Julia's Story
I have always worked out; boxing, step, weight lifting, running, cycling, yoga, you name it I have probably attempted it! Then in January 2007 I came to Bikram yoga ; quickly I learned how my body could move more easily in the heated room, I continued to come to class, on average 3 times a week , primarily to keep my muscles stretched and flexible, nothing more. …. Then in November 2009 an incident occurred and I found myself in a neurologist's office after having my very first MRI brain scan; hospitals didn't have such things back in the day…
Let's turn back the clock a little (many years actually); I suffered a stroke during birth that left me with a condition called Hemi paresis. Hemi paresis - is the partial paralysis of one side of the body. It is generally caused by lesions of the corticospinal tract, which runs down from the cortical neurons of the frontal lobe to the motor neurons of the spinal cord and is responsible for the movements of the muscles of the body and its limbs. When hemi paresis happens as a result of a stroke, it commonly involves muscles in the face arm and leg… my stroke affected the right side of the brain, therefore I have left hemi paresis (LH).
The neurologist advised 'well, we can't fix your brain, but you can re-train it.' That statement left me pondering. The Bikram instructors were always encouraging their students to do the 60-day challenge; even though I had been going to class for nearly 3 years and postures were improving there were still many postures I couldn't/ wasn't mastering. So I put the re-training of my brain to the test - Jan 5th 2010 was the first day of my 60 day challenge. The results have been amazing – in and out of the yoga room. Some differences I found are:
Meditation – what's that? Type A personalities do not have time to meditate, focus, relax…they are always on to the next thing that needs to be done. Hmmm - After 57 days I can focus on the moment, relax and enjoy… (I have still got loads of energy though!)
Flexibilty – Yes, definitely more flexible…my body flexes in places never known to me before. On a serious note I have what is called drop foot (muscles in the ankle do not flex ) It takes all my energy (loads of calories probably) and determination to flex my left foot on the standing head to knee pose but guess what? I have just mastered it; if only for half the time!
Balance – that's a bit of a grey area…balance is difficult on the affected side but getting better with every class. (Still lean on the wall and quite often feel I am going to fall over - I will get there eventually)
Strength – muscle tone and muscle strength is most definitely stronger (Abs like steel).
Sleep – always had problems with this. Now I'm comatose as soon as my head hits the pillow.
The most challenging thing for me is getting my skeleton straight, because quite frankly I am not symmetrical on both sides at the best of times; my muscles/ skeleton are much smaller weaker and shorter on the left side. However, saying that I haven't had to make any trips to the chiropractor to re-align my back since practicing Bikram – that has to be a major plus right?
And those pain killers for the joint swelling and pain…no idea where they are. I haven't had to take any in the last few months.
So on a final note the neurologist was correct; I am slowly re-training my brain to do what I always thought would be impossible! I would encourage anyone and everyone to do the 60 day challenge. It most definitely changes your life.
Robin's Story
Six months after Julia had started to attend Bikram yoga classes she encouraged me to try it. So I thought why not? My main reasons for joining Bikram Yoga were to strengthen my muscles and to become more flexible. Those first few classes were incredibly hard, I could bend forward with ease but moving in other directions was quite painful. Then gradually, over a few months my flexibility improved - I started to notice that I could put my hands on the floor without bending my knees, hold most of the yoga postures for the full amount of time, albeit only at three quarter stretch and breathe in the 104F room. Personally, I saw these improvements as a significant step towards better health.
I continued attending classes on a regular basis (well actually 2-3 times a week) and I maintained what I had achieved thus far, but I could never seem to take the postures deeper.
Around Thanksgiving last year Julia and I started to discuss taking on the 60 day challenge, I came up with quite a few reasons (lame excuses really) why it would be impossible, especially since I was struggling at the time to make three yoga classes a week. However, in December we made the choice to start the 60 day challenge in the New Year, we set a date of January 5th 2010 - then looked forward to the holidays with family and friends.
January 5th 2010 sign up day –very exciting to embark on such a challenge. Over the coming days and weeks there were days when I didn't feel like coming to class; schedules were hard at work but I moved meetings around and always made it to one of the many classes offered. (Even 5.30am classes and I really dislike getting up at 5am).
Gradually, over time my strength and stamina improved, followed by going deeper into the postures, additionally;
• As my skeleton became more aligned the back pain I regularly suffered diminished (the aches I get now are from over stretching and are to be expected)
• My stress levels from work have eased significantly, finishing a yoga class leaves me feeling great and full of energy
• I sleep much sounder / longer, which I'm sure also helps with stress and general health, although I'm not sure Julia would agree when I snore!
This experience of practicing Bikram yoga every day versus 2-3 times a week (or when my work and personal schedule allowed) proved to me there is a tremendous difference to your practice, focus and health in and out of the yoga room.
I cannot believe it is March already, how time flies when you are having fun. I am proud to say that I have almost completed the 60 day challenge (57 completed), YES!!!
I would recommend this challenge to everyone, the sense of achievement is great. It is a full overhaul of your mind and body, and leaves you energized on a daily basis.
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