Ive always fancied trying yoga but have been too scared to try it, or too scared to go to a class and find that it costs a fortune and I then don't even like it. Being very non-bendy due to my muscles not getting used as much as they once did the idea of hot yoga appealed.
I'm not very good in cold rooms and find that heat helps my muscles and general pain a lot. So, off i went to try out Bikram Yoga Southside.
The hot yoga studio has an advanced heat exchange ventilation system to keep the room fully oxygenated throughout classes (with the amount of huffing and puffing I do from being Asthmatic I was glad to hear this!).
inside the studio
So what is Bikram Yoga? It's a system of yoga that Bikram Choudhury created from traditional yoga techniques and became popular in the 70's. All Bikram Yoga classes run for 90 minutes and consist of the same series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. Bikram Yoga is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%.
I filled out my registration and medical form, brought enough water to have a bath in (there's water, juices and everything you need for sale here though). With my hired mat in hand off I went to the studio...
Class at work
It's hot; I won't pretend that it's comfortable. Within seconds the bottle of water is already open and I'm having swigs whilst sorting out my mat!
Soon enough it's time for the class - learning to stand properly, breath properly and then the various moves. I know my balance isn't the best, but not this bad! I'm like a flailing chicken trying to hold the poses. Thankfully, I don't feel like too much of an idiot; I didn't feel completely out of place and that the teacher was in despair.
I breath a huge sigh of relief when it's all over. With sweat pouring off me as I take a seat at the juice bar/relaxation are for a free cuppa of Earl Grey.
relaxation area - serving tea and smoothies
Then the rush hits, I feel shattered but great. Calm and clear. As if I've invested some needed time into my body and now it feels worthwhile.
A shower, clean up and it's time to head home. It was a struggle, but enjoyable and I could definitely feel some kind of balance with body & mind with the activities being a lot less active than an aggressive cardio class.
Prices for Bikram Yoga Southside can be found here, the 20 for 20 being a great deal to try it out and see how you go.
Bikram Yoga Southside
City Wall House
32 Eastwood Avenue
(entrance through car park to rear)
Glasgow, G41 3NS
T: 0141 258 1919
E: info@bikramsouthside.com
OPENING TIMES
Mon: 09:30-22:00
Tue: 09:30-21:30
Wed: 09:30-22:00
Thu: 09:30-21:30
Fri: 09:30-20:00
Sat: 09:30-13:30
Sun: 10:30-19:45
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