Bikram Yoga Experiment Update: Jennifer

As we enter the final weeks of the Bikram Yoga Experiment, find out how each of our five participants is doing (and what changes they’ve experienced) in their individual progress reports.

First up: Jennifer, who joined the experiment hoping to find some emotional stability in the hot room …

HEALTH-WISE:

Jennifer is happy to report the uncomfortable bloating and excess gas in her stomach caused by a gastric ulcer has become manageable. She’s actually been able to decrease the amount of medication she takes for this condition as a direct result of the yoga.

PHYSICALLY:

Last week, Jennifer noticed that her skin allergies – dark, red spots just below the surface of the skin – had returned. Despite the irritation, she continued to practise daily – and guess what? The spots diminished on their own! She’s also noticed some weight loss, particularly in her mid-section, and more muscle definition in her legs.

MENTALLY:

Yoga, says Jennifer, helps to put her in a “better place.” Morning classes help her stay focused throughout the day while evening classes give her peace of mind that she’s ended the day on a good note.

FAMILY & FRIENDS:

Though her dad thinks she’s slightly crazy for practising yoga daily, Jennifer remains hopeful that he will one day join her in the hot room.

POSTURES:

Despite tearing her right hamstring, Jennifer’s seen greatest improvement in Standing Bow, Separate Leg Stretching and Full Locust Pose. Her most challenging posture continues to be Standing Head to Knee; while she can kick out until her leg is straight, she says she can’t hold that position for long.

TEACHERS:

“I have been inspired by Rea in the past couple of weeks, because SHE looks AMAZING for someone who recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. In class, she makes sure everyone does the postures correctly and keeps the intensity at a consistently high level. Every time I feel like slacking, Rea reminds me why I’m there: to better myself.”

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS:

In 2012, Jennifer plans to continue what she calls her “Bikram Yoga streak,” and keep up her healthy eating habits.