Bikram Yoga is a vigorous style where practitioners perform poses in a heated room ideally kept at a temperature of 105 degrees. Hot Yoga is traditionally taught in a room heated between 95-100 degrees.
Living yoga master Bikram Choudhury is a Hot Yoga innovator. His method is a set series of 26 yoga poses, each of which are performed twice in a single 90 minute class. Bikram Choudhury believes practicing yoga in the heated studio facilitates deeper stretching and prevents injuries, while reducing stress and tension.
If you are interested in practicing Bikram Yoga, verify the studio you choose has been certified to teach Bikram Yoga. Bring your own yoga mat and towel to class, because you will sweat a lot. Wear minimal clothing for the same reason. Drink plenty of water before and after class so you don’t get dehydrated. It is not advisable to eat during the two hours before class.
Due to the high temperature of the studio, it is common for Hot Yoga practitioners to experience dizziness or nausea. It is not advisable for pregnant women to practice Bikram Yoga or other forms of Hot Yoga.