Bikram Yoga Nanaimo Newsletter
 
Issue: # 5                                                                               October 2008 
There is still time to sign up for the 30 Day Challenge!!

Just put your name on the chart!  Anytime until November 5th Gives you 30 days, and if you are already doing the challenge, why not keep going?  <insert your excuse here!!>  
 
Some words of advice from those who have done many challenges;
-  Don't stop, maybe just slow down a little, you don't want to lose what you have already gained.
-  Feeling a little achy?  Sore?  That's normal.  You have been working hard to straighten up and fly right.  DON'T GIVE UP!!   
 
   
 

Student of The Month:   

 Michael Poole 
 
 mike Tri
 
It has been almost 8 months since I started Bikram Yoga and what a trip so far.  Initially My motivation was to strengthen and heal my body so I could do activities that were fun to me.  As I progressed I realized it was more than a physical workout.  It felt like the stress of everyday life was fading into the background and had been replaced by a quiet, calmness of the mind.  When the teacher says, "you are getting 100% of the benefit just by trying the pose"  there are more than just physical benefits happening.  Though I was not aware of the quieting mind and inner strength in the beginning, these have now become the main focus of my classes.  My newest challenge is the 30 Day Challenge.  At the half way point I am feeling tight areas open up and problem asanas are becoming more doable.  It is inspiring to come to class and see students at many different levels practice together, then after class talk about what helps them and give encouragement to each other. 
 
I would like to thank all the teachers for their commitment to the students, and thank all the students for advice and support.
 
 
 
 
 
Julie_balancing stick 
 
!WORK EXCHANGE!
 
We need help with cleaning and reception.  
  Work for classes, or possibly wages. 
See Doug or Nina for details.

 ~~ Technical News ~~   

We are excited as we have installed some new equipment in the hot room.  The purpose was to make a more even climate while exchanging air.  The system is in, working, and so far the feel is good.  We will still be doing a couple adjustments in the next week or so.  There will be no need to open the doors anymore, which created cold & hot spots.  I know some of us loved the arctic breeze, but others shivered.  Now the room is definitely more even and less for the teachers to have to control, which leaves more focus on kicking your butts!!   
    
Garurasana or Eagle Pose

What does Garurasana mean?
In Sanskrit, it means Eagle Pose.

When is it done?
It's done after the Awkward Pose.

What is it good for?
  • It is a compression posture~ you're squeezing your body.
  • It opens up all major joints in the body: hip, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists; improving flexibility- relieves arthritis
  • Increases synovial fluid to joints~ fluid which helps to lubricate and nourish joint tissues.
  • Stimulates sexual and reproductive organs by supplying fresh blood to organs.
  • Good for the arteries and veins in the legs- preventing varicose veins and cellulite.
  • The reproductive organs are supplied fresh blood which increases sexual vitality and helps clear up reproductive problems.
  • The kidneys are also supplied fresh blood which detoxifies the body and balances blood pressure. It tones the calves, thighs and hips, it strengthens the latissimus dorsi, trapezius and deltoid muscles.

 When at home, try sitting on a chair and twisting legs together- foot behind calve.

 
Bikram's Tips (quoted from Bikram's new book - Bikram Yoga: The Guru Behind Hot Yoga Shows the Way to Radiant Health and Personal Fulfillment):

"You might not be able to wrap your arms properly at first, but that's okay. In any case, your work is still the same: Pulling down continuously with the arms will develop the flexibility you need in the shoulders and slowly stretching out all those tight places in your neck and shoulders, where so many of us hold our tension." 
 

                    

 "If you're foot is slipping out, sit down deeper.  If you're losing the balance, upper body back more!"

 "Use the mirror to understand, not to Judge."

 
Smelly Mat??  Here is something to help.
 
Fill a 1 Ltr. spray bottle with water, add approx. 5 drops of tea tree oil, shake it up, lightly mist your mat, let dry. 
-Tea tree oil is an anitseptic and antifungal.