Bikram yoga, also called hot yoga, is a type of yoga that uses 26 asanas, or postures, performed in a room that is heated to 105 degrees F. According to Bikram's Yoga College of India, this temperature helps soften the body to increase flexibility and aid in the cleansing process of yoga, helping to flush out toxins. It typically takes some time to get used to hot yoga and the demands it places on the body, but many people practice this type of yoga and reap its health benefits.
Step 1
Give it time. According to Pure Bikram Yoga of Austin, Texas, it may take three to five classes for your body to get acclimated to the heat. Take your second Bikram yoga class within 24 hours of your first one to get the most benefit out of it and help your body get used to it.
Step 2
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your Bikram yoga class. Bikram's Yoga College of India states that individuals should drink 2 liters of water a day for normal healthy functioning, and those doing hot yoga should double that amount.
Step 3
Dress in as little clothing as possible for Bikram yoga classes to keep yourself as comfortable as possible. Bikram's Yoga College of India recommends that men wear only shorts or a bathing suit, and women wear a bathing suit or a tank top and shorts. Make sure it is something in which you can easily move.
Step 4
Monitor your food and drink consumption. Decrease the amount of caffeinated drinks and processed foods you consume before going to a Bikram yoga class, as these can decrease your body's ability to tolerate heat, according to Bikram's Yoga College of India. The website Hot Yoga of Huntsville recommends eating a small snack at least two hours before class if you must. This will provide you with energy without making you feel nauseous, as a heavier meal would closer to class.
Tips and Warnings
- Showering shortly after each Bikram yoga class can help regulate your body temperature and wash off any toxins that have come to the surface of the skin, states Bikram's Yoga College of India.
- Do not try Bikram yoga without first talking to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to do, especially if you have high blood pressure problems or any other chronic disease. Get medical clearance from your doctor to ensure your safety.
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