Since we’re entering the season of high heat and humidity I thought it might be beneficial to talk a little about sweat.

The body is approximately 60% water. The blood is mostly water and is used to distribute oxygen, nutrients, hormones and other substances to cells as well as remove metabolic byproducts (not toxins* as is commonly thought). Water is used to cushion the spine and brain and acts as a kind of shock absorber to prevent injury. Water is a critical component of our body’s cooling system (through evaporation of the sweat). The electrolyte components of water regulate nerve and muscle function, blood acid balance and the amount of fluid in our cells. The body regulates the levels of all substances such as minerals, trace elements and electrolytes and so some of these are naturally eliminated through the sweat and eliminatory systems.

The primary purpose of sweating is to regulate body temperature. Sweat transfers heat from inside the body to the skin where it is released into the air through evaporation. The effect of vigorous exercise in a hot room is an increase in the amount of sweat which may therefore result in the elimination of more minerals and electrolytes — simple dehydration. A healthy diet with plenty of water intake is probably sufficient for most people to maintain appropriate levels of electrolytes and minerals but if excessive sweating leaves you feeling any of the following symptoms during or after class you should certainly increase your daily water intake but you may also benefit from taking electrolyte supplements: excessive thirst, fatigue; headache; dry mouth (or sticky saliva); decreased urination; muscle weakness; dizziness. I favor the convenience of Emergen-C brand supplements but a good homemade solution is to mix a little sea salt and fresh lemon juice in a glass of water.

And now a word about sweating and body odor. Sweat itself has no odor. The odor from sweating results from the interaction of the sweat with bacteria that lives on the skin. Regular bathing with soap and water helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the skin and therefore may reduce or eliminate most body odors. A common odor in the sweat of some people who exercise vigorously is ammonia. Ammonia is a natural component of sweat but it’s usually too dilute to be noticed. A strong ammonia odor may indicate a high protein diet in which case it might be wise to increase your dietary intake of low-glycemic carbohydrates such as fruits (most), legumes, whole grains, certain starchy vegetables (try eating an apple or a small amount of unsweetened oatmeal an hour before class). A very strong ammonia odor that persists over time could also indicate liver dysfunction in which case a visit to the doctor is advised.

* When people speak of “toxins” being eliminated through the sweat they are — whether they know it or not — referring to natural byproducts of metabolism. These eliminated elements might be considered waste products but, by definition, they are not toxins.

I’m sorry I had to be out of town as some of our students have been completing the 30 day Challenge. I got back late last night and discovered that the following people have successfully completed their personal challenges:

Melissa Sexton
Cheryl Carroll
Taralee Kemp
Victoria Dodd

Congratulations!

We’ve got several more nearing completion. I’ll add their names as they finish. If they cooperate, I’ll also add photos and testimonials.

update More Challenge Completions:

Tracy Augustyn
Mark McClain

update 2 Another meets the Challenge:

Kate Seo
Suzy Meanly

A few more to go…

The fact that Bikram Yoga requires a heated room isn’t very environmentally friendly. The sad truth is that we burn through more than 8000 kwh in electricity per month (average). I’m taking what small steps I can to reduce that by making our studio as energy efficient as I can but there’s no getting around the fact that our “method” requires a lot of energy. I have therefore decided to begin a carbon offset program whereby we may be able to at least help reduce carbon emissions in general. My first step is to pledge to support a local organization that is helping to keep Atlanta green, literally. Bikram Yoga Decatur is proud to be a Cedar member of Trees Atlanta.

Anna Hughes has embarked on an eight week sabbatical, most of which will be spent visiting Thailand. She’ll be back in mid-August.

Susan Lippert survived The Yoga College of India’s Nine-Week Teacher Certification (aka Bikram’s Torture Chamber) and has returned to teach at our studio.

We finally got the water fountain cooling element fixed so it now dispenses cold water again. Thanks for your patience.

After practicing at the Bikram Yoga Decatur studio for over three years, I can emphatically state that the Bikram series is the pinnacle of all yoga modalities! Bikram Yoga has improved my strength, flexibility and cardiovascular capacity. I have also gained better balance, an enhanced ability to focus, as well as more efficient elimination of both physical and emotional toxins. I find each class provides me with a physical challenge and an opportunity to learn something new on some level. Most importantly, I have found that my work with Eric and the talented teachers he employs has enabled me to jettison people, ideas and organizations out of my life which do not serve me –and thus create space for more elevated life experiences. I would encourage anyone to try Bikram Yoga and practice it regularly.

Linda Chmar, age 49, Attorney and Yamuna Body Rolling Practitioner

MADRE is an international women’s human rights organization that works in partnership with community-based women’s organizations worldwide to address issues of health and reproductive rights, economic development, education, and other human rights. MADRE provides resources, training, and support to enable our sister organizations to meet concrete needs in their communities while working to shift the balance of power to promote long-term development and social justice.

Since we began in 1983, MADRE has delivered over 22 million dollars worth of support to community-based women’s organizations in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Balkans, and the United States.

Bikram Yoga Decatur is proud to support MADRE and encourages you to do the same.