said.
Lori also discussed why most of her students did it. Aside from the relaxation she said she found that everyone around here is athletic with their running, biking, swimming, etc. but when it comes to flexibility those athletes are limited. Bikram Yoga allows them to gain the flexibility which is good for the muscles and it allows you to detox.
If you are interested in trying the studio there are different deals! A popular promotion for first time students in the studio is 30 consecutive days for 30 dollars. I actually did this promotion and I loved the practice. You feel refreshed and healthy, just as both teachers mentioned. I completely recommend it!
Going For It? Be Prepared For Class:
*These points can be found on brochure
– yoga mat, large towel, and a bottle of water (all of these are available at the studio for rent or buy)
– Come well hydrated and have an empty stomach.
– Be prepared to sweat A LOT!
-Wear light weight workout clothing.
-Be 15 minutes early!
– No late arrivals or early departures
The following pictures will give you a tour of the studio so you know your way around!
To inquire about class schedules and more, visit their website:
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