Conquering the Double

105°F. 40% humidity. 26 asanas. 180 minutes. 1200 to 1800 calories burned.

I can't believe I made it. I've known for a few days now that I had to do a double. I missed class completely last Tuesday due to well, life, so I had to do two classes in one day to make up for the one I'd missed. I didn't think I would do it today—not after the gin & tonic fueled night of dancing I had last night. But as I laid in savasanah at the end of my 3PM Sunday class, I found myself completely energized and ready for more.

So still dripping in sweat, I went to the counter, signed up for the 5PM class, and asked for a fresh set of towels, another bottle of water, and another coconut water. I downed the coconut water to quickly rehydrate and went right back into the room to lie down and wait for the next class to begin.

It's kind of strange starting another set of 26 asanas after just having finished one. I thought my mind would be yelling, "Woman, you've got to be kidding me!" But it was actually pretty silent. I just went about my class as if it was my first. I actually performed some of the poses better this time because I was more limber and strangely more focused. I thought I'd half-ass the class because it was my second one but I didn't. I guess I've realized over the course of the last two weeks that it makes the poses much easier if I try to do it properly. Cheating just makes everything harder in the end. 

I'm entering week 3 now of my 30-Day Bikram Yoga challenge, and mostly I'm just amazed at what the human body can handle. I never pegged myself as a physically strong person, but somehow, I'm doing this. And that means anyone can do it if they put their mind to it. After all, I'm the person who, on her first Bikram class here in New York last year, only got as far as the third pose before surrendering to the mat. I spent most of those first 90 minutes lying there and wondering if I was going to pass out/throw up/just flat out die right there in that room. And now I've done 14 Bikram classes in 14 days. And I survived the dreaded double. I am so excited for what the next two weeks will bring!

If you've ever toyed with the idea of doing Bikram Yoga but haven't quite taken the plunge, I suggest you read this incredibly inspiring story written by Paige Williams for O Magazine. She was 80 pounds overweight, divorced, unemployed and in debt when she undertook not just a 30-Day challenge but a 60-Day Bikram Yoga Challenge. Such an amazing article.

Meanwhile, I am going to go replace all those calories that I've burned and then take a much deserved rest! Have a great week everyone!