Bikram Yoga class involves 26 postures in 90 minutes
HOT Yoga, or as it is better known, Bikram Yoga is definitely worth trying.
It's not for everyone, I reckon you hate it or love it.
Essentially Bikram Yoga was devised from traditional Hatha yoga postures, but they are done in a heated room.
A Bikram Yoga class runs for exactly 90 minutes and consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Ideally, Bikram Yoga is done in a room heated to just over 40°C with a humidity of 40%.
But what's it like? Well firstly, as soon as you walk into the room - be warned, the smell is not for the faint-hearted.
Interestingly, you quickly get used to the odour, but get to your class early and make sure you are not too hemmed in.
While it's hot, it can feel like too much if you are also crowded in.
The actual 90 minute workout is considered by many to be of an Olympic standard.
Make no mistake; it's really, really hard.
While the heat didn't bother me that much, I find some of the postures extremely difficult, especially the balance exercises.
Can you imagine how hard it is to stand on one leg, with the other leg balanced on your sweaty upper thigh? Not easy.
But these are the downsides to Bikram.
One of the advantages of working out in heat is that it is less likely that you will injure, strain or sprain yourself, as you are warmed up.
Another advantage of the heat is it acts like a major detox.
Your skin feels amazing after a Bikram class, plus you seriously burn off calories, you feel like you've run a marathon in a heat wave!
While I personally like Bikram, my problem is the time factor.
By the time I get to the class early, have a quick shower, get a place in the room, do the class, have another shower - this time washing and conditioning my hair and get dressed, it takes at least two and a half hours. And that's before you travel.
For me Bikram is great as a once in a while detox session, or when I feel like a serious workout.
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