I was yoga-less all week. I’d already blown money on a seven-day Bikram yoga pass, but I didn’t want to go back after my first miserable class. Instead I seethed in resentment—pretty much the opposite of yogic behavior.
By Saturday I was a free agent again. So on Sunday evening, a sacred time usually reserved for watching TV in my pajamas, I traveled 45 minutes across New York City to attend one of my favorite Vinyasa classes. I needed to rekindle my love for yoga, so I selected the most un-Bikramlike session I could find, complete with soothing soundtrack and meditation.
Stepping inside from busy Union Square, I was relieved to scale the creeky wooden steps of the studio and catch a whiff of Nag Champa incense. I had made the right decision. When the class got under way in a dimly lit room, I delighted in every flowing pose and Ujjayi —a continuous and audible breath of air.
Last week’s experiment with Vinyasa’s crueler cousin inspired me to create a little side-by-side comparison.
Comments (4)
I appreciate your partiality to Vinyasa, but the Vinyasa I went to in Sebastopol, CA was super boring because we kept being led through sun salutations, which just irritated my wrists and made me wish for something else…anything else!
The studio was indeed beautiful and unstinky, and also included music, but what was I to do when I didn’t like the tune? I just got annoyed again and wished that I could be left alone to concentrate. The class bordered on dance class to me. It was more about movement than anything else.
I never understood people’s objection to the instructions given during a Bikram class. It could be that I’ve done it for so long now, but I honestly don’t even hear the instructions, or at least don’t remember them when the class is over. I’m kind of in a zone of my own for those 90 minutes.
That being said, I do fantasize about doing a “silent” Bikram class in a dark, perfectly smelling room (still hot) lit with candles.
Thanks for the comparison chart!
I started with Bikram then found Vinyasa. I agree with the chart. I find more room for myself and my practice in Vinyasa. We don’t practice with music but otherwise I agree that Vinyasa is a more personal practice.
I completely agree with you. Although I appreciate the hard work of Bikram Yoga, I personally don’t think that Yoga, in general, should necessarily evoke the feelings of ‘hard work’. Yoga is a spiritual and physical process that one goes through at their own pace. Someone should not be barking at you to go further. Thanks for this.
I personally see Bikram yoga as the healthiest thing you could do for 90 minutes, even with the sweat, carpet and sometimes smell. I wonder how it smelled in India when it began? I think most of us find it very difficult to clear our minds, for me it is almost impossible, except in Bikram. In the class I am focusing on taking the biggest, slowest breaths possible for all 90 minutes basically out of survival. When I leave the class I am breathing so much deeper and easier for having exercised my lungs so thoroughly. My mind is also clear because I have been focusing on my breath for 90 minutes! I think the value of detox through sweat is greatly underestimated. I used to get colds twice a year for my whole life and now I havent had one since I started bikram seriously. I firmly believe it is a result of less toxins in my body. Let’s not forget that yoga originated in India, where it is HOT. Bikram began practicing at age 3. He has devoted his life to it. I know a lot of teachers/practices here have looked at hatha yoga poses and do their own thing, make their own brand, do what they think is best. To me, it’s better to go with the more original. These poses were carefully and scientifically selected by Bikram in the specific order for good reasons. They compliment each other, each prepares you for the next. You progress through the class. It is an intense aerobic workout, burning 400 – 1200 calories per class depending on your weight and your effort! You greatly increase circulation by holding poses and then releasing into savasana allowing your blood to rush where it is needed with minimal effort. You improve the health of your joints dramatically, specifically your spine (which the entire series is designed for) and also your shoulders and knees! You work all the muscles in your body but most of all it is your mind that benefits from learning how to control your heart rate and stress levels through your breath. It is learning to clear your mind through the intense focus and concentration needed to complete the class. Your body can do anything, it is your mind you need to convince!! Bikram is not the easiest or the most pleasant but it gives back the greatest rewards!!! Give it a shot, for more than one day!! Namaste