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Completed 900 Bikram yoga classes in 900 days on Dec 9, 2015!

My goal is now 1000 classes in 1000 days. After that, I don't plan on having anymore targets.

Probably I must do some reflection on what this yoga has done for me.
Let me first say what it has not. I did not lose a single pound of weight all this time. As a matter of fact, I gained about 20 lbs. Now I have begun to lose a few pounds. I have a bigger belly, disappointing. I don't suppose weight gain is caused by yoga. It is just diet. I don't have much interest in my work. No, I am not saying Bikram caused me to lose interest in work. That is just the result of aging, I am 63 now. I have stomatitis (mouth sores) occasionally flare up and cause much discomfort. I still do, Bikram did nothing for it.

I used to be plagued by frequent knee pain with Bikram. It has not gone away completely. But it happens very rarely. In general, my knees are much stronger.

What benefits did Bikram do to me? Even as I am losing interest in my work, I am gaining much interest in continuing my MOOC courses, teaching calculus at MCCC, I had some anger, that has pretty much gone. I don't get colds anymore! My general health has improved tremendously.

Till 60, I had normal BP, now my BP varies a lot during the day. Sometimes my systolic is well over 140. But after Bikram it always drops to 110 or 120. My diastolic is fine, it is almost always under 80.

One thing I feel is a direct result of Bikram yoga is how clear, strong, and big my lungs are. I breath in more air, I breath at a much slower pace. I don't get a headache, ever. No stomach pain or any discomfort. I sleep a lot. I have also improved my diet quite a bit in the last one year or so.

My strength has improved a lot. I noticed an increase in strength just after about two months of Bikram. Now, I have a lot of strength in my legs, thighs, abdomen, shoulders, chest, arms, etc.

Bikram is an extreme method with its crazy high temperature and demanding asanas. Once you are in the hot room you pretty much have to stay in there for 90 minutes.  I don't know whether it is good for everyone, but I can say, it has been very good for me so far.


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