Teacher (and studio owner) Joy Geronca doing Padangusthasana

Experiencing Bikram Yoga was one of the biggest transformations I had early this 2010. I could not have asked for more, as though not totally, but it sort of changed my lifestyle and disposition.

I’d been living in a typical sedentary (read: couch potato) lifestyle as soon as I stepped out from school. Y’know, PE’s not around anymore, so why bother? I was so engrossed into facing before the computer, since my work requires me to do so. I love lying around or burying myself on the bed whilst devouring something-some fast-food that’s highly rich in calories. I didn’t mind then, until I just realized that lazing around just put a toll on my body.

First and foremost, the obvious-I felt lazy. Rising up from bed took so much effort [lol]. I was feeling anxious and frazzled most of the time. I also packed in some pounds. The latter proved to be the warning sign. And so, the first thing that came into my head was yoga, coz I wanted to do meditation as well.

Since Eastwood’s the nearest landmark from my place, I gave Bikram Yoga Eastwood a try. I even enrolled for a month, though I kind of put it on hold since I couldn’t withstand the overwhelming summer months we have right now in the Philippines. Bikram is a hot type of yoga, so comfy attire is highly suggested. The first time was really hard, as I got really woozy all the time. I couldn’t even reach the tip of my toe with my legs all stretched up while sitting. I couldn’t bend backwards. I always ended up like a total mess, which is expected because of the buckets of sweat dripping from everywhere. My body was aching, particularly my back since after all these years, it was my first time I did a tedious exercise. But, despite of all the troubles I had, it’s all worth it. My yoga teachers are kind of strict yet very nice and motivating. They’re really watchful as they try to correct my posture whenever I do it wrong. They entertain any sorts of questions I have even outside the class. I love the fact that they do not allow cellphones inside the room and chide students from talking whilst in class. I was able to meditate and try my best to accurately follow instructions that way.

I always ended dead-parched and aching, but I felt light and energized in a weird way after class. I didn’t give up anyhow, and I managed to attend classes as often as I can until I can somehow bear the room’s heat and the wooziness was all gone.

I’m proud to say I could do some of the postures somehow with more ease. I can finally reach my toe and even grab my heels whilst sitting with my legs all stretched up. I can do toe stand (Padangustasana) which is the most amazing feat I achieved to date! I can do backward bending as well-though maybe not the “acrobatic” type lolol. To sum up, I’ve become flexible for the first time in my life.

My endurance has quite improved as well. I lost some of the weight I gained to boot. I start to drink more water, and eat less junk food. My old skimpy clothes start to fit me well! But, the most important thing of all is that I always feel happy and lively. My sleep patterns improve a lot (my insomnia was at its worst before). It’s like I have some extra energy to spare to do more activities on a typical day than I had before practicing yoga.

I miss doing Bikram yoga to bits! Though I prefer working out [in the gym] come May, I might return to practice this June or July or as soon as the weather starts getting better (less warm). I miss my Savasana moments. I miss getting all parched and motivating myself to finish the class and do all the postures in return of rewarding myself with a huge drink to guzzle afterwards! Most of all, I really want to find my way on doing complex poses perfectly. Ha-ha, it may sound far-fetched, but with regular practice and unwavering determination, I think I can handle it.