What You Need to Know About Bikram Yoga

Spending 90 minutes inside of a heated room (usually at 105 degrees with 50 percent humidity) performing 26 different yoga postures in a sequence might not exactly sound like a good time. However, this nationwide fitness craze has, without doubt, garnered thousands of religious practitioners. So, there must be something to it, right? And who better to answer questions about this yoga practice than co-owner of the very first Bikram yoga studio in New York City? Donna Rubin of New York’s Bikram Yoga NYC breaks down the basics and discusses the results Bikram yogis can expect so you’ll know what to expect when you try out this “hot” workout.

1. Start slowly

Be sure to go at your own pace if you’re brand-new to Bikram. “As a beginner, we always recommend that you come to the class with an open mind and be patient,” says Rubin. “As a beginner, you need your body to get used to the heat. Some people adjust very quickly and others take more time.”

Rubin also says that the biggest mistakes new Bikram students make are pushing themselves too hard. If you need to, take breaks as needed.

2. Bikram is designed for beginners

Don’t get too nervous before your first class. The entire workout is designed for someone who has never taken Bikram before stepping foot into a studio. “The class is designed for the absolute beginner with no experience,” Rubin says. “The postures are very simple, and you only do as much as you can on any given day.”

3. To beat the heat, hydrate and know where to place your mat

Rubin also recommends coming to class well-hydrated before hitting the mat. She suggests drinking coconut water before and during a Bikram session to ensure that you don’t lose too many electrolytes from all the sweating. According to Rubin, where you stand in the room is important too. Some spots will be cooler than others. Be sure to ask your instructor beforehand so you can pick a place that’s not  sweltering. This is especially important for beginners.

4. Wear the right clothes

You’ll want to leave your long yoga pants and baggy sweats at home. Rubin says she’s seen new students wear the inappropriate clothing and that it can make your practice uncomfortable. Instead, come dressed in tanks and shorts that are designed to wick away sweat. It will help you deal with the heat. And speaking of the intense heat, embrace it. “You’ll have to be prepared to sweat more than you ever have before. Don’t fight the sweat,” says Rubin.

5. You’ll get what you put into your practice

“The health benefits from practicing Bikram yoga are the same as any other yoga practice except that because of the heat you feel the results much faster. The most obvious benefit to practicing in the heat is almost immediate improvement in your flexibility,” Rubin says. “You also feel extremely relaxed and very clear minded and full of energy. The health benefits are numerous. I like to say that whatever benefit you are hoping to receive by starting a yoga practice, you will get that benefit and many others that you never even thought of.”

If that sounds too good to be true, you’ll just have to try it and see for yourself.

Are you a fan of Bikram or “Hot Yoga”?

For more on Fitness, check out our features here.

All images via Thinkstock