Bikram Yoga?

Has anyone ever done the hot/bikram yoga before? I'm contemplating doing a 90 minute class at my local yoga centre. How many calories does it burn? Do you feel super refreshed after? Tell me about your experience!

I haven't tried it before but I've read about it and it seems really interesting. Hopefully someone with some experience with it posts soon.

I have never tried it but a friend of mine who was heavily into yoga tried it one time and got hooked.  Said only thing is it does take alot out of you and brings up alot of emotions (he said he actually got into his car and then uncontrollably started crying which afterwards he felt extremely refreshed and relaxed).

I want to try it but need to get in a little better shape first.

I love yoga and I have done Bikram classes a few times. It was a great workout, and when they say hot they are not kidding. It was over 90 in the room and I was sweating buckets, which created some issues because my hands and feet were slipping on my mat, so I would suggest a towel and a lots of water. I would say that this is comparable to a power yoga in intensity. The best part for me was that the heat really does help loosen up your muscles so you get an it really allows you to get really deep into some of the postures. 

I've been doing hot yoga for 4 years and it ROCKS!  I began with Bikram classes and began Barkan Method Hot yoga around 6 months ago after the studio I belong to began to add more classes.  I take 5 classes a week.

To answer your question about calories, I asked some instructors and monitored my heart rate and came up with between 500 and 650 calories per 90 minute class.  You must factor in the heat of the room, which will range between 90 and 100 degrees F., and the humidity, which should reach 40% to 90% depending on the climate you live in.  I live in the desert so 60% humidity is what we get the room up to.  In a more humid climate it will be a bit more, in Missouri I practiced at a studio that was at 85%!  Also, your fitness is a factor.  The more fit you are, the more you can adapt and you will actually burn less calories.

The goal of the heat is to allow you safely stretch your muscles and not get injured.  It also teaches you to overcome distractions and work with the breath to monitor your heat levels.  You can apply this concept to your life as well....stuck in traffic and feel pissed off?  Breathe through the emotions.  I've burst into tears after class, in class...before class...it's very cathartic.  I feel calm and refreshed after class and sleep like a rock.

My advice to you is to drink plenty of water before going to class, but not right before.  Start drinking the night before of you're taking an early class, or throughout the day if you're going later.  I drink about 3 liters of water before I step into the room if I'm doing a late class.  As you practice drink something with electrolytes in it but not a ton of sugar.  I use Emergen-C packets and also a product called Acellerade.

DO NOT EAT at least 3 hours before class.  Do not ignore this advice as I have seen and experienced what happens when you eat and then do hot yoga.  Physiologically your blood goes to the stomach and intestines as you digest a meal, and if you ask your blood to go to your muscles and lungs instead as it will during intense activity, the food in your stomach will come back to visit you.  I've seen many a yogi run from the practice room to go vomit during a class, and it can be avoided.  If you must eat something, I suggest fruit as it is easily digested.

Wear as little as possible, and not white colored clothing...wet + white = see though clothing.  A towel on your mat will prevent slippling during your practice, I use yogi-toes towels on my mat, they have little grippy pieces on the underside that grab onto your mat.

Have fun and experiment with different types of Hot Yoga.  Bikram's is a great start, just mind your knees and stay with your breath.  If you feel overwhelmed, take a knee and catch your breath.  Let the teacher know that it's your first time and they'll take care if you.

I don't like the hot temperature.  Bikram yoga is a flow yoga style, which makes you really hot anyway from exertion.  I find Bikram very uncomfortable and kind of gross with people sweating everywhere.  Definitely bring your own mat and wash your feet and hands afterwards.

Thanks for the info. I went to class this saturday and wow I really liked it. I had to lay down for the last little bit because I felt faint. I'm going back tomorrow =)

I started about a month ago and try to go atleast 4 times a week. I enjoy it and feel really good after. Although I haven't see any results in terms of toning, lengthening or weight loss. I'm doing the positions better