Hot (Bikram) yoga with your out of shape body

artzy1989

I had my second experience with hot yoga tonight. The first time was great. I felt like a tired, sweaty million bucks afterwards. I made it through with little to no resting and thought my cushy tushy and the rest of my body did a pretty good job. I even took to heart the words of the instructor "stay within your mat or no more than 4-10 inches outside. This is your journey with your body." I was going from upright mighty tree to graceful swan in still water like a pro.

Then, class two happened. Not only was I in this class with a bunch of female yogis that could balance on their pinkies, but also a rather attractive gentleman in itty bitty spandex shorts. Come on guys... Really?? Needless to say it took a few breathes and "This is for you Miranda, this is your journey" mantras to get me back. Next, my instructor comes in. He not only points out to everyone that I am new, but continues to call me out there after. Instead of quietly correcting my crouching tiger hidden flamingo pose, he calls me out across the room with a "I will fix you later meeeeranda". Then proceeds to hover around me.

Then he tells a story about his first time and the instructor he had. Apparently she wouldn't let him break poses or rest if needed. By this time I had made myself very familiar with my mat as it was either lie down and breathe, or apologize to the class for my retching. I was the one he was telling the story to. Then he follows with a "but it is alright if you can not handle the poses. Just lie down or sit... Blah blah blah"

I always viewed yoga as this great way to connect with my body and to have kind of a... Spiritual... Journey with myself. This guy just kinda thrashed that idea. By the end I just wanted to throw my sweat soaked towel around his neck and strangle him with it.

Did any of you ever try, or still do, yoga in your big body? What was it like for you? I want to keep going... I am just not sure that kind of style was right for me.

ragenhay1

Honestly I really do not like yoga but I still do it twice a week. It gets easier the more you do it. It was really hard when I first started two months ago but I kept at it and now it is still hard but not as bad. I would suggest looking for a different instructor. The one you described sounds awful! One of the reasons I continue to go is that I have an instructor that never points out anyone directly she just days a generic keep your back straight or point a toe to the whole room. Makes it much more pleasant to not be called out.

avatiach

There are all kinds of togas and all kinds of teachers. This guy sounds like a bad teacher. Try a different teacher (when does the first one teach?) and maybe try iyengar yoga. It is good for beginners and the props help a lot with fatter bodies.

queenliz99

Yep, he sounds like a douche. I would have walked out. There are many other great yoga instructors out there. I wouldn't go back and I would complain to his superior because he is mostly definitely not supposed to single you out.

robertw486

My apologies for the itty bitty spandex shorts. They make me feel sexy.



Seriously though, the instructor sounds like an idiot. It's not his job to prove some are above your level, it's his job to make people feel comfortable and get the most out of it they can. I've found that usually arrogant pricks like that who teach anythinghave their own weird complex things going on. It's easier to go elsewhere than to deal with such an ego.

mbaker566

frankly, i am not a fan of hot yoga. bikram itself is alright but it can lead to obvious issues like dehydration but also joint issues and pulled muscles due to the heat of the room and body making hyperextension very easy.

I generally suggest a hatha class for new people or people who want to get to know the poses.

There are many types of yoga, many types of classes, many types of students, many types or teachers. yoga is for every body. Find a studio and/or teacher that makes it a priority and you will be able to continue on your yoga journey

short shorts will happen, super yogis will happen, extra bendy people will happen. none of it is anything in your bubble which is all that matters

mochapygmy

moyer566 wrote: »

There are many types of yoga, many types of classes, many types of students, many types or teachers. yoga is for every body. Find a studio and/or teacher that makes it a priority and you will be able to continue on your yoga journey

short shorts will happen, super yogis will happen, extra bendy people will happen. none of it is anything in your bubble which is all that matters

This.

There are poses I can't do because my belly gets in the way but it won't always. It takes some work finding the style and instructor you like but it is so worth it.

I have done yoga on and off for about a decade. Mostly off. This last year I found an instructor I like and I have made more progress on my yoga practice this year than in the previous 9.

It's caled yoga practise not yoga perfect for a reason.

artzy1989

Thanks everyone for your feedback! I am really glad it wasn't just me being (overly) sensitive about the instructor.

I am by no means experienced with yoga.. any comments about those in their itty shorts, or yogi super heroes was merely me voicing my insecurities and where I was in my head. I have nothing but mad props for any and all that are at the awesome level they are at. I can only hope that will be me one day.