Yesterday was class number 75! The home stretch is approaching and physically I feel better than ever :-). I can see why 60 day challenges are popular...because right around the 60 day mark my practice took a huge jump! Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was on vacation so I was getting enough sleep and could focus more on my body and my yoga. There was a stretch where I breezed through practice to the point where I wanted to stay for doubles if possible pretty consistently. Making it through my first back to back double without sitting out for a single set of a posture was an accomplishment to me. I particularly feel that I've made progress with some of the tougher balancing poses and floor bow but parts of the spine strengthening series have been coming along at a much slower rate.
Practicing on New Year's eve with my brother and his girlfriend was really special. I wanted to have a calm evening and start 2012 in a healthier way than I've begun the last...5 years? so I planned on going and Kevin and Lauryn decided to come along! It was Kevin's first Bikram class and Lauryn has practiced a few times before in addition to tons of hot yoga. We goofed around taking pictures of us in our yoga gear (Kevin sported hawaian swim trunks and a pink towel) and joked about how we would need to keep from laughing during class because of his facial expressions. Anyways, they both did GREAT! Lauryn said it was the best Bikram class that she's had and was really interested to sample the freshly made juices that our teacher provided after class. Kevin was a total champion and didn't sit out for a single posture which is an impressive feat for any first timer. He also managed to get pretty deep into some of the poses, especially fixed firm! During standing head to knee pose the teacher called me up to the front of the room to demonstrate proper/improper form and i managed not to fall on my face! It was a little nervewracking but flattering to be called out. I also got to sport my new Zebra print shatki shorts :-)
Just as I thought I was getting invincible...the studio started to BOOM in the new year's resolution rush. Lately classes have been ridiculously packed. It's a good challenge, as the heat and humidity are raised naturally and with more bodies in the room your sweat doesn't evaporate as easily. As frustrating as it can be to practice with my mat 6 inches from tighty whitey Tim, flatulant Frank and have Six pack sorority girl position her mat right in front of you, having a packed class is good for providing group energy and more intense conditions. The advanced class however was NOT crowded as it consisted of me and the teacher. It was a good workout and I practiced the full spine strengthening series for the first time. I learned how to go into full camel and have tried it (somewhat successfully but completely awkwardly) in a few classes since then. Backbends have been the scariest part of class for me and are definitely something I need to improve if I do ever want to compete.
I still enjoy going everyday and it hasn't gotten old. I've enjoyed getting to know some of the teachers and students there better. It's great to be surrounded by such strong and positive people working proactively to make changes in their lives. I haven't really lost more weight beyond the initial 8-10. My clothes are significantly looser and I'm seeing more definition in my arms, legs and midsection so I know I'm headed in the right direction. 25 more to go (plus one for good luck :-)
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