Yoga [journal]

Today I tried Bikram yoga. It's basically yoga in a room heated to Indian climate, like 45°C or something [and also the humidity is increased]. You get to sweat until you're soaking wet and get a workout at the same time. I like how in some of the stretches the emphasis is on getting the head to touch the knee first or the hands to touch the floor first instead of getting the knees locked first like when we stretch for kung fu. It's less frustrating this way because it's more rewarding to see your knees becoming able to lock rather than to see your hands go closer to the floor or whatever. Plus you don't look nearly as bad when your hands are on the floor than fingers reaching out and flailing about trying to reach the floor. I can sit with my legs straight out and reach forward and actually touch my toes now. It still hurts at the knees to do it but before, my fingers couldn't even go that far. The balancing postures really put a lot of stress on my legs and it made them quiver -- my legs are absolutely wimpy. They can barely lift anything on a leg press. Anyway, it was lots of fun. I'd so do it again if I could find [or if they'd open] a place in Edmonton that does it.