Time for our next yogi in the Real Men Do Yoga Series!
I'd like to introduce you to Hans Park, who attends class at Bikram Yoga Metrotown in Vancouver, British Columbia. You can find him on Flickr and Twitter. This is his story.
Now that's some core strength. I can only imagine Hans' handstands!
I've been practicing Bikram yoga for about 25 hours (it makes me laugh to describe it way). In all seriousness, though, I've been practicing for six weeks and have completed about 17 classes. I had known about the yoga for quite some time but decided to take advantage of a sale at a Bikram studio close to where I live.
$20 for 15 classes within 30 days? Too good of a deal to pass up.
I figured there would be one of three outcomes: 1) I figure out I don't really like the yoga, 2) I really like it and want to continue, or 3) I fall over after attempting to maintain a posture and hilarity would ensue.
I found the result was a combination of #2 and #3. I really enjoy Bikram and I do fall over attempting to maintain some of the postures... but there is no hilarity, just a lot of concentration and sweating, of course. I ended up using up all of the classes within the 30 day limit. Before the end of my trial the studio had a one day sale so I took advantage of this and bought a 25 class package at 50% off the regular price everything kind of fell into place!
$20 for 15 classes within 30 days? Too good of a deal to pass up.
I figured there would be one of three outcomes: 1) I figure out I don't really like the yoga, 2) I really like it and want to continue, or 3) I fall over after attempting to maintain a posture and hilarity would ensue.
I found the result was a combination of #2 and #3. I really enjoy Bikram and I do fall over attempting to maintain some of the postures... but there is no hilarity, just a lot of concentration and sweating, of course. I ended up using up all of the classes within the 30 day limit. Before the end of my trial the studio had a one day sale so I took advantage of this and bought a 25 class package at 50% off the regular price everything kind of fell into place!
The heat itself doesn't bother me as I've spent quite a bit of time working in hot countries in Asia and Africa. At first I found it challenging to get through each class but now I’m finding the challenge is getting through each posture.
That being said, I see improvements with each class. I can't say I feel any less manly doing this and often get told by people that they are surprised to hear that I go to classes regularly.
I noticed a marked improvement in certain exercises at the gym and I sleep better, and likely have found other benefits I haven’t noticed yet. My mom also mentioned that my complexion was better too (Thanks Mom, haha!). Last but not least, I enjoy hearing about the different experiences the other people in class have and also learning about the different backgrounds the teachers come from.
That being said, I see improvements with each class. I can't say I feel any less manly doing this and often get told by people that they are surprised to hear that I go to classes regularly.
I noticed a marked improvement in certain exercises at the gym and I sleep better, and likely have found other benefits I haven’t noticed yet. My mom also mentioned that my complexion was better too (Thanks Mom, haha!). Last but not least, I enjoy hearing about the different experiences the other people in class have and also learning about the different backgrounds the teachers come from.
Hans
Sounds like Hans will be hitting the heat for a while! As a thank you for his submission, Alive in the Fire will be offering Hans the chance to choose a prize from several awesome Etsy sellers. If you submit, you can win a tasty treat, lovely soap, or other surprise too!
Want to read more about men who aren't afraid of the Torture Chamber? Check out Joe's story or how you can submit your own.
Sounds like Hans will be hitting the heat for a while! As a thank you for his submission, Alive in the Fire will be offering Hans the chance to choose a prize from several awesome Etsy sellers. If you submit, you can win a tasty treat, lovely soap, or other surprise too!
Want to read more about men who aren't afraid of the Torture Chamber? Check out Joe's story or how you can submit your own.
Photo via Dudes Doing Yoga.
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