The Word on Weightloss

Tonight I took my very first Bikram Yoga class. I’m not sure what it was that inspired me to make the last decision to attend the workout routine class. Maybe it was the fact that it was raining all day or that it is Monday; either way I’m so very glad that I went. For a weight loss plan to be effective it’s important to switch up your workout routine from time to time and for me it just felt like a good time to make a change.

Bikram Yoga was invented by Bikram Chouldhury in the early 1970’s. Bikram Yoga classes run approximately 90 minutes and are comprised of a set series of 26 postures and breathing exercises. Bikram Yoga is practiced in a room heated to 105°F, making it notoriously known as "hot yoga."

Walking into the "hot yoga" classroom I took a deep breath, nervously wondering if I was going to survive 90 minutes in such heat. I got to the Bikrim Yoga class a little early so that I could adjust to the temperature before the class started. So while lying on the floor 5 minutes before the class was set to begin, my mind began to wonder, and for the first time (in a long long time) I actually let it.

Near the end of the class, I found myself drenched in my own sweat and thinking of all the new matras and ideas that I learned. The one that I can’t seem to forget was directed to the new yogi’s (me) who were just learning each pose. The Bikrim yoga instructor said, “First your mind will catch on – accepting the movement and forgetting about your surroundings, then your body will adjust and move the way you’ve been practicing, and finally when your mind and body are in alignment your soul will balance you.” I immediately thought that this idea could apply to the success of any weight loss plan.

Mind Connection
First you realize you have to set a goal. In order to be successful at anything in life you have to set a goal, otherwise what are you reaching for? Once you firmly decide what your weight loss goal might be – your mind is ready. Allow some time to yourself, for your mind to embrace the idea and the changes that are on the horizon.

Body Connection
Once your mind is ready and willing to accept changes your body will move. It will be hard and your new fitness regimen will not be easy but your body will adjust and change to fit your new mental connection to accomplishing your weight loss goal. When you’re body is so sore and stiff that you’re ready to give up, count your blessings instead. Think of your sore muscles as a sign that your body is working towards your new goals.

Soul Connection
Suddenly it will hit you. Your jeans will fit loosely, your muscles will feel tighter and the scale will start to tip; all of these are signals that your mind and then your body are beginning to connect. And that feeling of euphoria you get when you step on the scale and see your weight loss goal before your very eyes – that’s your soul connecting to your mind + body balance. When you’re finally comfortable in your own skin because you’ve reached your weight loss goal – your soul will shine on the inside and the outside. I don’t know a better feeling than that.