Bikram Yoga

I went to the World Headquarters of Bikram Yoga on La Cienaga in Los Angeles on September 1, 2009. The tension mounted in anticipation of an intense yoga session in an extreme climate. The paint in the hall way was peeling off the walls. The temperature in the hall way, main studio and outside was about 75 degrees. Inside the studio, I knew it was a much hotter 100-110 degrees farrenheit!

The studio and main office was filled with pictures of celebrities, athletes, body builders and high profile people. I paid $20 for a 90 minute class that lasted almost 2 hours. I was allowed access to the older locker room, bathroom and steam room. Plus, I was allowed 2 towels and a mat. I brought 3 16oz bottles of water, it takes place in a massive studio about 80'x30'. There was carpeting, mirrors on all the walls, 2 exit doors into the hallway and one door to the street.

Jessica, the instructor, sat in a large white armed, cushioned chair on a pedistal in front of the class. She had a clear view of the 33 students in her 7pm class. There were about 30 women and 3 men in the class. Most of the students were not in great shape. Some were flexible and able to do the full class. 10 were not able to complete the class and just sat in the hot room thinking they were getting a workout... I think the hot temperature can give a false sense of exercise. Just because you are sweating does not mean your muscles, heart and lungs are working hard. The physical contraction of muscles that puts a greater demand on the heart and lungs to circulate blood is what makes us stronger and healthier;)

The poses were not very intense. All of the classes are for beginners. The class was a good stretch but not a very intense workout. The hot temperature was the hardest thing about the class. I believe the poses are great for you, especially all of the 'hollowing out'. Working out in hot temperatures like this could be good for letting water retention out of the skin or adipose tissue. If you are looking to go to the beach or if you have a photo shoot this may be a good thing to do prior. I think there could be benefits to this kind of workout for people that are tight or inflexible. One time a week should be enough for tight people and 2 times/week for very tight people (people who can not touch there toes). I would not use this as my primary form of exercise because it is more work for your body to cool down than it is to do the work itself. This means your internal organs are working hard to cool itself. Be cautious if you do try this class because the temperature is so hot, you may not realize how far you are stretching and can accidentally push yourself too far into a painful range of motion that your body is not used to.

Definitely bring at least 2 bottles of water and take a drink every 15 minutes or each time the instructor allows for it. Hydrate 1 hour before by drinking 16oz of water and within an hour after by drinking another 16oz of water. Ask your doctor if this kind of yoga can be good for you. It may be a good idea to have a physical exam prior to starting an exercise program if you are over the age of 49:)