Silver Linings: Bikram Yoga

When I was still in Belgium, I tried out a bikram yoga class in Antwerp. In Pittsburgh, I had tried a hot yoga class, but I was still very curious about bikram yoga.

So, I decided to see what all the buzz is about. Even though I had to drive half an hour 40 minutes to get to the studio and take out an entire Saturday afternoon for this adventure, I decided it was time to make this decision and explore something new, instead of strolling through my hometown, checking out the stores -even though I hardly ever buy anything- and then heading for a tearoom to indulge in pancakes, icecream or waffles. Why not opt for something slightly more healthy and certainly more invigorating?

Unfortunately, the first Saturday class I was planning to attend got cancelled as not enough students showed off. Next Sunday, I tried my luck again - and could experience a bikram yoga class for the first time.

Unlike most yoga classes that I have tried in the past that were mostly vinyasa flow classes, in bikram yoga the asanas are held for a longer time. To learn the asanas correctly, I do think holding them for a longer time, and having the teacher tell you to move your hips, knees and whatever, helps building the correct technique.

Other classes that I've taken are based on the teacher showing what to do in the front, and occasionally walking around. At bikram Antwerp, the teacher continuously talks, and walks around the class.

To my surprise, bikram yoga does not do downward dog poses. No shoulder stands or head/hand stands or armbalances either. A little less of focus on breathing (in my experience, although that could be because I had to concentrate really hard on the movements themselves).

One of the main advantages of bikram yoga, is that it follows the same sequence - every time, regardless where in the world you might be. As I'm mostly on the go, being able to practice the same routine, and improving that routine, regardless of where I am, is a major win.

However, I really couldn't pick between bikram yoga and hot yoga, vinyasa-flow-style. Both are lovely, and I hope to see more hot rooms pop up wherever I travel.

If you too are interested in bikram yoga, I'd advice you to read this guide to your first bikram class - and, well, spend some time on the Self Help Hipster blog, because the way she writes about bikram yoga makes you want to go and try it out. And it might have been related to my eagerness for trying out bikram yoga.

Have you tried out bikram yoga, or another form of hot yoga?

Silver Linings: Resources for yoga on the go

When you are traveling for conferences, having a very busy time in the lab or simply don't feel like coming out of your house, a virtual yoga teacher can provide you with the stretches and relaxation your body is craving.

By all means, I'm not advocating for you to drop your regular yoga class and roll out your mat between your bed and desk for the rest of your days.
Practicing yoga in group and with a teacher who can correct your poses is still a superior way of learning.

Once you have some practice, however, you can use a virtual yoga studio to take your sun salutations anywhere.

Previously, we've looked at how a quick sequence of standing yoga postures can get your blood running again after sitting too long, or simply can give you a lovely break in between pomodoros.

This post gathers a number of resources for you, to practice wherever you have access to the internet, some time and some space.

1. YouTube
YouTube has a virtual endless number of yoga classes available.
The following YouTube channels offer a good number of enjoyable (short) yoga workouts:
Psychetruth (never mind all the conspiracy theory talking and the ugly fonts on their videos, the yoga by Jen Hilman is lovely)
Yogatic - or the YouTube channel of Eckhart Yoga by Esther Eckhart.
LiveStrong Woman has great, short instruction videos by the glorious Tara Stiles.
YogaDownload contains a few slideshow sequences that are clear and easy to follow.
Sarah Beth Yoga also contains good information on how to do certain poses.
Ali Kamenova - power yoga that leaves me dripping from top to toe
eFit30 - a fitness channel with also yoga videos
Yogea ArtFlow Yoga - offer, well, something called artflow yoga
HolmTVs channel - yoga sequences at the beach: pretty to see
YJ Mag short for yoga journal magazine
Danielle Walsh - besides some cheesy astrology stuff, she offers great yoga classes
Yogajan06 or in the flow yoga
BeFiT offers workout videos and some yoga videos

2. Dedicated online websites
My Yoga Online - offers a 10-day free trial of their service. This website is currently my go-to resource.
GaiamTV - not a free website, and I haven't tried it, but the reviews are positive.
Yogayak sells DVDs, and also offers some free yoga instruction classes.
MyFreeYoga has lots of resources, but runs horribly slow
YogaGlo - again, not something I've tried as it is a paid service, but the reviews are positive.
Do yoga with me offers free classes.
Eckhart yoga - again, a website with rave reviews, but I haven't tried their paid-for service

3. Smartphone apps
Yoga for Weight Loss - I have the free version of this app, and the breathe cues are very good
After trying out a number of iPhone apps for yoga, I realized I simply don't like trying to see what's going on on that tiny screen. Also, most apps might come free, but then require a payment to obtain a class.

4. DVDs
An option I haven't really explored yet, but why not browse your local library for a yoga DVD that you can borrow for the time of your conference, or in that extremely busy week?

Have you been taking your yoga along with you?

Silver Linings: 10 minutes of Standing Yoga

Flickr image under CC license by Go Interactive Wellness

If you need a little pick-me-up, or you want to be nice to your body after sitting behind your computer for more than an entire day and get some stretching, this post is for you!

You can brighten up your afternoon dip, evening lull or morning/bedtime ritual with some simple standing yoga routines. 

As much as I like squeezing in a short yoga routine on the days when I don't work out, it is the standing yoga that I find the most powerful tool in my kit.

Ten minutes is almost nothing. It's the time you can spend on the internet, watching kitten pictures, or the time hanging around by the coffee machine and catching up with a colleague.

You can, for example, use these 10 minutes in between Pomodoro sessions.

Why precisely standing yoga?

Standing yoga has the following advantages:
- you don't need a yoga mat
- you don't need a clean floor (my alternative because I don't have a mat)
- you don't need much space
- you can do this in your regular clothes (heels not recommended)
- you can do this pretty much everywhere: in your office, in your room, outside...
- 10 minutes is enough to bring your awareness to your body
- 10 minutes is enough to refresh and reframe
- it's super easy
- you can simply watch YouTube tutorials on your computer or phone
- you need to focus on your breathing
- for the balancing poses: you need to concentrate very well not to fall over

Do you feel like trying it out?

Here's a few tutorials you can follow to get started: