Let me get something straight. I have never been a yoga person. Adamantly against it. For years I’ve been chastised by my friends about my negative attitude towards om-ing, downward dog or whatever it is you’re supposed to pretzel into - it’s glorified stretching. There are naps involved in yoga so it cannot qualify as an athletic activity plus  I’ve never understood how sitting in a room chanting could be beneficial - just boring and silly.  My opinion has always been that sports & exercise must always include competition, focus, and SWEAT. Then Janna convinced me to try Bikram – a 90 minute, 26 pose yoga ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F - to help me work through emotions over a break-up and I have a new appreciation.   Yes, yes it is still technically yoga, however Bikram adheres to my definition of sport – competition, focus, and obviously SWEAT.  In this practice the competition is you.  For 90 minutes in extreme heat, it’s you and you alone fighting against the elements  for your success (first level of success -not passing out). The utmost concentration & focus are needed and believe it or not, the heart rate does get up there(No napping.) For me, this 90 minutes of uninterrupted concentration has made me feel a lot better.  For 90 minutes I’m not sad, I’m not wondering how I might have changed things, things I never said, I’m not worried about the project due by 5pm or if I have enough money in my account for rent.  For 90 minutes, I’m trying to breathe. I’m taking control of my moment, my mind and my body. The bonus – no chanting, meditating or om-ing! As for the SWEAT, I walk out of there soaking wet, but drenched with accomplishment that carries me through the rest of the day.