Bikram Yoga Manila (Makati Branch)

I have been practicing yoga for the past two months. I practice Fitness First's Hot Flow Yoga in Alabang. As the sembreak approaches, I knew it was impossible to continue my practice in Alabang as my parents would force me to come home (I live in Pasig. I rent an apartment in Alabang because I study there). I began to worry about my yoga practice. Fitness First RSC (where I work out when I am not staying in Alabang) does not have its own Mind and Body Gym, hence, no Hot Flow for me. The nearest branches where Hot Flow Yoga is taught are MOA, Eastwood and Megamall. But alas, most of the classes are schedule in the evening. Lacking driving skills, I always pattern my workout schedule to that of my mom or dad's. Thus, I decided to enroll in Bikram Yoga classes. Thank God, one of the branches of Bikram Yoga Manila is located right next to Fitness First RSC.

I decided to avail their one week unlimited package for first timers (valued at Php 1,000). The girl on the phone said that I should arrive at least thirty minutes before the class starts because all first timers have to attend a mini orientation. I arrived an hour earlier. This gave me plenty of time to explore the studio, settle my bills, change into my workout clothes, etc. I also had time to relax while waiting for the instructor to come in.

Five minutes before the class, the instructor called me and this other guy outside for our mini orientation. She warned us that the studio will be heated to up to 38 degrees, which she said is not something to be afraid of as it would help us become more flexible. No biggie, I said to myself. I am used to this kind of heat. In fact, it is one of the reasons why I love Hot Yoga so much. I sweat so much that I feel like all the toxins inside my body are flushed out. In fact, 38 degrees is cooler to what we have in Alabang. There was even a point when the temperature in the Studio in Fitness First Alabang reached 44 degrees!

Anyway.

So the classes began. Bikram Yoga, as we all know consists of a set of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises.  Being relatively new to yoga, I found some of the poses difficult but then, some were fairly easy. As compared to the other first timer, I was able to complete the 90 minute session without having to "sit it out." (Hooray for me!).

It was generally a good experience. I love how the studio is spacious and homey at the same time. I love the fact that I was drenched in sweat with the 90 minute session ended. Unfortunately, my muscles were not as sore as when I finish my Hot Flow Yoga class. I soon discovered that there is indeed a difference between the two (let's talk about that in another blog post).

The sembreak ended too soon. Thus, I only used 2 sessions out of five. But it was worth it. I may practice Bikram again. But I will make it a point that I combine it with Flow Yoga (again, the difference will be discussed in a later blog post).

Two thumbs up, BYM! :) I'll see you again on my Christmas Break.