Exercise/ Fitness/ Lunch

The Power of Sweat

It’s gettin’ HOT up in here!!!!

And no, I’m not referring to the weather…still gray and cold outside. However, I did find the best possible place to bask in the heat—-the Bikram studio! I’ve been itching to try the Santa Rosa Bikram College of India studio since I moved here and today seemed very ideal. You see, when I’m stressed out or upset about anything I automatically run to the Bikram studio. I can’t even tell you how many times Bikram has saved my life over the years. Saved.My.Life. Yes. Something about the sweat, the heat, the reliability of the postures always being the same….it gets to the deepest part of me, every time, and heals me from the inside out.

And the best thing? This studio offers new students A MONTH UNLIMITED for only $29!!!!!!!!!!!

I almost asked what the catch was. I’ve also been feeling a little “fluffy” lately with all the eating out, drinking, late nights, parties….I really want to detox myself for a little bit and get back to jenna-mode. Less booze, more water. Less white bread, more leafy greens. Anyone care to do this with me? I know we all can’t do Bikram for a month together but I’m hereby declaring this month hot yoga month and I plan on going as much as possible. And then I shall drink gallons and gallons of water to stay hydrated. 🙂

Before I left for Bikram I ate this z-bar:

IMG_2964.JPG  
After class I literally looked like I had stepped out of the shower….I haven’t sweat like that in many, many moons. I also don’t think I’ve EVER been in a hotter Bikram class….it must have been, like, 115 degrees in there. I could just feel all the wine I’ve drank since September sweat out my pores.
Gulped down this water with an Emergen-C in it—-

IMG_2966.JPG
And came home to eat a very late lunch.

IMG_2969.JPG IMG_2970.JPG
I used an extra large helping of organic spinach, cucumber, red pepper slices, baby carrots, a little avocado and apple chunks and then topped my masterpiece with a TJ’s chicken burger, hummus and hot sauce. With a side of a green tea/yerba mate blend.
The only bad thing about Bikram is that it sort of takes up a huge chunk of your day. It’s 3:00 now and I feel like so far I’ve gotten nothing accomplished. I’m going to crack down and get a couple thousand words done for the book now and then I’m heading back into Santa Rosa to meet Kelly for our girls night out 🙂
***
Talking about cleanses, my friend Gena has teamed up with Spark! Wellness to present a unique New Years Cleanse to start 2010 off on the right, healthy foot. Head on over to learn more!

You Might Also Like

  • Gena
    December 15, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Sweat is powerful, that’s for sure! I’m not such a Bikram lady, but they keep my studio so warm it might as well be hot yoga!

    Thanks SO MUCH for the shout, J. Much appreciated! Hope we get to inspire lots of people 🙂

  • Sam (Merit to the Carrot)
    December 15, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Wow! That’s an incredible deal. I’ve been meaning to try Bikram Yoga for a while… It sounds life changing!

    I know that you will ‘detox’ delectably 😉 Although, that white bread has been looking pretty good!

  • BethT
    December 15, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Uh oh, I was planning on drinking beer and eating white bread at our lunch Saturday…maybe with a side of lard, too. New plan?

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
    December 15, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    A studio a couple blocks away has hot yoga classes ALL DAY LONG. $25 for a week unlimited and $75 for a month. Okay, totally does not even COMPARE to your deal but still. A month pays for itself within 4 visits. I think I’m needing some sweaty yoga in my life again. I’m feeling a bit fluffy from being-home-for-winter-break chowing.

  • Jenna
    December 15, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    wow! i have never heard of bikram until now, sounds pretty intense but i am glad you enjoyed it!
    have fun at yet another night out 😉
    jenna

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    December 15, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Bikram is my favorite yoga!!

    $29 a month is steal!!!

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run
    December 15, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    I definitely want to join you on the December detox =) I still have yet to try hot yoga, but it sounds sooo cleansing!

  • Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run
    December 15, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    I definitely want to join you on the December detox =) I still have yet to try hot yoga, but it sounds sooo cleansing!

  • Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
    December 15, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Such a great deal on those classes! This time of year I always start to feel like it’s time to cleanse the ole soul. Lots of water, tea, and veggies for this girl!

  • Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen
    December 15, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    I’ll be doing the yoga-for-a-month thing down here in Boulder! Definitely time to detox a little!

  • lz
    December 15, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    YAY Bikram yoga!! It’s fantastic that you’ll be practicing it regularly this month!

    I practice Bikram yoga and I’ll be embarking on a 101-day challenge (101 classes in 101 days) starting Jan 1! I’ll be chronicling it on my blog. Any fellow Bikram enthusiasts want to join me?

  • lz
    December 15, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    YAY Bikram yoga!! It’s fantastic that you’ll be practicing it regularly this month!

    I practice Bikram yoga and I’ll be embarking on a 101-day challenge (101 classes in 101 days) starting Jan 1! I’ll be chronicling it on my blog. Any fellow Bikram enthusiasts want to join me?

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog)
    December 15, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    I have never been to a ‘hot yoga’ class but they sure sound wonderful! I will have to give it a go … sounds like the perfect mood fixer 🙂

  • Lauren @ louisianagrown
    December 15, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    I have doubts that I’m going to be joining a studio in the near future, but maybe I can just practice some bikram in my home by cranking up the heater and doing a video? I’m sure my family would LOVE me for that.

    And I definitely wouldn’t feel like your day is unproductive. If centering yourself and finding peace isn’t productive, I don’t know what is.

  • Chelsea
    December 15, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    I’ve never done Vikram but would love to try. There’s a studio in San Carlos that I may have to check out.

  • Lizzy
    December 15, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    Bikram yoga is great! i’ve tried it before and i love that yo sweat so much! i’m loving this challenge! 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    December 15, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    I always feel so cleansed after Bikram!

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
    December 15, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Wow, your post has inspired me to give Bikram a shot. I love power Vinyasa yoga, but have always resisted Bikram. I’ve decided to explore my edges and give it a go! Too bad $29 a month for Bikram yoga is impossible in New York City! You sure did find a fantastic deal. Congrats!

    I’ve been finding myself nibbling on treats and sweets throughout the day due to the holiday goodies that seem to be omnipresent everywhere. It’s definitely time to cut back a bit. I’m with you on the less junk, more nourishment goal.

  • Lindsay
    December 15, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    What a deal! Have you ever tried the Bar Method? There’s a studio in the Marina (near the Plant where we had dinner!)… it’s also expensive, but they do offer a great deal for new students. Come visit SF soon and I’ll take you to a class.

  • Jennifer
    December 15, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    Good for you! And wow, $29/mo. is really cheap…great find.
    I did Bikram’s for 4 months in the summer, unltd for $90/mo. Went to the 6am class 4 days a week, and felt fantastic! Some classes are definitely hotter than others, ughh how I don’t miss the ones that feel like 115 degrees, yuck!

  • Evan Thomas
    December 15, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    I’ve never tried even plain yoga. Bikram sounds like a thing unto itself. Enjoy the night out!

  • Light Delight with TouTou
    December 15, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Birkram yoga…I can’t stand the smell actually.but you do got very good sweat!

  • Cara
    December 15, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    I totally know what you mean about Bikram yoga saving your life. I practiced obsessively for two years and was amazed at what it brought to my life. I am a triathlete which sort of took over (as you mentioned, Bikram definitely takes a lot of time) but recently I have really been feeling the need to get back into it. You inspired me, I’m going to do it! BTW, if you are ever in SF and want to try a great studio, the teacher Mary at Global Yoga has trained a good portion of the Bikram teachers in the US and is AWESOME! http://www.globalyoga.biz/Home.html Good luck!

  • Karla
    December 15, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    I’ve never gotten into Yoga, but I’d love to try! I think I need to get into being okay doing yoga period before I can jump into Bikram.

    Great deal though!

  • Katie
    December 15, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    What a great price for a month of yoga! I am feeling pretty good about my eats right now but after I go home and see fam and friends for the next 2.5 weeks, I may just need to detox or at least have less wine and bread… cause I know lots of wine will be had 😉

  • Lauren @ Reading and Running
    December 15, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    I’ve always wanted to try Bikram but never quite sure where to begin. I’ve only even done yoga at home with FitTV or DVD’s so I’m scared to jump into something that seems advanced, like Bikram.

  • Tricia
    December 15, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    Wow, what a great deal!

  • Kristen @ Change of Pace
    December 15, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    I think I’ve gotten wrapped up in the holidays and being “Merry”. Lots of wine and high calorie foods… I’m definitely going to check out the New Years cleanse. I need to get back to reality 🙂

  • maria
    December 15, 2009 at 4:28 pm

    Good luck with your detox. 🙂

  • Christina MINDFUL LIVING
    December 15, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    I just go back into bikram this week (went last night and tonight and will go again thursday afternoon). I agree- i absolutely love it. I too have been feeling “fluffy” lately. definitely the perfect detox!

  • Katie
    December 15, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    What a great deal at the yoga studio. Good for you! I hope to start practicing yoga again in the new year (need to save some money for a pass first…my mint.com account would not be happy with me if I started now!) 🙂

  • Kelly Michelle
    December 15, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    haha, the catch is that they get you hooked and then charge you full price after the first month. Glad you had a good class though!

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
    December 15, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Hot yoga always makes me crave lots of water and fresh fruits/veggies. Healthy eating and yoga go hand in hand 🙂

  • christie, honoring health
    December 15, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    Glad you enjoyed the bikram! I don’t really dig on bikram but my friend adores it. She says the same thing you do about the reliability of the poses but I could never seem to drink enough water to stay hydrated to do it more than a couple times. I think it is because I am a pitta dosha.

  • Jil
    December 15, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    Love Emergen-C! I’ve always wanted to try Bikram…just been a little intimidated. haha

  • justrun
    December 15, 2009 at 5:04 pm

    I upped my Bikram practices from once to twice per week at the beginning of Novmeber (in anticipation of all the holiday celebrating) and I am so glad I did. It has been wonderfully just what I needed! Enjoy your $29 month. That is great!

  • Kasey
    December 15, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    I have never tried hot yoga! I might have to try this soon.

  • Ashley
    December 15, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    I would totally be in to join you on that! I will be soon on my break from school for Christmas…and with toooo much stress eating…I’m in a BIG need for a month of hot sweaty yoga! I was tempted to try the 30 day challenge….which is to go to hot yoga every day for a month….

  • Ashley
    December 15, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    I would totally be in to join you on that! I will be soon on my break from school for Christmas…and with toooo much stress eating…I’m in a BIG need for a month of hot sweaty yoga! I was tempted to try the 30 day challenge….which is to go to hot yoga every day for a month….

  • marisa (vinyasa mama)
    December 15, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    awesome! enjoy your Bikram!! and by the way, i’m in the south (charleston, actually) and we haven’t seen the sun in a few days, so don’t feel too bad about it!

  • OrganicAshley
    December 15, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    I am totally with you on the cleanse thing. I feel like I haven’t been doing the greatest now that I have started adding certain foods back into my diet and I have been going a little crazy with the cheese. I am all for it. I just started Zumba classes too which have been awesome and make me feel amazing!!

  • Jenna
    December 15, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    I need to go to a true yoga studio to experience the real thing I think! What a fabulous deal. I did yoga the other day after not having done it in awhile. The next day my armpits and abs were SO SORE!

  • Paige@ RunningAroundNormal
    December 15, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    I’m so jealous! I’ve never been able to go to a bikram yoga session! There aren’t any here in the mid of nowhere:(
    Glad you had a good sesh!

  • Liz
    December 15, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    I recently discovered bikram yoga and I love it! fantastic deal too that you got! My place has $20 for an unlimited week and I thought that was pretty good

  • Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
    December 15, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    Heat and serious yoga stretching – so needed right now!

  • Michelle
    December 15, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    I want to try bikram yoga so badly! I don’t think it’s offered anywhere in my city though…

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    December 15, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    sounds like a good plan to me, my dear!

  • Carolyn
    December 15, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    I have yet to try hot yoga, but one of these days…

  • Cole
    December 15, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    I’ve never done Bikram but I do think that feeling hydrated and healthy is one of the best feelings ever.

  • Cara (Cara Craves...)
    December 15, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    I have yet to try hot yoga; it’s on my list of things to do.

  • Nicole
    December 15, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    I’m with you! I just went to my 4th class tonight and it pushed me more so than the others, and I don’t think I’ve ever been in such a hot room. I’m also beginning to feel my body get stronger in ways that months of weight lifting has yet to accomplish. I could also use a detox,holiday season has meant more wine than usual this year.

  • diana(mymarble rye)
    December 15, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    i need to detox..STAT. My colon only knows cookies and chocolate these past 2 weeks. 🙁

  • Omar
    December 15, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    I definitely feel you on the whole “getting back on track” business. Ever since Thanksgiving I have gained 7 lbs! I do not intend on gaining weight this winter. I SHALL get back to 192. I shall have to get rid of this Trader Joes Trail Mix though. It is SO good.

  • emily
    December 15, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    That’s a great deal!

  • CalliNae
    December 15, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    For some reason, Bikram is pretty much MIA in Cambridge. But now that I’m back in Doha, I’m bopping over to the studio this Friday! I can’t WAIT, because like you said, it just eases everything out of you. I feel SO great afterwards.

    Man. Got to love sweaty classes. And what a great deal with the unlimited pass! I’m a lil jealous. Each class here is (GERG) $14. Seriously? Painful.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
    December 15, 2009 at 9:16 pm

    Oh girl, I am SO with you!! Hot yoga month it is!!

  • Jin
    December 15, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    What!!! for $29! Crazy!
    I have an unlimited and its $113. It’s expensive but Bikram is so worth it.

    I totally agree with the fact that it takes up a huuuuge chunk of your day. I’m my last year in high school and its hard to go to 4~5 classes a week. Most of the time I’m sacrificing my sleep+leisure time to go!

    Congratulations on deciding to head back to your normal Jenna-ness. I’m with you on the Bikram yoga. I’ve been going non-stop for 3 months now!

  • Shelly
    December 15, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Oh honey you got lots done….bikram for your peace of mind is a good thang to do! It so totally counts! :)Props to etting back to the jenna routine. MMM those dindins you’ve been postin have been lookin deeevine! And you are so lucky to experience those great meals with great friends! 🙂

  • Ellen
    December 15, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    i’ve been feeling the same way– and i’ve got the extra padding as evidence! i’m doing my own after italy, before the holidays detox. some yoga will definitely be involved! congrats on that great find 🙂

  • Tiffanie Hage
    December 16, 2009 at 4:37 am

    My husband does Bikram yoga. I’ve gone with him ONCE and it was BY FAR the HARDEST THING I’VE EVER DONE, and I’ve done hard. I about died 4 times in the room. Seriously died. And $29…wow…that IS a steal! It’s like $150 per month here! craziness.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    December 16, 2009 at 5:11 am

    That is an AMAZING DEAL! Even in my little town it is about that for a week.

    I’m going to do the month after Christmas a yoga. I miss it and so do my tight hips. I’ve already printed out stuff from Yogadownload including your favorite Dave Farmer.

  • Katie (Sweet Tater)
    December 16, 2009 at 6:02 am

    hey jenna! i’ll totally do yoga month with you. i’m currently on day 17 of my 25 days of hot yoga december challenge. i thought it might help me stay sane and focused on healthy positive things during the crazy holiday season. and it has worked. i used to always leave a day in between my hot yoga sessions to give myself time to rest. turns out i don’t need it and i feel incredible. but i do need LOTS of water. 🙂 good luck!

  • Lara
    December 16, 2009 at 6:14 am

    sigh…if only sweat could really take away the effects of months of wining and dining. But it sure does feel good.

  • Janna (Just Flourishing)
    December 16, 2009 at 6:36 am

    Love HOT yoga. Wish it wasn’t so expensive here in NYC!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie
    December 16, 2009 at 7:44 am

    I have never even HEARD of Bikram yoga that cheap!!! Here’s more than that per SESSION!

    I do love sweating though but I’ll have to let my running make me sweat if I want any money in the bank!

  • amy
    December 16, 2009 at 10:27 am

    I was really hoping you were not going to go back down the road of saying that you felt “fluffy” or that you are going to detox. You are looking fabulous, and look like you have been enjoying life since you have moved to California. You don’t look “fluffy” at all!!!! Sure it is good to eat healthy, green, veggies, fruit, etc, but to me the way you have been eating the last few months is more of an inspiration to me. You are enjoying life, but still managing to eat realitively healthy most meals and snacks. As for the workouts, yoga seems to suit you best…you never really seemed like a gym rat to me =) I know you love running, but your body just does not seem to like it very much.

  • amy
    December 16, 2009 at 10:27 am

    I was really hoping you were not going to go back down the road of saying that you felt “fluffy” or that you are going to detox. You are looking fabulous, and look like you have been enjoying life since you have moved to California. You don’t look “fluffy” at all!!!! Sure it is good to eat healthy, green, veggies, fruit, etc, but to me the way you have been eating the last few months is more of an inspiration to me. You are enjoying life, but still managing to eat realitively healthy most meals and snacks. As for the workouts, yoga seems to suit you best…you never really seemed like a gym rat to me =) I know you love running, but your body just does not seem to like it very much.

  • amy
    December 16, 2009 at 10:33 am

    I was really hoping you were not going to go back down the road of saying that you felt “fluffy” or that you are going to detox. You are looking fabulous, and look like you have been enjoying life since you have moved to California. You don’t look “fluffy” at all!!!! Sure it is good to eat healthy, green, veggies, fruit, etc, but to me the way you have been eating the last few months is more of an inspiration to me. You are enjoying life, but still managing to eat realitively healthy most meals and snacks. As for the workouts, yoga seems to suit you best…you never really seemed like a gym rat to me =) I know you love running, but your body just does not seem to like it very much. Maybe your vegan and veggie friends have given you lots of flack for all your bacon and pork belly eating ways, but I say eat and drink what you want and love it!!!! Food is meant to be enjoyed, and not to feel guilty about. If someone gave me the choice to give up certain foods or drinks just to lose 5-10 pounds, I would say that I would want to be 5-10 pounds heavier! My News Year Resolution is NOT to detox, but to eat good food and drink good wine and celebrate life. I hope you don’t take these comments the wrong way.Life is too short…