Everything You Need to Know Before Trying Bikram Yoga

Are you looking to try something new in your fitness routine? Bikram yoga might be just the workout you need to shake things up. This cult-favorite style of hatha yoga has gained popularity among celebrities and fitness enthusiasts alike. But before you jump into a class, there are a few things you should know.

First off, don’t expect your instructor to demonstrate the moves in Bikram yoga. Teachers are trained to guide you through the flow with verbal cues, creating a moving meditation experience. The dialogue between teacher and student remains consistent across all classes, no matter where you practice.

One thing you can definitely expect in a Bikram yoga class is a hot and sweaty environment. The room is heated to 105°F with 40% humidity, creating a sauna-like atmosphere. This intense heat is meant to help your body stretch, detoxify, relieve stress, and heal chronic pain. While the benefits of heated yoga are still being researched, many practitioners swear by the positive effects on their physical fitness.

If you’re a beginner to Bikram yoga, there are a few things to keep in mind. Arrive early to give yourself time to acclimate to the heat and introduce yourself to the teacher. Wear light, breathable clothing and be prepared to sweat—a lot. The practice consists of a sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, performed twice in a 90-minute class.

During the class, listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Hydrate before and after class, but avoid drinking too much water during the session. Eating lightly before class can help fuel your practice without feeling weighed down.

While there are potential risks to practicing hot yoga, such as overheating, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too far. Remember, discomfort is normal in yoga, but pain is not. Take it slow, focus on your breath, and enjoy the journey.

Give Bikram yoga a chance and see how it can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. With a positive attitude and an open mind, you might just find yourself falling in love with this challenging and rewarding practice. So, are you ready to roll out your mat and give Bikram yoga a try?