Bikram at Pure Bikram Yoga

I’d heard the rumors about instructors in microphoned headsets calling out students by name: “Don’t stop!”, “Fix that form!” I’d heard that it can aggravate more than assist those with lower back issues. And, I’d heard that Bikram, aka “hot” yoga is practiced in unreasonably hot and humid studios. All reasons never to attend. Yet, Friday, I ran into a co-worker that I hadn’t seen for a month; and, there was something changed about her. Perhaps better posture? Lost weight?  Definitely a very healthy glow. She raved to me about Pure Bikram and how she had only a week to complete the 60 day challenge—60 days of 90 minutes of Bikram yoga per day. She gave me a pass for one free class; and, I decided to try it out…at least once.

The downtown Pure Bikram studio is located next to Tequila and Tacos (TNT) on Pressler and West 5^th. The sign outside is a bright red “BIKRAM”. Inside, the counter area looks much like something from a salon. Lockers are back toward the left. The studio is on the right. Although I realized that it would be hot and humid, it felt like a sauna. And the pervasive body odor smell surprised me.  However, in all probability, a class of people sweating together at 105 degrees is going to make any space odiferous.  

Class was crowded. The room was set-up in three rows, each as wide as a yoga mat; and, we had only 8-10 inches between mats. In addition to the close quarters, there was the added intimidation of floor to ceiling mirrors along two of the walls. Plus, we were informed at the beginning of class that no one leaves the classroom during the 90 minutes. We could decide not to participate; but, we were not allowed to leave.

Checking the website beforehand, I noticed that a towel was required; and, everyone had a large towel on top of their mat. While I was hoping not to slip off my mat doing a downward dog pose, the poses were not even that complex. Therefore, I didn’t have to worry about sweat sliding off my mat. However, due to the hot environment, even simple poses had my heart racing. My entire body was covered with sweat within 10 minutes. By the end of class, we all looked like we had been swimming.

Also, for those with bulging discs in their lower backs, there were several items that I modified in order not to re-injure my back. Although the instructor did wear a microphoned headset, she only called me out once; and, it wasn’t because I was modifying something that put pressure on my back.

Overall the instructor was very encouraging and supportive. She knew the regular class participants by name; and, she made an effort to remember all the names of the newbies. Her instructions were very clear and easy to understand.

Afterward, I felt super gross. I walked home; and, immediately took a shower. But, my skin feels really nice now—like it just had its own personal spa treatment.  However, I’m ravenous, per following the website instructions not to eat much before class.