TAKE YOUR PRACTICE TO A NEW LEVEL. If you’ve been practising for some time and have the 26 postures in the beginner’s Bikram Yoga series down pat, you may be looking for ways to step up your practice .. Try the following: * Do an entire class without breathing through your mouth (except when told to do so, during the first and final breathing exercises, sit-ups, etc.). * No sighing, no talking, no drama! * If you find yourself favouring certain teachers’ classes, make it a point to do yoga with new instructors. The dialogue will be the same, but you’ll likely learn a thing or two. * Better yet, stop checking the schedule entirely to see who’s teaching class. Just go, without expectations and with the intention to do your best and try your hardest no matter what. * Vow not to complain about the heat. If the room seems too cold, work harder (and remember that there will be days when you’ll wish the studio wasn’t so hot!). * Give up your “regular” spot in the room. It’s amazing the new perspective you’ll gain through such a simple change. * If you’re an “evening yogi,” try a morning class; your flexibility increases as you go about your day, and a 6 a.m. class may challenge you in new ways (plus, it’s a great boost of energy first thing in the morning!). * Do a “waterless” class – just be sure to hydrate thoroughly before and after. Though the debate rages on about this practice, certain advanced practitioners may benefit from detaching themselves from their routine water-bottle habits.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 11:20:11 +0000