Bikram Yoga

I tried it two weeks ago for the first time and LOVED IT! I enjoy discipline and fast pace so it was
what I look for. My sister is the opposite and she hated it - she enjoys the relaxing, meditative yoga (that puts me to sleep). I also love the heat and sweating....the 90 minutes flew by.
I was visiting family out of town and since my return home, I have not found a studio within reasonable distance to take another class. If there was, I would be there at least once a week.

Some people love it, some hate it. Give it a try. If you don't like it, don't dismiss yoga. Here's a breakdown of the normal "kinds"

Most yoga classes are Hatha:
Ashtanga: follows a sequence in a rather warm room (about 90-92 degrees), as you gain ability, you can do other sequences. Generally has the quickest improvement rate - also has the most injuries.
Bikram - is a type of Ashtanga - room is hotter (95-105) - sequence is different.
Iyengar: use of props helps students find the correct pose. A lot of detail is paid to alignment - poses are held for a longer period of time. Has off shoots, just like Ashtanga - good for those with injuries or the perfectionist
Vinyasa flow - somewhere between Ashtanga and Iyengar - class focus is on standing poses, moving from one to the next - good for those that like to feel they got a workout in.
Viniyoga: a gentle yoga - alignment isn't as important - poses are not held for very long and you move in and out of them - good for the beginner and those with injuries

Kundalini yoga is not a type of Hatha - more chanting and breath work

Those are most the ones you will see out there. Let me know if you encounter one I haven't mentioned - that you want to try.

:bigsmile: enjoy :bigsmile:

lovelovelove hotyoga. i usually do it as a "break day" or relaxation treat for myself- or when I'm feeling really sore from the gym it is a great place to really limber up. nice to see the baove link says that it's burning a lot of calories, though, as much as a 60 min jog? not sure about that, but the hot room does bring your heart rate up, which is always good.

give it a try. don't be intimidated if you've overwhelmed at first, the heat can be a bit too much, just step out if you need to and go back for more- you'll get used to the heat! Also the poses are usually pretty good for all levels. I've got some major lack-of-flexibility issues and I still can participate fully!

I love it...I have been doing it for a few months and am hooked. I wear my heart rate monitor and can attest that you get both cardio and strength/flexibility building benefits. I think the calorie burn estimates on many websites are often somewhat exaggerated, but it is still impressive. I tend to burn between 375-500 (I think it varies depending on the heat/humidity and the instructor), which is not bad given that I am relatively small. I would encourage anyone to try it - it is challenging! You will love it or hate it, nothing between.