"Torture" Yoga Silverlake ... I mean Bikram

I had the pleasure of experiencing Bikram Yoga Silverlake.  Wikipedia describes Bikram to be a system of Yoga synthesized from traditional Hatha Yoga; 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises are practiced in a room heated to 105 F.  Sounds like torture, doesn't it??  Maybe, but the benefits of regular practice are endless; stress reduction, improved flexibility, weight reduction, are just to name a few. Visit, www.BikramYoga.com for more information on the practice.  A trusted friend's recommendation led me to Choose Bikram Yoga Silverlake.  The studio is conveniently located in the center of Atwater village, and this is where my journey begins. 

 As I enter the front doors, I am slapped in the face with a gush of humidity and hot air.  I revive into my consciousness and am greeted by 2 friendly ladies behind the front desk.  They welcome me graciously, explain the rules and I sign in for my first class.  I was warned earlier that day about being fully hydrated, so to make certain I was prepared, I pounded my liter of "Zico Water" and was packing a back up, ready to take on my first Bikram Yoga class.  


There exist decent sized changing rooms for men and women, a place to leave ones belongings and 2 unisex washrooms in the studio and the large opened studio itself.  I settled myself into my personal space, yoga mat in place and found my focal point at mirror forward. I began to perspire.  Our eloquently spoken teacher led us into our first breathing exercise.  As the class advanced, the combination of the postures and the escalated heat created sensation within my mind and body I was not familiar with.  As my sweating accelerated, the practice became more difficult at times and uncomfortable; I was perspiring from places I never knew existed. 


 I was impressed by the lack of odor and aura of bacteria; the studio was more hygienic than this Fitness Guy expected.  An hour into the class, I was already fatigued and still had 30 minutes more to endure; somehow, I found the strength to continue.  Just as I felt the need to file for physical and mental bankruptcy, the moment arrived; the last breathing exercise.


The art of Bikram is a powerful practice and has been proven to not only cure ailments and disease, but also reshape the body and purify the mind.  The initial class is not the most positive experience, but with continued practice, the Bikram community promises results.  


The first few classes were less then enjoyable, but my continued commitment is when I noticed a change.  I have been practicing Bikram religiously for just over a month and have undergone a metamorphosis on my mind and body and I continue to feel fantastic each time I go.  


The instructors are articulate, the studio is cleanly, and the prices are reasonable.  If you have the commitment to improving the mind and body , then you should try Bikram Yoga Silverlake.  It is a total altering experience,  Namaste.