From The Editor

Bikram does Balham

I have just started attending classes at the new Hot Bikram Yoga studio in Balham after finding out that I have put on 8lbs and had slipped into a glass of wine or two a night routine, I realised I needed to get healthy as with the winter drawing in, comfort eating and red wine drinking would mean I would wake up in June next year with an extra 8lbs on top of that.

I can honestly say it is one of the hardest workouts I have ever done however one of the most rejuvenating and rewarding. I have never felt on such a high as when I come out of one of these classes and emotionally and mentally I can feel the benefits too.

I am on lesson 8 of my 10 day course but plan to continue well after this is up. (They are currently running a special offer for £10 for 10 days.) This is an absolute bargain as usually classes are £13 a lesson although they do do offers if you buy in block or sign up annually. It gives you a chance to sample the classes, get used to the environment and decide if it is for you. After lesson 3 though I am sure most people are feeling the benefits and wondering how they struggled before this studio was in our lives!

The classes are very popular too, full to the brim which at first is off putting but you do get used to it. It is a mixture of beginners to people that have obviously been bending all their lives. I was the former but quickly felt comfortable and not the least bit self conscious. I was quietly smug with my flexibility as I used to do ballet, however they do point out over and over that it's not about how deep you can get in to the position (although this is the final aim). It's about doing it correctly, concentrating on your breathing and staying focused.

The teacher will point out in each posture what the benefits are to your body and it helps you to understand the logic behind these strange positions. This helps you focus & visualise on that particular area of your body.

There are lots of men in the class however that has yet to convince my partner to join me for a session - (after years of golf he has to be the least bendy person ever!!) It is perfect for someone like him as he has a bad back and can't even look at his toes let alone touch them. I will keep working on him as I know he would find it a strenuous workout and think all men who are thinking of giving it ago shouldn't be afraid.

The classes last exactly 90 mins and you can expect to burn approx 600 calories in this time. Your heart rate is raised and it's a good cardiovascular workout - you should expect to sweat bucket loads. It is a very detoxifying workout and I suggest everyone in Balham give it ago for their health, peace and happiness.

Please let me know if you do give it ago as would love to hear some of your experiences.

Hot Bikram Yoga Balham
Hildreth Street Mews
London
SW12 9RZ
020 8673 8980
info@hotbikramyoga.co.uk

From The Editor

Bikram does Balham

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