Bikram Yoga

Over a year ago I purchased a  Groupon for 10 classes at a Bikram Yoga studio. I went twice, maybe. I didn't hate it, but  I didn't love it either.  I just found it hard to want to dedicate an hour and a half to being in a hot room, so I didn't go back. That same Groupon became available again recently, and I made the decision that I'm actually going to go this time to give it a fair shot. A friend of mine also decided she wanted to try it out with me, so last night was our first class together.


A little bit about Bikram yoga:

It is 26 sequence postures developed by Bikram Choudhury. You do each pose two times, and the duration of the class is 90 minutes The room you practice in is 105 degrees. Bikramyoga.com states:
"Yoga changes the construction of the body from the inside out, from bones to skin and from fingertips to toes. So before you change it, you have to heat it up to soften it, because a warm body is a flexible body. Then you can reshape the body any way you want.
Hatha Yoga flushes away the waste products, the toxins of all the glands and organs of your body. It provides a natural irrigation of the body through the circulatory system, with the help of the respiratory system. It brings nourishments to every cell of your body so that each one can perform its function and keep your body healthy. Bikram Yoga also employs heat to further that cleaning process: When you sweat, impurities are flushed out of the body through the skin."

It is very challenging to stay in the room the whole time as a beginner. Most of us are dehydrated to begin with, so many people feel dizzy or nauseated.  This is to be expected, and they prefer it if you don't leave the room, but to instead sit or lie down until it passes. They recommend having double the amount of water you normally drink during the days leading up to your first class.

Not only is it hard enough to be in the room, the poses are also difficult. However, I found that the second time through, they were much easier and some poses I was actually able to do all the way!

After 90 minutes, lots of stretching and breathing, and a couple of dizzy spells, I felt great. Leaving the "Torture Chamber" I felt refreshed and energetic. My friend mentioned she developed a headache, but wanted to come back again to get the full benefit of the classes (plus she paid for it!). If you want to challenge yourself whether you're a beginner in yoga or an old pro, I would recommend trying Bikram at least once.

Tips before you go:

• Drink LOTS of water. At least double the recommended amount
• Wear minimal clothing. Bathing suits, shorts, tank tops, sports bras, etc. You're going to be super sweaty. Stay away from cotton and stick to clothes that will breathe.
• Bring water, a yoga mat, a full sized towel, and a towel to wipe your face
• If you feel dizzy or nauseated at all, sit or lie down. Don't do more than your body can handle. It will pass.

Have you done Bikram? What are your thoughts? How does it compare to regular yoga?