Bikram Yoga for beginners

A classic Bikram yoga class is performed in a 90-minute session in a yoga studio heated to 40 degrees Celsius. Bikram yoga studios have carpeted floors and mirrored walls to allow yoga students to watch their poses and monitor their progress. Bikram studios are also well lit and are set to have a humidity percentage of 40. 

During a classic Bikram yoga class, certain rules of conduct are applied. Yoga students are not supposed to talk amongst each other and no physical interaction occurs between instructors and students. Therefore, Bikram yoga instructors will verbally guide their students and instead of physically adjusting their poses with their hands. This amounts to an atmosphere of intense introspection and concentration for Bikram students as only their instructor’s voice and their own movements guide them. In addition to this, music is not played during Bikram yoga classes to minimise distractions. 

Bikram yoga has multiple benefits for those who practice it. Bikram builds muscle strength and flexibility and is also said to aid the body in metabolising toxins out of its system because of the heat, intense exercise and sweating. 

To practice Bikram yoga safely, it’s important to move at your own pace to reduce the chance of becoming dehydrated and dizzy in the humid and hot studio environment. Staying hydrated and carefully stretching before and after each class is an important aspect of safe Bikram practice.