I am not brand new to Bikram yoga, but I am no seasoned veteran either. I was first introduced to this yoga in May of 2007 during a visit to my brother who lives in Minneapolis and has not only practiced regularly now for years but also recently completed the Instructor’s Training in Mexico (a grueling and extraordinary accomplishment in anyone’s estimation). He blogged his experience the entire time he was there (yogashorts.blogspot.com) and it was incredible to journey along with him—me in the suburbs of Philadelphia and him all those mile away in Mexico. Anita, (Scorpio’s partner), knew of this and actually suggested that I start my own blog of my 30-day challenge on my Day Eleven. Consequently, these first entries have been written at a later date to the best of my recollection. They are things that one does not quickly forget, may never forget.
While I first learned of Bikram yoga over a year ago, finding a studio once I got back to Pennsylvania was somewhat challenging. The Bikram site lists only three studios in the state: Philadelphia, Lancaster and Berwyn. I started practicing in Berwyn, but its distance from my home kept me from being regular. However, it was how I heard of Spa Elysium in Chestnut Hill, which was conveniently only about 15 min from my home. Unfortunately, as I became regular with my practice, the studio closed. The opening of Scorpion Athletics (also only 15 min from my home) brought me much joy six months ago. If anyone questions the quality of the yoga there because it is not listed on Bikram’s website, they can rest easy. The hardest core Bikram practitioner will not be disappointed at Scorpion Athletics. It is the classic, 110-degree-torture-chamber, Bikram yoga you have come to know and love. Suffice it to say though that my yoga experience is somewhat limited. I am strong, but not particularly flexible. I am not young, but not yet old either (45 to be exact). I have no particular expectations for my next 30 days but think I will enjoy a great sense of accomplishment if I even manage to make it to the studio every day for 30 days straight. I am pleased that my challenge started on June 30th because it happens also to be my brother’s birthday and I see it as a sign of the good that will come of my willingness to commit to this.
