Students of Bikram Yoga arrive for class ready to sweat, with a towel,
a bottle of water and a change of clothes. Lori Woodyard has
practiced Bikram Yoga for six years, and taught in Parkersburg for
the last three. She says the ninety-minute classes provide a
wide range of health benefits, from improving overall fitness to relieving
pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia. “In Bikram Yoga, the room
is kept very warm. Students proceed through 26 specific positions
with every class, working at their own pace.” The positions,
each identified by name, like camel position or half moon pose, do
not increase in level of difficulty, though some are more challenging
than others. Lori says, “The body eventually gets there. Until
then, we say to only worry about what you can do, building flexibility
with each effort. You still will get the maximum benefit.”
Lori was taught and certified in New York by the Bikram Yoga originator,
Bikram Choudhuryi in this special style of Hatha Yoga. “The
class covers the same 26 positions each time, working all the muscle
groups of the body. It helps stimulate circulation and promotes
strength in the muscles and bones. There is no jumping or bouncing.
The emphasis is on flexibility, not speed or pain.” There
are four instructors with classes six days a week. Lori says,
“Some people come every day, but most people start by coming
two or three times a week, then as often as they wish. The more often
they come, the sooner they see the positive effects.”
In response to the growing popularity of the class, Lori has moved
Bikram Yoga to a new, larger space. “Our new location
has over 1000 square feet. It is one large room, but instead
of Grand Central traffic, there is a meadow outside, so it is much
more restful.” And that is another benefit for coming
to class. PL
The new Bikram Yoga location is 373 Timberline Parkway, off Rosemar
Road in Parkersburg. It will open for classes on January 5.
For more information and directions, call
304-865-YOGA
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