Bikram Yoga Kapolei

Bikram Yoga is run by Bikram-certified teachers who use a standardized dialogue to run the class that consists of a series of 26 postures, including two breathing exercises, in a recommended temperature of a minimum of 105F degrees and about 40% humidity. 

I don't know about the rest of you, but completing the 90 minute bikram yoga session is a freaking accomplishment in my book.  Yes, I'm putting it right up there with mountain summits and half marathons. 

The first time I tried it, my motivation was for the promised brunch at Moena Café with friends.  I did not love it.  I decided to give it a second go at the Mililani location and that time went better although my emotions still yoyo-ed from love to hate to defeat and ending with feeling quite accomplished.  Still, I felt it wasn't for me.  Then the studio closed. 

On a whim, I decided to drop into a new Kapolei studio and third time must be a charm, because I am inspired.  The instructor was excellent and kept the class at a good pace and engaged.  I didn't once wonder, when the heck is this going to be over???  I think bikram yoga will always be challenging for me, but that's why I love it. 

The facilities here are great!  They have showers (and boy are you going to need one) and lockers with keys provided - which is a really nice touch!  If you are new to bikram, all you need is a mat, towel for your mat, and water.  Be prepared to sweat, but don’t let it distract you.  Sweating is your body's way of cooling down.  Arrive to the studio early to secure a space so you can see yourself in the mirror.  I found this really helpful in getting my poses right.   Getting used to the heat was difficult, but I decided it was more of a mental thing that I had to overcome.  Also, there is some yoga etiquette to remember:  no cell phones and no talking in the studio.

Bikram Yoga Kapolei

808-682-YOGA (9642)

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CorePower Yoga

I discovered yoga about four years ago and started off with a home video.  Every now and then I would drop into a local yoga studio for a challenge and discovered I loved practicing with other yogis!  Because yoga studios offer different styles of yoga and at varying levels, I like to change up my yoga practice by trying some place new. 

 

Many of my friends rave about CorePower Yoga so I decided to check it out when I had some free time.  CorePower Yoga has three location on Oahu: Ward, Kahala, and Kailua.  The Ward studio is located on the side of the TJ Maxx building and you can conveniently park in the structure.  As a first timer there, I took advantage of the free one week promotion and attended the C2 class with Kelly. 

 

The C2 class is heated to 95-98 degrees with added humidity and lists yoga experience as a plus.  I'm definitely not an expert, but with my yoga experience I was able to keep up in class and still found it challenging especially with the heat.  I loved the energy in the class and Kelly is a great instructor.  She is helpful, but not intrusive and gives students the option to receive help or decline. 

 

What is also impressive about CorePower Yoga is their large and clean facilities.  They have showers, lockers (bring a lock), and multi bathroom stalls.  CorePower offers a wide range of class offerings so beginners don't be shy!  If you forget your mat and towel, you can rent them and they also sell bottled water as well as yoga clothing and accessories.

 

corepoweryoga.com  

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My First Time at Bikram Yoga

I learned the standing bow pose; one of 26 poses in Bikram.  Please excuse the mommy mess.

 

In a previous post, I had talked about trying new things this year.  I had always stayed away from Bikram Yoga because I do not do hot.  I like to think of myself as something delicate, but turns out this flower can handle the 90 minute hot yoga session in a 104 degree room.  Bikram Yoga is run by Bikram-certified teachers who use a standardized dialogue to run the class that consists of a series of 26 postures, including two breathing exercises.  

I admit the only reason I decided to commit to driving from Mililani to the Hawaii Kai bikram studio on a Sunday morning was not the benefit of a great workout, but the promise of brunch at Moena Café.  There’s no shame in that.  Whatever your motivation is, use it to get you there.  I had an awesome experience.

As a newbie, my friends had told me to come with my mat and enough towels to keep it covered.  Bring lots of drinking water and be prepared to sweat.  Sit near the door for once in a while cool air and make sure to secure a space so you can see yourself in the mirror.  This was helpful in getting my poses right.

Getting used to the heat was difficult, but I decided it was more of a mental thing that I had to overcome.  The instructor was great and she gave helpful feedback to the class.  I like that yoga continues to be challenging even with lots of practice because you can always take the pose a little further.  

Namaste.  

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