[ozma]

Japan is a bit far for Bikram to reach and shake down. The Hot Yoga I do is ALMOST Bikram but with two pose modifications and very kind, understanding, Japanese yoga elves. They make sure we're drinking our water, not rushing outside when still all hot, and understanding out bodies.

I love it. For me the intense heat forces me to flush my mind of other thoughts and really focus on my body. It took some getting used to but I've been doing it from 2-3 times a week (depending on physical limitations an d health) for a year and a half.

It has helped my posture, reduced my dance injuries (more because I am simply better aware of my body and posture) and helped me sleep. I can't say if it helped me shed major pounds because I am slightly more tones than when I started but I didn't need to shed weight. I wanted more flexibility and better posture.

I have had 2 scary days. Once I thought I was going to throw up and once I was too low on calcium and minerals and the left size of my body began to twitch uncontrolably. That was over a year ago.