Maribel Gil

Mari and I go way back. Well, sort of. We both traveled to DR in '06 to get our scuba diving certification. So when I re-hooked up with her through the Bikram community (don't you find yourself being drawn more and more with folks who practice?) I was so excited to hear about her experience. Here's what she's got.

Girl, I didn't know you were into Bikram. How'd you hear about it?
I had known of Bikram yoga for many years now and have always wanted to try it, but never got around to it until November of last year. One of my friends used to take Bikram, but I had also heard about it in general from the media and from the fitness and yoga community.
 
What took you so long! What finally brought you in?
Yes. There was a new Bikram studio opening up just a few minutes from my house in Queens. I remember driving down Woodhaven and first seeing the sign "Bikram Yoga Opening soon." I was very excited! A studio right there in my neighborhood! So I anxiously awaited the opening date which was in November 2009. My boyfriend at the time had been practicing bikram and we had talked about going to classes together for some time...so we finally did once the new studio opened and it was great!

Yeah, that's the first studio that's opened up in Queens. I have a feeling that many more will follow, which is great for the folks out there who have to travel to the city to practice, as well as those who've never heard of it before. Tell me about your first class.
I didn't really know what to expect. I figured it would be pretty similar to other forms of yoga that I had taken except in a hot room. My yoga background definitely helped. I've been practicing yoga for about 9 years. Plus, I also dance so that helped with the flexibility. I remember being in the room and it was so hot...during some of the postures I felt a little dizzy and light headed, but I didn't want to sit out. I knew I could get through it so I just closed my eyes, took a deep breath and continued through the postures. To this date, this has helped me through all the tough moments in class. Even when I feel completely nauseous or dizzy, I just pause, breathe and then continue. The feeling always goes away. I've come to realize that my mind and breath is very powerful and can overcome so much!
So after the class, I felt very refreshed...it was a great feeling! I went back 5 times that first week! The studio was new and there were a lot of beginners like myself in the class. For some reason though, everyone thought I had been practicing bikram for years. They would come to me after class and give me such positive feedback. It was a really great experience.
 
Yeah it's awesome isn't it? That's the best way to start your practice: daily. What exactly kept you coming back?
I liked the feeling I would get after each class...so refreshed, energized, calm and focused. I also liked the the physical aspect. I'm very into fitness and living a healthy lifestyle and I love how bikram is so physically challenging. It really gets your heartrate up and tones and stretches all your muscles. It works your entire body from head to toe! I was also interested in the detoxing effects of the practice and was hoping that maybe it would help with digestion and with my skin. I just turned 30 and my acne has yet to completely go away!

It's only a matter of time darling. Everything gets a nice fresh start, specially your skin. Don't be surprised if your skin gets worse before it gets better. Because its our biggest organ, and the one that we're using to expel all our toxins, it may happen. But because this process is from inside-to-outside, working on a cellular level, your skin will be an indication of when you've done detoxing. Then, its just a matter of keeping, maintaining, your health with a constant daily practice. Are there injuries you're working with?
Yes, my knees. I have patella pain in both knees. It's basically pain coming from my kneecaps so I when it's acting up I have trouble with stairs and with bending that bears weight on my knees.  Like the "ballerina" Awkward Pose on tip toe...once I learned the proper form, I realized that I can only go down halfway without modifying the form. But I trust that in time, it will improve. I also have some lower back and neck issues from 2 previous car accidents that I had been in. My neck, back and spine is actually in great shape now ever since last year when I found my amazing chiropractor, Dr Turner so I figured that bikram would also be a great addition to my treatment and for my overall health.

Totally. Again, a matter of time. You'll be AMAZED. I'm so excited for you. Tell me what has inspired you to do the challenge.
I like how it is a complete way of life...it benefits me in so many ways and affects my life and the lives of the people around me in such a positive way.

Is there anything you dislike about the practice?
What do I dislike? Hmm...all the wet stinky laundry that I have to do at home! And washing my hair everyday...I look like a frizzy mess in class! Curly hair needs lots of moisture and is not meant to be washed everyday so this has made my hair extra frizzy! Plus I'm usually in a rush so after class, most of the time I just wash it and pull it back into a ponytail...not very fashion friendly, but hey, I'm willing to sacrifice something so small for the benefits that are truly larger than life.

It's funny but i think after a while even your hair starts to cooperate. it gets used to the process. Okay, and even if it doesn't, totally a small tiny price to pay for an incredibly healthy super strong sexy body! I'm happy you've entered the circle of Bikram yogis. Welcome!
 

---