Managing Fear

So, you’re thinking about trying the Bikram Yoga method for the first time, but, your hesitant to take your first class, because trying new things can, lets face it be scary. On the other hand, maybe you’re hesitant because you’ve heard the stories, of the yoga room being called a “torture chamber”!

Well, let me put your biggest fears to rest!

Bikram Yoga is a beginner’s yoga class, so it’s suitable for absolute beginners through to advanced practitioners. I often hear people say that they would love to try it, but, are not flexible enough. I want to assure you, you don’t need to be flexible to begin, it’s a by-product – not a requirement of practicing yoga…  if one is inflexible, can't even touch their toes, or maybe can't even see them, they are an excellent candidate for the Bikram Yoga Method.

Then there is the fear of the heat! The heat is one of the most common reasons people give for not giving it a try. Don’t let it… it’s true, the heat isn’t for everyone, but, it’s amazing how distorted the stories we tell ourselves can often times be. Don’t assume anything unless you experience it to be true. It can take a few classes to acclimatize to the heat, but give it a chance, I can assure you, the heat of the classes is there purely there to aid you in stretching and moving your bodies, as well as increasing the cardio-vascular benefits. The only way you’ll know is to try, and with time, most of our students learn to really love the heat!

At Bikram Yoga Christchurch we want to create classes, which are made available to everyone. Yoga is an amazing form of exercise that helps strengthen, stretch and de-stress the body, and focus and decompress the mind. We want to make it possible for everyone to do our classes regardless of lifestyle or bodily constraints. The beauty of this yoga is that it is challenging enough for all, yet not too extreme and therefore accessible to everyone.

We recently did a social media post where we asked our students to share their experiences as a beginner in class. Here are some of the stories they shared…

“I remember an incredibly perplexed and amazed sensation being face-to-face with my knees and seeing them sweat. Who knew that knees sweat?! It was a long 90 minutes that may have actually seen me whimper at the thought of having to get out of savasana with the recommended enthusiasm that comes with a bikram sit up, but I left feeling like I'd achieved something amazing. I had the best sleep of my life and woke up the next day with aching muscles and a new take on life. It was a good day.” - Abi

“I absolutely admired the front row and I kept as far to the back as possible! I had no idea what I was meant to do and tried not to giggle… Leaving I thought nope, not for me!!!... But two more goes using up the introduction offer I got the hang of at least 3 poses (aka savasana) and the heat became my new best friend! A 30 day challenge took place and BAM! Not only was I a new yogini... I started to practice in the front row” – Courtney

“I had my first Bikram class over three years ago and I'm fully hooked. My first class I found quite comfortable - I had practiced other forms of yoga on and off over the years and just having come back from a month in Mexico I found the heat quite enjoyable. It was my second and third class that kicked my ass. I was up and down like a yo yo, one minute feeling strong and able to do postures and the next minute I had to sit down and chill until the next posture. I learned quickly how to hydrate my body properly and to eat sufficiently before and after class. The more yoga I did the more I became addicted to the challenge of each class. Today I feel like my practice has definitely improved and I feel a lot stronger but I truly have a long way to go and I'm thoroughly enjoying the journey.” – Kirsten

So, there you have it… a few experiences from some of the students who have attended classes at Bikram Yoga Christchurch. It is an intense experience, but also so deeply rewarding, all you need to do is show up on your mat, that is the only place to start, and we have a knowledgeable and passionate team to guide you!

Remember. FEAR, is simply ‘false evidence appearing real’. So give it a try, it may just change your life!

- Kate Lillian Burford -