Bikram yoga is hot yoga, but hotter.
Maximize all the sweaty benefits with these expert tips.
For one thing, don’t expect your instructor to demonstrate the moves.
No matter where you practice, the dialogue between teacher and student stays the same.
Every studio has a soft carpet, which is more forgiving to joints than hardwood floors underneath youryoga mat.
“So if it stinks when you walk in, that’s good!
It’s not dirt, but just sweat, which is what we want,” she says.
(There’s a whole Netflix documentary about it, if you’re interested.)
What makes this practice so well-loved, and should you try it yourself?
Read on for everything it’s crucial that you know before you try Bikram yoga.
That said, research is limited on whether heated yoga has benefits over non-heated yoga.
How Hot Are Bikram Yoga Classes, Exactly?
Stepping into a sauna-steam room combo shouldn’t be a problem, especially if it’s midwinter.
The hard part is staying there for 90 minutes…and doing strengtheningyoga posesthe whole time.
It’s understandable to want to push through the practice, but you probably shouldn’t.
you’re able to also rely on props, likeyoga blocks, to ease your exertion levels.
(Some people have even been known to rock swimsuits in the Bikram studio.)
to watch yourself while performing the movements.
“Your sweat is helping to maintain normal body temperature,” says Bergman.
Aim to drink up to two liters (eight to nine cups) of water throughout the day.
Too much water too quickly might upset your stomach and leave you nauseated in class.
Same holds true during practice, so sip when you better, but don’t overdo it.
“Water sloshing around in your stomach doesn’t feel so good.
The goal isn’t to master every pose but to listen to your body and take care of yourself.
But don’t be hungry either.
Eat half a banana or a cup of applesauce for a pre-class energy boost, recommends Camaya.
After class, rehydrate andreplenish the electrolyteslost during practice withcoconut wateror an electrolyte drink.
If you decide to practice, avoid pushing anything too far to cut risks.
And as with any style of exercise, there’s a clear difference between discomfort and pain.
If you feel the latter, slowly back off a bit.
There’s no need to be overaggressive and force a posturein fact, less is more in yoga.
Then maybe in a week, you do 2%,” says McBride.
(Here’smore on whether hot yoga is actually safe.)
A good attitude is key, especially since everyone in the room feeds off each other’s energy.
“Come into the space ready to learn and absorb new material,” says Camaya.
“And don’t take yourself too seriously, folksit’s just yoga!”
