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Bikram Yoga

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allison carr said #1 Dec 9, 2009 at 11:35am

Has anyone tried Bikram (hot) yoga? There is a studio close to my work and I really want to try it but am a little hesistant...

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Syeera said #2 Dec 9, 2009 at 11:41am

I did it for about a month. Honestly, I loved it and how it made me feel. My problem was the heat. I kept trying, but ultimately the heat was too much for me, and I always felt like I was about to pass out. But, I am also highly sensitive to heat. I would definitely suggest trying it - you will feel amazing if you can handle the heat.

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Whitney P said #3 Dec 9, 2009 at 7:18pm

Yes, and I love it! Some days I feel amazing through the whole class, and some days it seems like the hardest thing in the world. So, it's the kind of thing that you have to try a few times before you decide whether or not you like it. The heat gets a little intense, but it helps to be well-hydrated, so I always drink extra water throughout the day if I know I'm going to an evening Bikram class. All the instructors at my studio are really great about making new students feel welcome and are really big on not pushing yourself too far. You should definitely try it! Let me know if you have any specific questions on what to expect :)

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VegVirgo824 said #4 Dec 9, 2009 at 9:19pm

I have done a bikram yoga class and boy do I have respect for those who can do it! Like Syeera said, if you can tolerate the heat that it rocks. I decided it wasn't MY thing, but I would definitely give it a shot...Do you do any type of yoga?
If you haven't done yoga before I would take a beginners class first... it is tough at first but the more I did it the better I felt and now I am an official yoga addict. I say that is a pretty good addiction! :D

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YogaMama said #5 Dec 10, 2009 at 7:18pm

I taught Bikram for 1.5 years (well, "hot yoga" -- you can only call it Bikram if you're certified in one of his schools), and it's a wonderful practice. People were always very nervous to try the class but after taking it, the majority of them loved it and always came back. The heat softens your muscles considerably, getting you into deep poses more safely, and you also purge a ton of toxins by sweating profusely. You definitely have to stay well-hydrated on days you take Bikram or hot classes!

Generally, Bikram classes are primarily focused on the physicality of yoga practice, so if you're looking for a more holistic mind+body+spirit experience, another style will probably be more fulfilling. I always recommend mixing it up a bit though, and the beauty of yoga is that there's something for everyone. If you're a busy, 'Type A', go-go-go personality, focus on slower, more meditative practices but get in a good sweat-fest (Bikram, hot, flow, power) once every week or two. If you're more low-key and need help getting energized or motivated as a rule, keep your practice energetic most of the time but mix it up with something slower-paced every once in a while. Different style appeal to different people, so check them all out and go from there! :)

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Maureen said #6 Dec 10, 2009 at 8:30pm

I HEART Bikram yoga. When I was practicing regularly, my skin glowed and i swear I felt taller.

Give yourself at least 3 classes before you decide if you like it or not. It is intense. Just remember to breathe and pat yourself on the back for showing up, if the class gets tough.

Do it!

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Mandee S said #7 Dec 13, 2009 at 6:05pm

I really enjoyed it but I stopped going a few months ago (it was a little expensive). It is really warm but you get used to it and I always felt amazing afterwards.

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Lindsay said #8 Dec 14, 2009 at 9:30am

I love Bikram yoga! It's definitely hot, but at the same time if feels awesome to just sweat everything out. It's challenging, and will make your body feel amazing.

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JL said #9 Dec 14, 2009 at 7:59pm

I've done Bikram Yoga since I was 15! I'm 17 now.
I go 4~5 times a week and I just came back from a class and had dinner! :D:D
Love love love Bikram Yoga. I get toned and my muscles and spine are totally strong from it!

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Mallory Ellis said #10 Dec 19, 2009 at 7:39am

I love Bikram but have no close studios except for one that is about an hour away. I went to that class for a while but I found that she kept it WAY too hot (114 degrees plus) for me, I'm also very sensative to heat/cold. I think if you can find a hot yoga class that you can tolerate the heat at it's the most amazing class! My shoulder problems started to dissapear and I was only taking one class a wk, I haven't been able to weight train for a few years b/c it would always cause more harm than good. I say like a few others have, give it a few classes AND drink a water with electrolytes in it during class incase you have low blood sugar problems like me. I found coconut water was my best friend during class.

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