A couple months ago, I got it in my head that I wanted to do hot yoga. I told my husband; he thought I was insane. I looked to my sister for support; her eyes just got very large and she carefully went silent. Huh. This was going to have to be one of those Meredith-is-crazy kind of situations.
Oh well.
Because I wasn’t abandoning my idea. I’ve talked before about the neck and back pain I struggle with, and my desire to lose weight and firm up a bit.
And I did my research. I became convinced that yoga would help me, specifically that done in a heated studio. When my muscles are warm, I get all wonderfully loosey-goosey, everything stretches out and things don’t hurt so much. After reading up, I was sure yoga would help me become leaner, tone my muscles, and most importantly, reduce my pain.
I found local Bikram Yoga studio (Bikram Yoga is a type of hot yoga, if you are unfamiliar) and contacted the owner of Bikram Yoga of Exton, Kristin Sapp, “Are you willing to put up with my ineptness? I have never done yoga in my life, and will probably fall on the floor–A LOT.”
Kristin, as it turns out, is lovely. More than lovely, she is kind and encouraging, and welcomed me with open arms. She reassured me that beginners are always welcome in her studio and that no experience is necessary.
Okay, then. It was time to roll with this!
I decided on the 5:30am session. Because I am insane. Also, because, of course, otherwise squeezing exercise into a day with young kids can be a bit of a challenge…
I slept in my yoga outfit to cut one step out of my morning prep and also to increase likelihood I would actually scoot my butt out the door on time. Yoga mat, towel and water bottle in hand, I headed off.
Having no clue what to expect, I was delighted to find that Kristin was as friendly in person as she had seemed, and I love that she patiently explained each step–from where to put my shoes to where to lay out my mat.
I was pretty sure the room would be filled with young moms who would judge me for my less-than-perfectionism. I was wrong. The other students were…normal people. Albeit far more fit and less likely to repetively topple to the floor than me, they were men and women of all ages and stages. No one laughed or pointed fingers, and afterwards, I got loads of congrats for finishing my first class. Aw, I know!
Yes, the studio was quite hot.
The poses and stretches? Hard. Very hard.
Afterwards, I didn’t feel awesome. Kristin explained that it can take your body a while to adjust and start to benefit and feel great.
My muscles hurt the next day.
But…but…when I called my sister that night and she asked me how it went, I told her that even if for some reason I repeated the experience (I would and I did), I had just done one of the most boss things in my life.
I dragged myself out of bed at 4:45am, drove across town, walked into a class of people I had never met, stripped down to minimal clothing, and pushed my body through some of the hardest exercises I have ever done for 90 minutes in 104 degree heat. And I didn’t die.
This is what was boss.
This is why I am proud of myself.
And this is why I went back. Because I can, and it will help me. It’s been a week now, and I can’t say what a delight it is to hold my neck up high and turn it without wincing in pain. For me, this is nothing short of phenomenal.
Loads of other weird things are happening too. I felt leg muscles in the shower this morning. I was pretty bouncy with energy a few mornings. And perhaps most unexpected, the other day I found myself actually listening to a song in the van–you know, actually listening to the song without going over the store list in the back of my mind. They say yoga helps with mental clarity. I just never imagined that it actually would.
I also never imagined that I’d actually get myself to a class in the first place, moreover enjoy it. But hey, as Kristin told me before I first met her, it’s all about keeping an open mind. Sometimes you might just surprise yourself.
Tremendous thanks to Bikram Yoga of Exton for providing me with class time and instruction so I can pursue this journey to wellness, and for being such a welcoming place to do it! All of the staff have been incredible supportive and encouraging, and I am eager for continued change and growth.
Readers, I look forward to checking back in with you and updating you on my progress.
Namaste and thanks for always allowing me to be a work in progress!
Image credit: depositphotos.com, ID:23104456, copyright:Wavebreakmedia
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Julie Conner says
Yay!!! I’m such a proud yoga teacher mommy! You Rock- that took serious courage, I still have never done Bikram- you are inspiring!!! 🙂
Meredith says
Julie, you are starting your own business! THAT is inspiring! Thanks for being such a huge yoga supporter and cheering me on!
Kathy Radigan says
You are inspiring me! I belong to a gym that has not seen my pretty face in quite some time but they do have a yoga class. i have been meaning to start with that and then if I like always look beyond. Thanks for being a little message from God that it’s a good idea! Lol! xo
Meredith says
Give it a try, Kathy! Worst that can happen is you fall down with me on the mat 😉
Erika says
I have done so many different yoga classes–all the way back to a weekly one that I did for years and years before kids. In my Groupon phase, I would get 8 week sessions and freebies here and there and everywhere. Then, the kids got older and now have homework and sports/Scouts four nights a week and hubby never gets home in time! but,I did bikram yoga once and I really did think I was going to die–I hated it! I hated that when I lay down for Shavasana at the end every single part of me left a wet spot on the floor–I sweat out of pores I didn’t know I had!
Go you–seriously, will probably never do it again, ever!
Meredith says
It is a very sweaty process! I forgot you have done so many classes! I am sure you know your stuff by now, Erika!
Logan says
Awesome job Meredith! Showing up is half the battle..and yeah, I’ve slept in my gym clothes too to cut down on time and make sure I go..and I love the gym..now at least I only have to go 3x a week vs 6..lol.. I enjoyed Bikram the first time I did it last year..but as the weather got warmer I was less inclined to go. Now that it’s getting colder I might work it back in. Way to go Mom on a Mission! 🙂
Meredith says
Logan, thanks for such sweet encouragement! It is appreciated. And yes, showing up? Definitely half the battle!
Logan says
You’re very welcome! So many times we talk ourselves out of doing what we think will be hard and then once we finally do it we’re like..”Okay, that was hard, but man do I feel great!”.. and hopefully that’s enough to keep us on track doing something we find we like..and as our proficiency grows we find we love it..it’s an awesome journey to partake in and watch in others 🙂
Meredith says
Logan, you are such an inspirer! Thanks for sharing all of this very smart perspective here–so appreciated!
Logan says
You’re very welcome! I’m just your friendly, neighborhood Mom on a Mission 🙂
Meredith says
MWAH!