I’ve mentioned Bikram Yoga in a few posts here and there, but sometimes visuals do so much more than words can. Here it is – Bikram Yoga straight from the horse’s mouth – Bikram Choudhury’s interview with CBS:
Preparing for Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is no joke! This is tough stuff, making it all the more important to be well prepared and know what to expect before going to a Bikram Yoga class.
Hydrate! One of the most important things is to get water into your system! You’re going to be in a 105 degree heated room with a humidity level of 40%! Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your practice. The hot yoga room is going to increase fluid loss due to all that sweating you’re about to do. Being properly hydrated will also help prevent fatigue. It takes about 30 minutes for water to fully absorb into your system, so try to drink a lot of water at least an hour before your class starts. I’ve made the mistake of going into class dehydrated and just trust me on this one, it was no fun at all. Please don’t be stupid like me.
Confessions of a Yogi-Wannabe
Do you ever have those days when you walk into a yoga class (or any other workout) and know that it’s going to be one of those off days? I mostly do Bikram Yoga, so my bad days kind of start like this – from the moment I wake up I debate for 10 minutes in my head whether or not I want to go before I finally drag my lazy butt out of bed. As I drive to class I am still having this ongoing debate in my head, but somehow convince myself that I’ll feel great afterwards. I walk into the yoga room and start feeling lightheaded and get that inkling of a headache. Uh-oh, I already know it’s going to be a long 1.5 hours, but I can’t leave now! I have trouble breathing from the first pose and my balance is even worse than usual. (more…)