Student Profile - Kyle

Tell us about your very first Bikram Yoga class … when was it and why did you go?

Hmm, had to think about this for a bit, it was about 4 years ago, my sister asked me to go.  I had no idea what hot yoga was but figure id give it a shot.  It was an experience I don’t like to look back on to be honest!!! I did not drink much water before the class and was in HORRIBLE shape at the time.  I remember struggling through the class, seeing stars everywhere by the end.  I even had 1.5 Liter water with me that lasted about 30 minutes.  I did make it through the class only because the teacher stopped me from leaving! Afterwards on the walk back to the car, let’s just say I got sick! (Guess a liter and a half of water in 30 minutes wasn’t a good idea: /) I figured I would never be back!

How soon did you come back for your second class?

Probably about 2 weeks after my first horrid experience! A friend asked me to go with her and I told her about my first experience, and she said just drink water all day, before we go and you will be fine.  So I did just that and went that night, it was much better; I remember I made it through all the postures (struggling of course!) But I actually enjoyed it! After that I went maybe 10 more times then stopped until this year!

What are some of the benefits you receive from Bikram Yoga?

For me the biggest benefit is working on breathing and just being still and not thinking.  I’m a very outgoing typically LOUD person and my brain is ALWAYS racing.  I feel from just a few months of Bikram I’m way more cool, calm and collected.  Also helps keep me clean, I’ve struggled with substance abuse for which seemed endless years (probably about 7, the last 4 took everything, except family (THANK God for them) and have been clean for nearly a year now (with a few slips, but completely clean in all 2012!! Even quit smoking since I started Bikram! Eating a lot healthier as well! Bikram is a HUGE part of everything as of late, helps keep me focused on my practice and whenever I feel triggered I know I need blow of some steam and stress, nothing clears the mind better than a good old Bikram class!

What keeps you coming back for more?

Girls in yoga pants :) .....…

OK OK OK that’s not all… the benefits I get from Bikram FAR outweigh the little bit of suffering that I often experience in class! I feel great afterwards and my energy levels are through the roof (after most classes, been going 4 times a week for a few months now) my mind is clear and I’m ready to take on the WORLD!

What do you find most challenging about practicing Bikram Yoga?

Honestly for me it’s probably laying in savasana (dead body) just to lie there and just BE and not think about the sweat running into my eyes and mouth. (I am getting a lot better at it mind you, but the first 20 or so classes I was a wreck flopping all over the place, I couldn’t LIE STILL FOR THE LIFE OF ME!!

What’s your favorite posture? Your most dreaded posture?

Favorite would be Toe Stand for some reason I’m very good at this one and often get compliments from the teacher!! (I’ll admit it helps my self-esteem, Common let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a compliment now and then?) If you experience shin splints this is the posture I have found Guilty of that!

Dreaded , wow there are a couple I really don’t look forward too but like I hear time and time again, these are the most important, I’ll say standing head to knee, I’m still working on locking my KNEE whenever I kick my other leg out my standing knee comes unlocked UGHH so frustrating!!!

Any Tips for fellow yogis?

KEEP with it, the first few classes may SUCK like mine (or you may enjoy it right off the bat, who knows?) But don’t give up on Bikram until you try. Let’s say at LEAST 5 Classes; I’m forever grateful I was forced back by a friend after my first experience J.  Drink WATER!!!  (BEFORE CLASS!! NOT TOO MUCH DURING! I’ve learned this the hard way) if you have any questions about going for a first time, send me an email always down to give advice and receive advice!!

Kyle.reinhardt@gmail.com