While being a relatively outgoing person by nature, in exercise I am a loner in a way, with my biggest physical outlet usually being long distance cycling. The solitude and focus on the road is truly cathartic to me. I had trained all through 2011 on my bike in preparation for a 300 mile charity ride from Boston to New York, and although this was the 8th time I had done such a ride, it really bothered me that once it was completed, another snowy winter might hold no cycling possibilities.

My partner, Paul, had begun Bikram Yoga in 2001 in Manhattan, and practiced on and off (only stopping after 9/11 when the Holland Tunnel closure made access to the city difficult), and had, while I was training on my bike, begun practicing at Bikram Palisades. "When you are done with the ride, you can start classes there with me" was his solution to the end of riding season blues.

Hmmm... an oppressively hot, claustrophobic and sweaty room with people doing seemingly impossible things with their bodies, did not seem like a solution to me, and I dreaded the idea. Nevertheless, the day came 6 months ago where he and our neighbor Halley finally persuaded me that it would be good for me, and with much trepidation, I agreed to do a class.

It was hot... but not as oppressive as I had feared; it was awkward... but not impossible; sure, it was sweaty, but I was used to sweat on my bike. Best of all, with time and much encouragement from our fabulous teachers, I made it through without falling over or feeling too clumsy or uncoordinated.

At Eune's suggestion, I went back for more as soon as possible, then again, and again... and happily discovered that the solitude and peace I feel on my bike was there again, welcoming me to my mat, and any 'competition' I felt was (as with cycling) purely with myself and my ability on any given day.

Now, 6 months of regular practice and even a 30 day challenge later, I sometimes catch myself being too serious in the class, and have to laugh a little at myself, but the focus I have and the confidence I feel physically through regular practice, is truly awesome! Sure, there are still a number of postures that challenge me tremendously, but I figure that achieving perfection is not the goal, instead focus, concentration and dedication is.