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Bikram Yoga: Hot or Not?
What’s all this hot yoga talk? What IS it exactly?
According to Mayo Clinic, hot yoga is a vigorous form of yoga performed in a studio that is heated to 105 F (40 C) and has a humidity of 40 percent. The formal name for hot yoga is Bikram.
Bikram yoga is a 90-minute program that consists of a series of 26 postures. The postures require lengthy, forceful and well-controlled contractions of all major muscle groups. The demanding nature of the poses and the heat are designed to raise your heart rate and tire your muscles.
Because of its intensity and potential to cause heat-related illness, hot yoga isn’t for everyone. Be sure you check with your doctor before trying hot yoga if you have any health concerns.
If you have heart disease, problems with dehydration or heat intolerance, or have had heat-related illness (such as heatstroke) in the past, it is probably best to skip hot yoga. Pregnant women should also pass on this type of yoga.
Source: www.yoganonymous.com
What to expect:
It does feel much like a rainforest, and you will be sweating buckets.
The exercises are not difficult at all, and if you’re not flexible, no worries! You’re basically doing light stretching for 90 minutes (some sessions are only 60).
Oh, and to all the ladies: Leave off the makeup and wear light workout attire i.e. shorts and a tanktop. No sweatpants or sweatshirts!
What to bring (aside from the yoga mat):
- Water – Hydrate whenever you can. The instructors usually will break for water in between some poses.
- Towel – You will sweat, so just be prepared for that.
There are an endless number of pros and cons when it comes to hot yoga that you should be mindful of before trying out for the first time! It’s always good to be prepared for something very different and new. If you have no health concerns and you want to try a hot yoga class, be sure to drink plenty of water, and stop if you feel dizzy, lightheaded or sick in any way.
Give it a try, let us know your experience, and tell us if you think Bikram is HOT or NOT!
