I remember my first brush with Bikram Yoga. Or rather I somehow remember everything leading up to the class and everything after the class (including a cheeky Starbucks after!) …yet somehow, I don’t remember the experience of the class.
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| EssentElle’s ๐ Bikram Basics |
I decided to go along again on Sunday. Since my first class, I maybe did 4-5 classes every 6 months and then I haven’t been for well over a year which brings me to today. I’m not sure wholeheartedly why I decided to return but I think it’s something to do with the fact I’m trying to make an effort with my flexibility goal…trying to do more yoga…and erm, that’s it!
For those of you who don’t even know what Bikram Yoga is (as described by HBY in their FAQ’s):
“Bikram Yoga is a style of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury and which
consists of a series of 26 postures (asanas) carried out in a heated room.”
…when they say heat, they mean 40 degrees celsius. For 90 minutes. Oh and then they list some benefits of Bikram Yoga so more good reason for me (us) to go?!
Bikram Yoga benefits:
- Provides total body workout
- Helps sport (and other) injuries
- Improves posture
- Eases back pain
- Increases flexibility and strength
- Reduces stiffening of joints
- Boosts energy levels
- Detoxes and cleanses
- Relieves tension
- Relaxes the body and mind
I have to admit, I did feel pretty good after I left the studio on Sunday afternoon. However, there were many moments of discomfort throughout the 90 minutes; moments where I considered leaving and battled with myself to remain and dig deeper. The first half of the class contains standing postures with the second half being on the floor. During the standing postures I couldn’t wait to hit the floor; then I hit the floor and decided I liked the standing postures more!
If you’re thinking of attending your first ever Bikram Yoga class, here are a few EssentElle’s you will need / should take to ensure you enjoy the experience as much as possible!
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| EssentElle’s: Bikram Basics ๐ |
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| mat towel…grip & absorbency |
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| towel, water & post bikram snack |
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| easiest kit to choose…bra and shorts ๐ |
…oh and maybe I should have included a plastic bag to put your soggy, sweaty clothes and towel in after class?! …and a headband is pretty darn useful for catching sweat before it rolls into your eyes… ๐
Elle’s Extra Bikram Yoga Tips:
*take a quick shower pre class to remove lotions etc which will make your sweat sting if it gets in your eyes
*DRINK LOTS OF WATER BEFORE & AFTER CLASS ESPECIALLY. I stayed hydrated with some Nuun throughout the day and regular water during class.
*take a snack with you to nibble on after class
*when you feel like you can’t take anymore, take a seat and regain composure until you are ready to rejoin!
Have you been to Bikram Yoga classes before?!What was your experience?
Are you thinking of trying Bikram Yoga?
Elle
I haven't not done a Bikram class in ages. I must do another one. I totally loved it, I just wish classes were more local. I have to be visiting my parents if I want to do a class.
They are not cheap either eh?! So probably a good thing you can only partake on the odd occasion! I am attempting* (*attempting being the operative word) to go every other Sunday!! …due to go next Sunday… hmmmm! ๐ x
I did Bikram once on a hangover, worst idea ever in the whole world. I felt awful throughout the whole 90 minutes. But, afterwards my hangover was completely gone, not that I would recommend!
hahaha! I won't tell anyone ๐ …It's difficult enough when on top form so I have no idea how you suffered the 90 mins on a hangover! ๐