How to Participate in a Bikram Yoga Retreat

You can think of Bikram yoga retreats as yoga vacations, a chance to dedicate yourself to the practice while relaxing. Follow these steps to find a Bikram yoga retreat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Participate in a Bikram Yoga Retreat

1. Visit the official Web site for Bikram retreats (see Resources below). The site lists upcoming retreats including locations, cost and dates.
2. Arrange travel. Typically, yoga students travel separately and arrange their own flights or transportation from the airport. If you can find a list of students going on the retreat, you may be able to travel with a companion.
3. Reserve accommodations and flights early. Retreats can book quickly, especially if the destination is popular, such as Hawaii or Mexico. To ensure you can participate, book early and you may also be eligible for early-bird pricing.
4. Pack well. Include several yoga outfits, your trusty mat, props and some forms of identification.
5. Expect vegetarian cuisine. Many yoga centers follow a strict vegetarian diet.
6. Plan to share a room or yurt. Yurts are essentially half-tent and half-bedroom; they often have heat and electricity, but no fixed walls, ceilings or plumbing. By sharing your accommodations, the expense is reduced.

Know the Difference Between a Class and a Retreat

7. Enjoy extra yoga. Practice more than once daily to hone your body and discipline.
8. Enjoy your vacation. You often travel to faraway locations for Bikram classes, so enjoy the benefits, including the serene environment. Remember that you are not expected to adhere to a rigid schedule. You don't have to practice yoga at the scheduled times and you are free to wander and explore if you prefer.
9. Expect more individualized attention. Since you are paying more for your yoga, you can expect to receive more in-depth feedback and attention from the instructor leading the retreat.
10. Bond with other Bikram yogis. Retreats are often nationally advertised so you may be sharing your yoga vacation with people from other cities and studios.

Tips & Warnings

• Bikram yoga retreat classes are structured the same as any other Bikram class: hot room, 90 minutes of practice and 26 set poses.

Who Can Help: