My family and I have been learning Asthanga Yoga from Roxanna Lucero, a disciple of MokshPriya, who is a disciple of Maa Yog Shakti, for several years now. It has made a tremendous difference to our healths. More recently, Smita Sehgal was visiting London and inspired me to accompany her and Kuhu to a Bikram Yoga studio in Fulham.
I am usually against using props to help us in the Asanas. But, as a personal challenge, I went to experience the 90 minute session in 105 F degree studio. Why was I going for a Bikram Yoga session? Meditation? Learning new Asanas? Loosing weight? Getting flexibility? Heal any back or knee pain etc? I wanted to do it just for personal challenge. Its website describes it as a unique series of 26 Hatha Yoga postures, and 2 breathing exercises performed in a heated room. All but 2 postures were new to me.
The series of postures, says Bikram, has been scientifically designed to work every part of the body in the correct order. Each pose prepares the body for the next pose, and the sequence maximizes oxygenation and detoxification of the entire body. Strength and flexibility are worked together to create harmony in the body. The series, the website continues, is unsurpassed as a way of bringing vitality, health and an incredible sense of wellbeing. The heat facilitates stretching, prevents injury and promotes sweating which aids detoxification. The class, I am assured, is suitable for all levels (athletes to exercise virgins) and ages (from 8 to 80) as everyone just works to their own personal capacity. They say, ‘it is also great fun! You will laugh, sweat and groan, and do more for your mind, body and health than you ever imagined possible.
I rented the towels, bought the bottle of water and is overwhelmed by the heat and smell of the humidity mixed with the perspiration of the students. The teacher walks in and advises the new students not to give up, to persist, and just to survive 90 minutes in the studio. Do not walk out of the studio, he pleads. And, we are allowed to drink the first sip of water only after the first 20 minutes or so. Am I going to have fun? laugh? Am I strong enough?
Each posture is done twice. We start with standing poses. First, we start with a Pranayama exercise or Standing Deep Breathing. Then, Ardha-chandrasana or half-moon, followed by Pada-Hasthasana or hands to feet pose. We then do Utkatasana or the ‘awkward pose’ – with its three phases. I thought that I had strong legs, since I do squats and lunges almost daily. But, I could barely stay balanced as I went down on my heels. All these poses primarily strengthen the spine. The awkward pose also promotes concentration. Next came the Eagle pose or Garurasana. I could barely do this pose. The eagle pose improves flexibility in the hips, knees, ankles and helps in the reproductive organs. By this time, I can hear my heart pounding like never before in my life. I am sweating profusely and breathing heavily. I was not having fun. I wanted to get out of the hot studio. But, I look at the determined, smiling, peaceful faces of the experienced students and the teacher, and decide to persist for few more minutes. Next, we do the one-legged concentration series. We start with Dandayamana-Janushirasana or standing head to knee. Having very tight hamstrings, this was a huge challenge. Then, I try the standing bow pose or Dandayamana-dhanurasana. I lose my balance. The Tuladandasana or balancing stick pose follows.
The standing poses continue. I am dying to sit down. My legs were shaking. We are now in the standing separate leg stretching pose or Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Paschimotthanasana. The triangle pose or is next. Then, comes the standing separate leg head to knee pose. This pose is known as the Dandayamana-Bibhaktpada-Janushirasana. The last two poses are similar to the ones in the Power Yoga series and were not difficult. Tadasana or the tree pose is next with the toe stand or Padangustasana after that.
We finally get to lie down. Half the session is over. Will I survive the next half? Savasana really helps in slowing the heart rate. Relax and breathe while maintaining stillness. How difficult can this pose be? But, as simple as it sounds, this was not easy. It is a life style issue. We are always on the run. Do we have time to relax? The sequence of the floor postures was as follows:
Pavanamuktasana or wind-removing pose, Bhujangasana or Cobra pose, Salabhasana or the locust pose, Poorna-salabhasana or the full locust pose, the Dhanurasana or Bow pose, Supta-Vajrasana or fixed-firm pose, Ardha-Kurmasana or half-tortoise pose, Ustrasana or the camel pose, Sasangasana or the rabbit pose, Janushirasana and Paschimotthanasana or head to knee pose and stretching pose followed by the spine-twisting pose or Ardha-matsyendrasana. Each floor pose is followed by Savasana. We end with Kapalbhati in Vajrasana or Blowing in Firm pose. This is also a breathing exercise.
The second half was a bit easier. I survived the full 90 minute session. It did feel a little bit like torture. But, I had stretched myself beyond my own imagination and felt like I had achieved a personal challenge. I felt refreshed.
Should I continue? I did some more research and spoke to more yogis. I was convinced that until I learn all the poses well, using heat as a prop was just fine. Now, I try to do Bikram Yoga on a weekly basis. Wish you also get to try it and decide for yourself. You will hate it in the beginning, and then slowly begin enjoying it after a few sessions.
References:
loads of websites, critical and flattering articles, and Bikram Chaoudhary’s book on Bikram Yoga. My teachers - Karen and Dom
