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| - Africa hot, that's Bikram yoga for you. That, as well as dizziness, nausea, and the feeling that you're going to suffocate and die if you don't run out of the room. It's 90 minutes of 26 poses, 2 breathing exercises, sweat, and smells of those around you; even sounds that you don't want to hear. You get the idea, but people keep going back for more. I am one of those people, but usually only when there's a Groupon to be had. I started taking Bikram classes off and on about two years ago, when I could squeeze it in between training for endurance events. Every time I take a break and go back, it means starting from scratch and today's class was Day 1 again. All I can say is that I survived and did not faint. I know what to expect and it's still hard as hell. This studio has changed since I took a drop-in class here last year, and for the better. Instead of carpeting, there is now a hardwood floor, which means less smell and that's a good thing indeed. The 7:30am class was taught by Stacey Shea, the owner, and she was very welcoming and friendly to me as well as my pal Ofie, who was trying Bikram for the first time ever. Throughout the class, Stacey would give pointers to Ofie and encourage her through poses, as well as call on me to fix whatever I was doing wrong (when I wasn't kneeling on the floor, trying not to die). Ofie and I both walked out in one piece, about 2 pounds lighter from the water loss, feeling like warriors. Bikram is not for the faint of heart and I dare you to take a class if you haven't--you will not be the same person you were when you walked in. The Green Valley studio is a great place to check it out: clean, nice ambiance, and friendly, supportive staff. We'll be back next week to put ourselves through another 90 minutes of physical and mental work. Namaste.
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