Hot yoga nightmare
Last night I tried out a Bikram yoga class at a local Toronto studio. It has been about five years since my last Bikram experience, so I thought I would give it another go. The only thing I really remember about the last time I did this type of yoga was that I got a badge that said “I survived X’s Bikram yoga class”. Oh and I ended up with a horrible migraine.
A friend of mine had never tried it before, though, so I decided to accompany her – how bad could it be? I like the heat, I’m in decent shape and I’ve been going to hot yoga at Moksha off and off for a while.
I think the email I wrote immediately after sums up how I felt:
Words can’t describe how I feel right now. I thought I was going to throw up.
I did forget to mention in the email that I was scared as well. For a number of reasons, but the top two are:
* You aren’t allowed to leave the room for the entire 90 minute class.
* The instructor was kind of mean – I think that’s the style, but seriously this felt like yoga for sado-masochists.
Apparently it does get better but I think it is going to take me another five years to get over this. Hot yoga at Moksha is something I much prefer.
Simply put this type of yoga is not for me, but as they say one person’s trash another person’s treasure. So, if you like to sweat and love the idea of pushing yourself beyond your normal range of flexibility this could be for you. Just Google “bikram yoga toronto” if you are interested in trying out a class and I’m sure something will come up in your neighborhood.
Tagged as: bikram · experience · toronto · Yoga
I agree – I've been doing Moksha and other hot styles for about a year now, but I hated the one Bikram class I did. Anyways, it might be the original “branded” hot yoga but I don't see why it should be any more valid than other styles. Stick to the classes you love!
Glad to know others have had similar experiences with bikram!
The one time I tried Bikram Yoga (in Toronto, coincidentally, although I have no idea which studio), I thought I was going to die. My body thought it was great — so much more flexible than at non-hot yoga — but my heart and brain went on strike. The hardcore nature of the class made me feel like I wasn't in good enough shape or something was wrong with me that I couldn't handle it, but I've since been advised by my doctor that the combo of intensity and heat makes it risky/difficult for people with low blood pressure (which I most definitely am!), even those who are otherwise healthy and active.
That's really interesting. Funny you tried it here as well! I really do wonder about the safety of Bikram sometimes – interesting what your doctor said as well about people with low blood pressure. Moksha I find is definitely more doable.
Totally agree w/ your comments on Bikram vs Moksha – Bikram is so rigid, same 26 postures, same order, don't drink til we tell you to and no leaving. Ick and some of the studios are carpeted! Soaks up so much sweat – SICK! Love Moksha to bits – if you're ever in Waterloo check out their studio, it's fantastic!