Bikram Yoga

MelAb8709

I've been to several Bikram classes at different studios and it is the exact same each time - same poses, order of poses, and script. It's 90 minutes long - it's kind of a committment. It is not the kind of yoga class where you can run errands on the way home because you will look like you have just jumped in a pool. Completely soaked, head to toe, you'll be able to wring out your shirt no matter what it's made of.

So wear as little as you feel comfortable!

I will say that I don't find yoga to be spiritual, but I do find Bikram to be cleansing. It's not enjoyable while it's happening, but afterward you will feel like you've just had a massage. During the class, if you can't handle the heat you are welcome to lay down and rest. It's not considered proper etiquette to leave the room and come back - if you need to leave, do so but don't go in and out because it's disruptive to the rest of the class. They will tell you that it's normal to feel nauseous or dizzy during some of the poses - have common sense. If you feel you might vomit, don't push through it. Take a break, drink some water, and lie down.

There are hot yoga studios where the classes are 1) not 90 minutes long, 2) not 115 degrees but anywhere from 80 - 100+ degrees, and 3) not the exact same every time so you get a lot more variety.

I also agree you're not going to burn a ton of calories. You'll sweat a ton and may feel lighter because of that afterward, but unless you couple it with diet and other exercise, I doubt it really helps to burn fat.

Hj723

I do it regularly. It's great. And it's extremely challenging. As far as the calories burned per session I'm not sure but I will tell you this.

My heart rate gets pretty up there. My next seesion I'll wear my HRM as I'm curious myself.

And just a little tip. DON'T sit directly under the heater on your first session as it get's a little intense.

THIS!!! I did this my first day now I know better! I can't even believe I went back, but I'm loving it!

lhergenr

I second the YogiToes, but I'd try it with just a large beach towel on your mat the first few times to see if you like it. YogiToes towels are around $60 each

Edit: I'd try regular hot yoga first if you haven't, It's hot but not 105-115F hot.

I didn't know there was a regular hot yoga! I will do a search for that as well. And thanks for the tip on the beach towel!

I've never done bikram yoga but I do hot yoga once a week. I guess the main difference is that bikram is a specific sequence of poses? Anways, I always wear something form fitting because it's annoying to be in a pose like an inversion and have your shirt come up to your head!