The room is heated to 40ºC and it’s full of incredibly sweaty people, many of whom are wearing little more than their underwear. The instructor asks the class to come out of the ‘dead man pose’, or Savasna, and leads the class in a chorus of loud breathing, followed by a series of challenging stretches. Taking part in a Bikram yoga class for the first time is a surreal experience.
Many will agree that it’s not a comfortable environment in which to do anything but lie down, let alone exercise. Side effects for beginners include headaches, dizziness and nausea. And towards the end of the first session, it’s fair to say that you can’t wait to get out and shake off that dreadful feeling of claustrophobia. So why do it?
Created by yoga master Bikram Choudhury, this form of yoga consists of 26 Hatha yoga poses designed to work the whole body in the correct order. As well as making your body sweat out toxins, the heat ensures your muscles are warm and relaxed, making stretching easier and safer – some people find they can stretch further than they thought possible. After a few sessions, the body acclimatises to the heat, making the class enjoyable, energising and, believe it or not, addictive.
What are the Benefits of Bikram Yoga?
There’s nothing better for the body and mind than plenty of water and a balanced diet. One benefit of Bikram yoga is that it forces you to be mindful of what you eat, when you eat, and how much water you drink on a daily basis. It’s imperative that students are well hydrated before, during and after a class, and that a well-balanced meal is eaten at least one hour before a session. Instructors cannot stress this enough, and class websites offer nutritional guides for those about to embark on their first Bikram experience.
Those who have tried other forms of yoga may be surprised to find that the first half of a Bikram yoga class is, in fact, a cardiovascular workout. It is shocking to find your heart pounding against your chest after performing a series of slow stretches – something that doesn’t happen when the same stretches are done at room temperature – so it’s comforting when the instructor calmly informs you that this is normal.
For a practice that sounds extreme and unnatural, Bikram claims to be something that almost anyone can take part in, whether you are eight, or 80, a ‘yoga virgin’ or ‘yoga bunny’. No one is forced to carry on if they feel they are not able – students are simply encouraged to sit or lie down. All the instructors ask, and constantly repeat, is that you “stay in the room” until the session ends.
Here are some websites for Bikram classes in London.
