I'm on week 2 of my Bikram Yoga practice and I feel incredible. I've been pain free for 13 days. Just saying that brings me to tears. For those that haven't experienced hot yoga before I highly recommend it; especially for those with joint and muscle pain. Yesterday I decided to practice twice in one day. My first practice was at 6 a.m. and my second practice was at 6 p.m. My first practice of the day was a wake up call for my body. I've realized that in order to get hydrated before class, I need to get up at 4:30 a.m. I'm a morning person, but that's super early! At 6 in the morning your brain isn't awake, much less your muscles. I was constantly reminding myself that I couldn't expect to be as flexible as my evening practices. It feels so good to have accomplished something so great by 7:30 in the morning. After my first practice I felt ready to conquer my 9 hour work day. The second practice of my day was even better than the first. Because I had already done the work to release my tight muscles I felt much more open and flexible. I couldn't believe how much further into the poses I got. I'm looking forward to my next 2 a day :)
I truly believe that I have found the secret to fibromyalgia; at least my fibromyalgia. Bikram is truly a healing practice and I can't help but smile every time my instructor tells the class how it's healing their body. If they only knew. I love how I not only see outward changes but feel inward changes. My hips are finally slimming down and my stomach is regaining it's definition. But more importantly, my joints and muscles feel great. The pain is gone. I haven't had a migraine or headache in 2 weeks. I have more energy. I feel healthier. I'm happier. And even though life is crazy right now, I feel in control. All of these feelings are priceless.
Blessings,
Kelsey
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge
We all make fitness goals at the beginning of the New Year and this year I was determined to reach mine. My goal is to treat my fibromyalgia and hypermobility on my own with alternative medicines and therapies. I have never been one to run to the doctors office for a prescription. Last April when I was diagnosed my rheumatologist wrote 5 prescriptions to me! I was pretty proud of myself when I only walked out filling only one of those, which was a mild muscle relaxer. But that's where my journey began. And I had to start from scratch. I thought that running, doing yoga, and working out 4-5 times a week would magically bring me back into alignment and balance. Wrong. I started on a strict supplement regimen, changed my diet, and started going back to my chiropractor. The difference in those few months were like night and day. I gained my control back for a short time. However, there were still bad days. I needed something else. Three weeks ago I discovered the new Bikram Yoga studio in Harrisonburg. I'll never forget that day... my Bikram birthday.
I woke up that morning not knowing if I could get through 90 minutes in a 105 degree room doing 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. I was in the middle of a 3 week fibro flare that had left me physically and mentally exhausted. The day before I had literally spent 36 hours in bed because my body just couldn't do it. However, I'm so glad I had the courage to walk into that studio not knowing what to expect or how my body would respond. Once you get past the heat, the poses are incredible. I could literally feel the pain and tension melting away with each pose. By the end of class I felt normal, which by my definition is pain free.
Last Friday I made the commitment to do a 30 day challenge. I am determined to practice Bikram yoga everyday for 30 days. I'm on Day 5 now and the results are nothing less than amazing. I've been pain free for 5 days. I'm sleeping again and sleeping well. My headaches and migraines are gone. I feel energized and my brain is finally out of my fibro fog. I don't need any more proof that this practice can work wonders for the body.
One of my favorite parts of Bikram is the encouragement and sense of community. I could have cried the first time I heard the instructor say, "no one can take this away from you." How true. No one can take away the effort and hard work I put into my practice and no one can take away the healing this practice has brought to me.
Here's to 30 days of healing. My goal is to update a few more times during this challenge. I'm so excited to see what Bikram yoga can do to my body in 30 days :)
Blessings,
Kelsey
I woke up that morning not knowing if I could get through 90 minutes in a 105 degree room doing 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. I was in the middle of a 3 week fibro flare that had left me physically and mentally exhausted. The day before I had literally spent 36 hours in bed because my body just couldn't do it. However, I'm so glad I had the courage to walk into that studio not knowing what to expect or how my body would respond. Once you get past the heat, the poses are incredible. I could literally feel the pain and tension melting away with each pose. By the end of class I felt normal, which by my definition is pain free.
Last Friday I made the commitment to do a 30 day challenge. I am determined to practice Bikram yoga everyday for 30 days. I'm on Day 5 now and the results are nothing less than amazing. I've been pain free for 5 days. I'm sleeping again and sleeping well. My headaches and migraines are gone. I feel energized and my brain is finally out of my fibro fog. I don't need any more proof that this practice can work wonders for the body.
One of my favorite parts of Bikram is the encouragement and sense of community. I could have cried the first time I heard the instructor say, "no one can take this away from you." How true. No one can take away the effort and hard work I put into my practice and no one can take away the healing this practice has brought to me.
Here's to 30 days of healing. My goal is to update a few more times during this challenge. I'm so excited to see what Bikram yoga can do to my body in 30 days :)
Blessings,
Kelsey
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