Hot Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for centuries. Bikram yoga brings a new element to traditional practice.

Originating in India, yoga is a discipline that seeks to achieve harmony between body and mind through relaxing postures. Traditional yoga does not apply stress to the body, but Bikram yoga does because the postures are done in an extra hot room.

Bikram yoga consists of 26 sequential poses done in 105 degree temperature. The practice raises your core body temperature, so it’s like doing a work out with a fever. “It’s discipline, it teaches you strength in not only your physical body, but also your mind,” said Rasa Zubkute, certified Bikram yoga instructor. Rasa is the owner and instructor at Bikram Yoga on the Hill, where hot yoga classes are offered two to three times a day.

According to many medical experts, the heat raises perspiration, blood pressure and can cause muscles to overstretch. “It might be tricky to know your limits. You know your body might go ok this is great now, but the minute you walk out the door it’s going to go zumph,” said Lauren Beale, a certified traditional yoga instructor.

According to studies by Vanderbilt University, dehydration is the most common risk when practicing Bikram yoga. The body requires twice as much water than normal due to intense perspiration.

Studies also suggest that eating two hours before a Bikram workout can cause problems. “What I’ve found is, if I’ve eaten 30 minutes before I come to class I get really light headed, especially if it was a heavy meal, and I’m not exactly sure why that is. And I’ve found that if I drink water before I come to my class my practice is a lot better,” said Juliana Sublewski, a Bikram yoga practicer.

Possible negative effects don’t seem to phase followers. With proper precautions, participants “sweat” by it. “I like the Bikram yoga because I really like the heat and I think it’s really good for opening up your body and your muscles, and you can get a deeper stretch, and I also like the sweat that comes with it. I always leave feeling really cleansed and refreshed,” said Sublewski.