Every month, Fitness Fad road tests a new or non-mainstream fitness activity to discover if it lives up to its hype, so you don’t have to find out the hard way!. This month our Fitness Fad members Emily and Natalie, tried out Bikram Yoga, also commonly known as ‘hot yoga’
A unique series of 26 Hatha Yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises performed in a heated room which has been claimed to be an unsurpassed as a way of bringing vitality, health and an incredible sense of wellbeing.
We were really intrigued about the Bikram Yoga, but also a little nervous having read reviews and heard stories from friends where “You’ll be sick” and “It’s really hot” were amongst the most frequent comments. However, as soon as we arrived we were put at ease as the staff were really happy and reassuring.
From the moment we stepped into the room, we knew this was going to be a very different experience from any other class we had tried in the past. The smell was the first thing that hit us – like a sweaty old gym bag that has been sat there a little long – but the atmosphere was strangely relaxing. It was really busy when we arrived and had to squeeze our towels onto the floor. The heat was unbelievable and about 20 minutes into our class we realised that the room hadn’t been at its maximum temperature when we’d initially stepped in.
The class runs through 26 poses and lasts for 90 minutes in total. The aim of the first class is to try and last 90 minutes in the heat – we were sweating more than we ever have with several moments of nausea mixed in with light-headedness!
The instructor doesn’t run through the moves with you but instead stands on a
small stage with a microphone, it’s a little like having a fitness tape played so you rely on watching the more experienced members of the group.
The class was difficult, mostly due to the heat, but with the determination of an ox we powered through, not giving in but taking essential breaks and sips of water. At the end of the 90 minutes we were pretty eager to get out and feel the fresh air!
Personally, I don’t either of us would look to go again but if you can handle the heat then we can certainly see the benefits of the stretching side to the yoga. One of the attendees of the class has been going for three months and he was really seeing results.
This class isn’t for everyone but it’s well worth a try if you enjoy yoga and would like to push yourself a little further with your poses.
Natalie and Emily tried a class with Bikram Yoga Bristol - you can find out more information at www.bikramyogabristol.com or call 0117 9300 454
Other September Articles
The facts about milk>
10 tips for weight reduction>
Laugh your way to good health>
Back to Friendly Forum >
Other monthly articles>