Bikram Hot Yoga February 2006
Niamh Jones takes the class of mixed abilities through the Bikram hot yoga workout.
The room is close to 40 degrees celcius in temperature and if you were standing in the room doing no form of exercise you would be sweating after about 3 minutes.
The postures start with some breathing and stretching.
Niamh demonstrates the postures and also gives directions to follow.
Some postures involve leaning to the side while also stretching upwards....
and some involve leaning back while also stretching.
and a welcome forward bend to rest slightly, before beginning the last set of postures again.
Everyone works to their own ability, and some people in this class have practiced Bikram yoga before while many are new to the practice. Most have practiced some form of yoga before but a couple, this is their first yoga practice ever.
A large bath towel is laid out on top of the yoga mat to absorb the sweat.
The loosening and stretching can feel great especially in this heat, which helps the body stretch more easily.
When the class finishes this sequence the second time, the practice moves on to the next postures.
The whole body gets a great workout, including the thighs and calf muscles.
and the buttocks and abdomine.
and many of the postures also involve balance.
Postures which can look quite easy, can be quite demanding as one follows the instructions and sweats quite freely in this heat.
Balance, coordination, concentration, stretching is challenging and a great workout.
Some people find some of the postures very difficult while the same person may find other postures quite easy.
Each of our bodies are different, and we each work with where we are at at the moment.
After practicing these postures for a number of months, one's body really begins to transform, and one develops a lighter, more positive way of being.
Balance postures while leaning forward can feel great to some people while being a huge challenge to others.
Natalie at the back has practiced Bikram before and it shows in how she comes into this posture.
But there is no competition between people, and everyone focuses oin their own practice.
Niamh gives helpful instructions which help one maintain one's focus and balance.
And getting ready for the forward bends.....
Niamh shows the correct alignment coming forward with a straight back.
And after the postures so far and the heat, its amazing how much better we can stretch forward at this stage in the practice.
A variation of Trikonasana
to both sides
The stive in the background kicks out 9 kilo Watts of heat while the underfloor heating is also turned up full!
Bending over the outstretched leg is a great stretch for the hamstrings.
And the class have earned a well earned relaxation in Shavasana pose.
Niamh, never too tired to do a little more practice takes some time to show a few postures....
Niamh's dedication to her practice and her healthy easy nature are a great incentive for people to come back to her workshops time and time again.
And later a well earned chill out in the lounge upstairs which has spectacular views of the Burren hills.
The huge velux windows bring in light and heat from the sun, and this room often feels like one is in India with the heat.... even in the middle of winter.
One feels great after the combination of exhilarating yoga workout, the time spent outdoors walking in the beautiful Burren, Paddi's amazing vegetarian food, and the great company!
After chilling out its time for to Niamh demonstrate a few classicial postures to show correct alignment.
Niamh practices Ashtanga yoga as well as Bikram and also maintains a daily meditation practice.
The healthy invigourating feeling that one gets from yoga is addictive.
Be careful!!!
Before one knows it, one begins to enjoy daily yoga practice....
and in time one appears to actually get younger and younger....
as the body opens up, one's endocrine system gets a regular tuning up and balancing and the unhealthy habits that many of us used to have, gradually start to fall away.
A great well earned feeling at the end of a great weekend!
I'm sure that many on the course are already planning what dates they are free for another weekend at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre.
Full list of courses coming up at
Calendar of Retreats
Bikram courses coming up
Hey! Niamh is teaching a week long Bikram retreat at Easter.
Details at
Easter Bikram yoga with Niamh Jones April 14th - 21st 2006And two week long courses Summer 2006.
Bikram hot yoga Niamh Jone June 16 - 23Bikram Hot yoga Niamh Jones July 21 - 28
