My love affair with yoga began when I was 17. I woke up every morning at 5:30 to follow a television program covering asanas, seated meditation, breathing techniques, and yoga philosophy. I had a surprisingly rigid yoga regimen for a chronically late teenager. Since then I've developed my practice at home, studying from instructional books, videos, and television programs. One of Bikram's books was gifted to me on my 21st birthday and I struggled for a year to integrate Bikram into my home practice, never quite being able to time the postures correctly or motivate myself enough to make it through the entire sequence. In April I chose to test myself; I tried a few classes at Bikram Nanaimo and LOVED it! My practice has matured considerably over these past months; though I am careful to listen to my body, Bikram has taught me to challenge what my body has to say. I am learning to integrate my focus, my strength, and my flexibility to test my boundaries, to push myself past my limits, and to trust in my ability. One of the greatest gifts yoga has given me is the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing a posture with integrity. 

To reach the best result of Yoga practices, generally it is recommended not to eat 2-3 hours before performing yoga, and especially not after a heavy meal. But some people need an energy boost prior to practice, so some light snacks are recommended. 

The minerals known as electrolytes play a crucial role in our general health, as they are responsible for an important selection of health processes. These include providing and maintaining the body's amounts of water, blood pH, and muscle action.

Thanks to Bikram Yoga Nanaimo member, Harpal Dudd, for the wonderful recipe. Now you can make your own natural electrolytes drink before you come to class

The 22nd Posture is the Ustrasana, a.k.a. the camel pose, which is the deepest backward bend pose. It is a very deep backward bend performed in a kneeling position. As a stretch it opens the whole of the front of the body, including the hip flexors and pectoral muscles.
 
Benefits:
Doing this pose will give the maximum compression of spine, stimulating nervous system, and kidneys, and adrenal glands. It will also stretch the abdominal organs, and help with digestive system, uterus, and prostate.
 
As this pose also stretches the front of the body, it opens up the narrow rib cage to give more space to the lungs, and thus increase the efficiency and power of lungs. It will open up the heart chakra, throat chakra, and root chakra.
 
Camel pose can also assist postural alignment, helps kyphosis, scoliosis. And because it improves flexibility of entire spine and neck, it will relieves backache, and firms and slims the abdomen and waistline.