Double trouble

One of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in Bikram's torture chamber is sticking around after class to do a second one. This is known as a double, and the idea of it scares most yogis.

I try to do a double every second Saturday. I usually make the decision the night before. It means spending Friday night at home, with a bottle of water in place of a bottle of wine. My yoga bag is much heavier on double days, because I need to bring a fresh towel for the second class. I also bring a small snack to eat in between classes, to prevent my blood sugar from plummeting by the time triangle pose comes around again.

The first class of a double series is mentally challenging -- I keep thinking that I'm going to have to do this all over again. The second class, on the other hand, is mental bliss. All those random thoughts and worries that usually pop into my head completely disappear. My mind is quiet and I can focus 100% of my energy and concentration on my practice. Because of this, my second class is often stronger than the first and more fulfilling. I walk out of the hot room at the end of the 180 minutes feeling elated and with a great sense of accomplishment.

I'm a bit of a celebrity when it comes to doubles at my studio, because I do them with such regularity. One teacher calls me "Double Trouble," a moniker I quite enjoy. Doubles are also great preparation for Teacher Training, as they're part of the daily agenda.

Is a triple on my future horizon? You bet it is! It's something I'll set my sights on after my 60-day challenge is complete.