{"id":5206,"date":"2011-07-07T13:43:24","date_gmt":"2011-07-07T17:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/?p=5206"},"modified":"2014-10-26T12:58:37","modified_gmt":"2014-10-26T17:58:37","slug":"experience-bikram-yoga-bliss-and-a-great-body-like-david-beckham-and-missy-jones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/experience-bikram-yoga-bliss-and-a-great-body-like-david-beckham-and-missy-jones\/","title":{"rendered":"Experience Bikram Yoga Bliss and a Great Body like David Beckham and Missy Jones"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Missy B. Jones in a Standing Bow Pulling pose.<\/p><\/div>\n

——This article was contributed by my fabulous friend Missy Barrett Jones who put her chubby younger years aside forever with her passion for Bikram Yoga. She’s quite an expert in the area, so I asked her to write something for you! If you’ve ever wondered what Bikram is about, she offers an amazing testimonial.<\/em><\/p>\n

My journey into the world of Bikram Yoga happened quite by accident about 5 years ago.\u00a0 I had been following a daily regimen of running\/walking for a couple of years when I injured my foot.\u00a0 Nothing very serious but I was unable to comfortably wear a running shoe, and I needed to find a physical activity that would get my heart rate up.\u00a0 After some research, I decided to give Bikram Yoga a try. From the very first class I was hooked and have never looked back.<\/p>\n

Bikram Yoga is a complete mind and body workout.\u00a0 It\u2019s not your average yoga class with gentle music and soft lighting.\u00a0 If your average Hatha Yoga class is a musical symphony, a Bikram Yoga class is a rock concert. Developed by Bikram Choudhury, the Bikram method of yoga is a 90 minute class consisting of 2 breathing exercises and 26 yoga postures (always done in exactly the same order). Doesn\u2019t sound challenging enough?\u00a0 Did I mention that the class is done in a room heated to105\u00b0 Fahrenheit and 40% humidity?<\/p>\n

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Choudhury Bikram on Missy’s back. Wow!<\/p><\/div>\n

Each Bikram Yoga class focuses on improving one\u2019s balance, strength, and flexibility all during a 90 minute cardio workout. It\u2019s intense and attracts people from all walks of life from professional athletes such as David Beckham and Kareem Abdul Jabar to homemakers, doctors, and octogenarians. During the course of the 90 minute class, students stretch their bodies, strengthen muscles and connective tissue, and stimulate and compress organs and glands.\u00a0 The health benefits are too numerous to list individually but countless students have reported relief from depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and arthritis.<\/p>\n

After only a few classes, I began experiencing tremendous physical and mental benefits. Initially, I noticed a tremendous increase in energy, muscle tone, and balance as well as the expected weight loss.\u00a0 All benefits I had received to a much lesser degree while running and walking. After a couple of months of regular practice, however, I experienced unexpected benefits \u2013 improved self-esteem, overall concentration and general happiness. I heard the instructors mention the potential for these benefits dozens of times but never paid attention until I experienced the \u201cyoga bliss\u201d myself.\u00a0 My Type A personality became more manageable. I was now able to let things roll off my back and better prioritize my life. I was more satisfied and content with life.\u00a0 Even my husband noticed the marked difference.<\/p>\n

I still enjoy taking walks, but only for pleasure these days.\u00a0 Bikram Yoga is my passion, my daily mind\/body workout.\u00a0 In 2008, I attended the rigorous 9 week Bikram Yoga training program and became a certified Bikram Yoga instructor so that I can share this gift with others.\u00a0 Bikram Yoga is challenging, intense, and exceptionally beneficial to one\u2019s physical and mental health. You don\u2019t have to be flexible or strong to start.\u00a0 The yoga is about the journey, not the destination. I urge you to try this unique experience at least once.\u00a0 As Bikram Choudhury says, \u201cWhat have you got to lose?\u00a0 You never had anything to begin with!\u201d. To find a certified Bikram Yoga studio in your area visit www.bikramyoga.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

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If you like to sweat a lot, you’ll love Bikram Yoga.<\/p><\/div>\n

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