Funky Door Bikram
8 ratings since posting on Wednesday, May 5, 2004|
in Berkeley
(submitted by
Charles Ekabhumi
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Overall Rating   based on 8 ratings |
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I still have positive changes in my body from the four months when I practiced at this studio at least four days a week, and that's amazing considering I have not exercised in months, or worked out there specifically in over two years. At first, I could not even do a significant fraction of the poses, but just worked as hard as I could each time. After one week, I saw a difference in my body, and my sweat no longer smelled, even in class. Eventually, I could do all the poses. It cleansed my organs and straghtened my spine. I even went there when I was catching a cold or two and drove them out of my body. The meditation did wonders for me. Although each workout session is an hour and a half long, after attending regularly, I needed an hour less sleep per night! The one big drawback? Most (although thankfully not all) of the instructors at this studio, including the owner, are way, way too militaristic in approach. I had already had some instructors of other types of yoga tell me my flexibility was beyond my strength, and that I needed to stretch into a pose only as far as I could hold it. Some teachers at this studio were excellent at supporting me in that as well as being cautious of some old leg injuries, but with most of the instructors, I had to be rather assertive or finally ignore them as they encouraged me to do things which would have hurt me. One instructor even gave me a New Age BS speech about how "sometimes we think we're being careful of an old injury, but it's really fear that's holding us back." OK, and one other drawback - the need for an empty stomach during the workout combined with blood sugar problems meant that I needed to very carefully schedule my day around my workout. These drawbacks, along with the cost, were the reason I stopped doing Bikram Yoga. However, if I could afford it, I would return. I eventually switched to another Bikram studio, Yoga Loka in San Rafael, where I was working at the time. They are everything I wish Funky Door was - very understanding about injuries and encouraging a slower approach. - Hen , posted 02/06/06 |
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I thought it was hard, fun, and I'll keep going back! - Jenni , posted 02/06/06 |
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We can debate about Bikram vs. other yogas elsewhere. Bottom line is, this is hot yoga. So the place literally stinks. - Wella , posted 01/08/06 |
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it's easy for non-yoga types to get into. that's all i can think of to say that's positive. - flaco , posted 10/04/05 |
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Like it or not Bikram is the hardest discipline available to fitness enthusiasts at the moment. I heard about Bikram via a Raquel Welch interview her figure was perhaps the best in Hollywood history, bikram yoga and a strong diet plan enabled her to do bathing suit work well into her late forties. Do this everyday and in one month you will look like a completely different person, your skin, digestion and well being will all improve. IT IS VERY HARD. the first couple of times you will be struggling but all the instructors are there to assist you plus you can standstill or be seated until you regain your stamina. Bring towels! Namaste. - Super Amanda , posted 12/14/04 |
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Bikram method hatha yoga is a series of 26 postures, and 2 breathing excercises scientifically designed to address and facilitate the proper functioning of all bodily systems. Bikram Choudry studied in India with Bishnu Gosh whose brother, Yogananda, started the "Self Realization Fellowship" and wrote Autobiography of a Yogi. The class is 90 minutes in a heated room for safe stretching and assistance in detoxing. This is an intense workout designed for anyone from a beginner to an advanced yogi. It becomes continuously more challenging as you learn more about it. All teachers did an intensive 9 week, 12- 15 hour a day program with Bikram himself. - Karisini , posted 10/31/04 |
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Bikram is a good thing if you want to lose weight fast. There is some debate over whether it is actually REAL yoga or not. Bikram Choudry ripped off some postures from Patobi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar and repackaged them for overwieght movie stars in the 70's and realized he can make a mint off regular, overweight people all over America. He has a mansion in Beverly Hills. Do it to lose the love handles but get the hell out and do some real yoga. - Tomas , posted 10/05/04 |
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You go, you feel overwhelmed , you build stamina in a very safe way ; all your muscles are warmed up thoughly and all this blood and oxygen are flowing through all your joints, vessels, heart, etc. GO ! The focus comes soon and you have someone telling you exactly what to do for 1 1/2 hours, it's great ! And, only $29 for the first month and last time I checked, only 99.00 after. It's got bright lights, mirrors all around and cartoons 6 feet high and the best teachers, I really love them all. GO ! ! You will not die or throw up if you just go with your own flow , as it is now . REALLY. - Fonda , posted 09/16/04 |
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30 days for $30
Funky Door Bikram offers 30 days for $30 here in Berkeley. There are a couple other studios that do the same, such as Monkey Yoga in Oakland next to Lake Merritt. Yoga Mandala in Berkeley offers 20% off of multi-class passes. They're also in Berkeley, on Telegraph Ave. - Charles Ekabhumi , posted 09/17/04 |
