Remember a week or two ago when I said I’d be trying something new this summer? Well that “something new” is Bikram! I was contacted by Bikram Yoga Halifax to see if I would be interested in taking their “There’s A Pose For That” Challenge. Basically over the next couple months I’ll be taking 10 classes and blogging about my journey. I was really excited because this time of year is really the only time I would be able to do something like this since my teaching schedule is a bit lighter (since I live in the valley it is a pretty big time commitment on my end since it takes over an hour to drive one way to the studio).
Anyway, last weekend I went and took my first class! I almost missed it though, even though I left more than 2 hours before my class thanks to it being a Saturday afternoon, Greek Fest, and some big Road Hockey Tournament parking was a nightmare and I literally got there *just* in time for the class. I was so mortified when I realized I was going to be late (or nearly late). Thank goodness I got there before the class started!
Since it was my first class (and I had taught a fitness class that morning), I didn’t have high hopes as far as my performance went. Pretty much my goal was to live through the 90 minutes, and when Damien (my instructor for the day) started class he introduced me to everyone which I thought was nice, and told me my goal was to just keep breathing.
After the first breathing exercise we went into the standing poses and I had to sit down a number of times. It was hot, and I felt light headed a few different times (which I knew was completely normal). I am always telling my classes not to set expectation for how they think they should perform, and not to compete with themselves or anyone else during classes and for once I had the chance to take my own advice and I was glad I did! With my extra breaks I made it through the standing poses, and while I wouldn’t say the poses on the mat were easy, they were easier in the sense that I didn’t feel light headed at any point in that section.
Honestly, the 90 minutes went by quite quickly, and we were more than 1/2 through the class before I even realized there was no music (so clearly I didn’t miss it). By the end I was feeling pretty relaxed (which was especially good considering how stressed I was about making the class!) and when it was over I thoroughly enjoyed a nice shower before heading out.
Because of the craziness I referred to in my vlog I didn’t make it back for my second class during the week, but am planning to go this week, hopefully during the week. It may get pushed to the weekend because I managed to smash the windshield in our car Friday afternoon <– part of the craziness, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed I’ll get there during the week.
Now let’s fast forward to Friday, and the fun mail I received from ZICO Canada!
So you can imagine how excited I was not only to get more the very next day, but to also get these awesome-sauce popsicle and ice-cube trays!? Thank you so much ZICO Canada, I heart you so much!! and can’t wait to make some fabulous iced coffee drinks and fruity popsicles! YAHOO!!!
