Don’t know about you, but Bikram Yoga sounds like an awesome workout yet very intimidating. The room is heated to 105 degrees (isn’t it hot enough outside already?), you’re working out in a pool of your own sweat and you may walk away feeling a bit nauseous and dizzy (especially if you’re a newbie). So, what’s the draw?
Bikram Yoga is a 26-posture sequence selected and developed by Bikram Choudhury from Hatha Yoga. It is practiced in heat to enhance the body’s flexibility in order to reshape it from the inside out and flush away its toxins. This practice provides a natural irrigation of the body and brings nourishment to keep your body healthy. The heat furthers this cleanse: When you sweat, impurities are flushed out of the body through the skin.
We found a few helpful tips to help ease you into this practice.
1. Drink a lot of water. Be sure to hydrate throughout the day, not just right before the class. Try to cut down on caffeinated beverages and processed foods. And, don’t eat two hours beforehand since it’s best to do yoga on an empty stomach.
2. Bring your own mat. You’ll want to stay away from the sweaty mats!
3. Bring a towel. A hand towel will help absorb sweat from your body and wipe slippery puddles from your mat.
4. Wear comfortable, fitted attire. Think tank tops, sports bras and spandex shorts. Stay away from baggy clothes, they’ll become annoyingly heavy with sweat.
5. Go at your own pace. You’re probably not used to working out in this kind of heat, so take breaks for air and water whenever necessary. And, it’s normal to feel dizzy, nauseous or overly tired. It will take your body several weeks to adjust to the extreme heat and challenging poses.
Ready to jump in and join the craze? Let’s do it!
Source: Fit Sugar, “What to Expect from Your First Bikram Yoga Class,” July 17, 2012
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Want to try yoga for yourself? Check out Pure Yoga, our favorite spot in NYC to practice whether you are an expert or a first timer!
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