Look Hot, Feel Hot Yoga

Friday 9 March 2025 - Filed under Beauty and Health + General Knowledge-Research-Reading

With fans including Madonna and Britney Spears, this style of yoga has recently blown up around the world as the place to get your yoga on. It’s called Bikram yoga and trust us, it’s HOT.

What is it?

Bikram Yoga was developed from Hatha Yoga. It is a 26-posture sequence that repeats twice making a 90 minute routine. The catch? The practice takes place in a studio heated to 40 degrees Celcius.

Below are the poses that are performed:

Why try it?

Along with the usual benefits of Yoga, it is claimed that due to the heat and the sweat being produced, many toxins are released from the body. It also keeps all of your muscles warm allowing for less stress on your body (especially people with injuries) and easier flexibility and movement.

Some beginners tips for Bikram yoga:

• Trial it first. Most studios offer a trial period (either free or for a small non-contracted fee) which will allow you to get a feel fornot only the class, but the studio too. Make sure you feel comfortable and welcome there, otherwise you will not want to keep attending.
• Bring a buddy. Having a buddy to bring along to each session not only makes you feel more at ease in a new place (and doing awkward poses in front of strangers) but you can also motivate each other to keep attending classes.
• Wear breathable workout gear. Many hot yoga participants basically wear a glorified bra and underwear set due to the excessive sweating. You, however, can simply opt for something highly breathable so that you don’t feel like you’re wearing 5kgs of sweat-filled attire.
• Get a hot yoga toweling mat (if you’re looking to do this regularly). Due to the sweat, a regular yoga mat just won’t cut it as you’ll be slipping and sliding all over the place which can be highly distracting. You can also just bring a regular towel with you. At the class, you’ll slowly learn what works best for you.
• Bring a big bottle of water with you to rehydrate yourself after your session and also keep hydrated throughout the day BEFORE you session. DO NOT opt for energy drinks or sports drinks. Water is your best friend! And if you need some flavour, then reach for some organic coconut water.
• Learn your studios rules BEFORE you go to your session. Many Bikram studios have strict rules such as not allowing people to leave the room for the first 30 minutes, or not being allowed water until the 3rd pose. Have a friendly chat to the instructors so you know what to expect.

Alenka has become a recent fan. Here’s what she has to say about her experience:

“After recently hearing all of the amazing benefits of Bikram Yoga, I decided to start taking some classes for myself to see what all the fuss was about. I must admit that during the first session, I didn’t think I would be able to make it all the way through as I have never experienced so much sweating with any other activity before. It’s no wonder though as you are practicing in a room heated to 40-degrees!

Once it was all over, however, I felt so energized and amazing that I continued to attend 6 classes over 10 days. After each class you feel cleansed of any toxins, your skin feels soft and toned plus I feel like I look younger and have less wrinkles. It’s almost like a natural microdermabrasion!

Since my trial sessions, I have now persuaded my daughter to join me 4 times per week and we are both loving it. Not only do I feel more energized on a daily basis but I am more focused, especially in my business pursuits. I am also hoping to improve my knees through my yoga practice due to a pain that still remains from a bad car accident that I had 20 years ago and has always limited me in certain sports.”

Alenka attends Bikram Yoga Gold Coast. Click here for more information on them.

Give it a try for yourself. You’ll either love it or hate it but what have you got to lose except maybe a few toxins? And just remember, the first session may be uncomfortable but don’t give up just because that was hard. Push through that mental barrier and you may surprise yourself and be all that much more healthier for it!

Happy weekend all!

2025-03-09  »  admin