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Bikram Yoga Is Addictive!

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Why is Bikram Yoga So Addictive?

Bikram Hot Yoga is probably one of the more eccentric styles of yoga promoted in the western world. For some reason I find its 105F degree heated yoga studio and 26 yoga poses (the same ones each class!) totally addictive ... the only one that keeps me coming back anyway. Not only that, some classes are downright HARD! I thought you might like to know more about it as there are some things I wish I had known before starting out ...

Learn more about Bikram's Yoga Series

Basic information about the Bikram Series

Bikram Choudury (shown here with his wife Rajashree) is the full name of the guy who put this series of ancient poses together with the help of his own guru, he turned up the heat in the room and before he knew it, he had his own following.

He's a bit of a character, claiming to have taught yoga to the stars, but he does live in Hollywood, so it is probably true.

Bikram published a book about the poses used in the series in 1978 which was updated in 2000.

The classic Bikram Yoga series uses 26 postures and two breathing exercises (one at the start, the other at the end) during a 90 minute class.

About half of the class (the first half) are standing poses, the remaining half on the floor.

The poses are supposed to be for beginners, but they can be hard for anyone, they're just not dangerous or likely to cause any injury, which is good.

So why is it sooo addictive?

I think it's because you get to know the poses so quickly and the early results are very encouraging (once you get past the acclimatization issues - see below).

I just love how that reluctant feeling on starting a class of "Oh I should have stayed at home and chilled out ..." turns into an unbelievable extreme opposite at the end of class of "my God this is REALLY doing me some good".

Maybe it is the intensity of the heat and reasonable pace, as well as not having to wait for a teacher to demo a pose (as in plenty of other non-Bikram and boring classes I've been to in my search for the perfect workout) - you just get stuck into each pose and it feels awesome making progress in every class.

I've also noticed I'm much calmer in the rest of my life ... my class-mates say the same thing. It seems to attract the high-achiever and the combination of stretching, circuit-training-like routine and all the "moving meditation" (as my teacher calls it) gets rid of the cobwebs.

Watch out though, it does get very addictive!

Nice overview of a Bikram class

Only 3 minutes long but worth a look as it gives you a good idea ... voice-over a bit "travelog-style" but has good content.
Bikram Yoga
by lexisone | video info

397 ratings | 1,142,317 views
curated content from YouTube
Important!

Take it steady and slowly!

Some of my gung-ho (male) friends have got stuck into me about how yoga is for girls (ha!). I took them to a Bikram class - now they stay strangely quiet.

So don't go too hard in your first few classes or you won't acclimatize. Teachers say it takes 2-3 weeks to get used to the poses, the heat and hydrating enough before class.

Bikram's Beginner Yoga Book

The original book

It's written from the amusing point of view of a beginner - if you've already done some Bikram classes, this will make you laugh with painful familiarity ...
Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class (Second Edtion)

Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class (Second Edtion)

by: Bonnie Jones Reynolds, Bikram Choudhury

Amazon Price: $9.88 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

“What are the 26 Bikram Yoga poses? Check the links in this lens for several sources!”

Some great Bikram Yoga resources for you ...

There are only a few places that don't just repeat the Bikram official line (though I've given you the official site here - and very good it is too) so have a browse through.

Hint hint: You'll find some good photos that you can print out and practice at home too!
Bikram HQ
The home site of the man and his wife (also a great teacher - Rajashree - she has a nice pregnancy series too).
Bikram Yoga Poses
Probably the nicest set of photos of the Bikram series. The site has a huge range of info and a handy free guide (though you'll need to give your email address in exchange ...)
Need to find a Bikram Class 1
Once again, the official site with links to Bikram studios worldwide
Need to find a Bikram Class 2
Privately run, also has studio reviews.
Hot Yoga Blog & Forum
Newly launched blog & forum seems to have intelligent answers to some common physical issues and difficult questions not usually addressed online. Anyone can look at the forum, but you'll need to register to post questions though (it's free).

The Bikram Yoga essentials

What do you need to get started?

Thinking about getting hooked to Hot Yoga yourself? Here's what you'll need to start.
  1. A Bikram Yoga studio nearby. Best way to get started is to watch others.
  2. Suitable clothing - I found yoga gear made from lycra or swimming-type materials the best as it lets the sweat through. Cotton materials or baggy pants will have you expiring from the heat (even a baggy t-shirt is not a good idea). Try to let some skin show - you'll thank me for it in class!
  3. A water bottle for during class.
  4. Your own mat. Don't even think about using a second hand sweaty mat. And make it a thin mat - thick ones won't help your balancing poses.
  5. A towel for your mat and another towel for after class shower or cool-down.
  6. Change of clothes if you are using your car or taking public transport ... yuk. I'd recommend not going on a date immediately after class, but later that night with your recent "yoga-glow" you might get lucky.
  7. Don't eat 2 hours beforehand - and if it is heavy food, make that 4 hours.
  8. Keep your fluids up. Drink plenty of water before and after class (stop about 45 mins before or you'll be uncomfortable).
  9. A plastic bag to put all your used clothes and towels in after class.

Hot Yoga Forum

See what they're asking about Bikram Yoga & Hot Yoga

This is from the Hot Yoga Doctor's forum - a place to ask questions about your hot yoga practice or just read about issues other people have.
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Thanks for dropping by! Leave me a note ...

Hi there - let me know what you thought and if there is anything you'd like me to add!

  • anneka-moncrieff Apr 20, 2012 @ 11:58 am | delete
    Thank you, this has been very helpful :)
  • BunnyFabulous Apr 16, 2012 @ 2:30 pm | delete
    Great advice for a Bikram newbie. I've done Bikram yoga for several different seasons in life, and you give some good tips about taking it easy during your first classes. It kicks my butt, but it's the best workout I've ever done. Wish I could afford the classes more often.
  • shoefiend Dec 8, 2011 @ 12:15 am | delete
    I am taking my first class this week, thanks for sharing some info on it. Im even more excitied after viewing your lens! thanks
  • PixieSeth Dec 1, 2010 @ 5:08 pm | delete
    $375 for 4 Months of Unlimited Bikram Yoga and Mat Cleaning and Mat Storage!
    at Bikram Yoga Union Square - 841 Broadway, Ste 608 btw 13th and 14th Street.
    Best teachers, cleanest studio and showers, spacious, airy and smells good unlike other studios.
    I will transfer my package to you on location. It is cash only.
    Unlimited Hot Yoga all winter long!
    One month costs of unlimited yoga usually cost $180. Half Price!!! Act Now!!
    Contact: Pixie at pixiestixx@hotmail.com
  • Color_Expert Oct 12, 2010 @ 7:24 pm | delete
    I'm addicted to Bikram yoga. Someone once told me your mind tries to talk you out of going but your body walks you back to class anyway. Yep no matter how much I think I don't need to go pretty soon someone I end up back at class...and feeling so glad I came.
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Some more Bikram Yoga resources for you!

I was just mooching around and found a couple more sites that had some good stuff ...
Locking The Knee?
Here's a great hub page about locking the knee - has a good photo "before and after" and some tips for "getting this".
Bikram on Wikipedia
Read more about Bikram Yoga on Wikipedia - it's quite interesting how even yogi masters have control issues (apparently there was a copyright controversy a few years ago).

I found some more interesting resources on Facebook ...

Hmmm ... seems that us yoginis don't mind a bit of social networking!
Hot Yoga Resources
Here's a Facebook page that has discussion and links to free Hot Yoga information and books. You can be a fan and get automatic updates.
Bikram Yoga Is Amazing
Here's a Facebook group with over 2,500 enthusiasts - maybe you'll find a new hot yoga friend!

by

HotYogini

HotYogini is a lover of many things, Bikram Yoga among them. She loves the workout and intensity and wishes she could do it full-time. Oh well!

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