Things You'll Need:
- Yoga mat
- Beach towel
- Large bottle of water
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Step 1
SCHEDULE MEALS AROUND THE BIKRAM YOGA CLASS. Keep in mind that you're going to be moving in all different directions in a very hot room. So, you definitely don't want to come to Bikram yoga class with a full belly. At the same time, you don't want your stomach to be growling with hunger. When attending an evening Bikram class, I usually try to eat a full meal about five or six hours beforehand, with a snack (e.g.., yogurt with nuts) about two hours prior. It's typically not recommended that you eat anything within a two-hour window of class, except for maybe some light fruit or fruit juice.
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Step 2
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! I learned this lesson the hard way when I almost fainted after leaving my first-ever Bikram yoga class. It's important to bring a large bottle of water to class to drink between poses. But, perhaps even more important is to come to the yoga studio properly hydrated. I typically drink approximately twice as much water during a day I plan to do Bikram yoga than on a non-yoga day.
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Step 3
DRESS FOR THE HEAT. Some Bikram yoga studios advise you to "dress for the beach." While I wouldn't recommend coming to class in a bikini, you will want to dress for the hot and humid conditions. For men, wearing shorts and going shirtless is acceptable. If you're not comfortable with this, a sleeveless shirt is also common. Women usually wear yoga shorts or less-than-full length yoga pants and a sleeveless yoga top. Due to the extreme heat, you'll want to wear clothing made for exercise, such as the "performance" wicking clothing readily available.
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Step 4
COME TO BIKRAM YOGA CLASS WITH THE PROPER SUPPLIES. Of course, you'll need a regular-sized yoga mat. Because you'll be sweating so much, you'll also want to bring a beach towel to place over the mat. You may also want to bring a small towel or washcloth to wipe off your face during postures. And, don't forget your large bottle of water!
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Step 5
KEEP AN OPEN MIND. Even if you've done different types of yoga in the past, you may find Bikram at first strange and uncomfortable. But, give it at least three lessons before you decide it isn't for you. Many yoga studios will offer a low introductory rate that includes a specified number of classes during a certain timeframe, e.g., 10 classes in 10 days. So, go a few times and experience different instructors and let your body get used to this hot form of exercise. After a few classes, you may find you're hooked on the heat!
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Step 6
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. For more information or to locate a Bikram yoga studio near you, go to www.bikramyoga.com.
