Bikram Yoga in O-Town: Hot Stuff!

By Amy Allman-Semesco
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009

OTownStyle.com's beauty insider Amy Allman-Semesco shares with us her latest obsession - bikram yoga. If you think it's steamy in Orlando, just wait till you try this!

A few years ago, I chose an activity to do and became fully immersed in it -- I think everyone should try this at least once in their life. I had taken yoga classes at my local Y and they were nice and calming, but I longed for something more -- and did I find it!

Bikram Orlando is located east of downtown Orlando and has many devout followers like me. It is unlike any other workout experience you have ever had, and different from other yoga practice. The yoga room is heated to at least 95+ degrees on a cool day; optimally is over 100 degrees.

During each class, you complete the same breathing exercises and postures. Sound boring? Trust me, each class is a true challenge and it is up to you to push yourself further each time, with the guidance of the well-trained instructors who lead the class. It may take years of practice to perfect just one posture, but that will keep you coming back for more!

Bikram Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury, who began his own yoga practice at the age of 4. His name is now on yoga studios worldwide and headquartered in Los Angeles, with thousands and thousands of followers who swear by his yoga.

Want to join a class? Here are my tips for first-timers.

• Eat well -- and by "well," I mean healthy. But don't eat too soon before class. Eat fresh foods that give you energy and stay away from junk.
• Make sure you are well hydrated days before the class. I mentioned the temperature the yoga room is set to. You are going to sweat. Being well-hydrated will help you.
• Listen to the instructor. The dialogue will tell you exactly what you need to do to achieve each position.
• Take your time in with each position. No one walks into a class the first time and masters every pose.
• Don't be afraid, embarrassed or self-conscious. The regular yogis are so concentrated on themselves, they rarely notice newcomers.
• Wear dry-weave type shorts that are tight. No long pants! Again, it's hot! And anything too loose will show off more than you might want. Tank tops are great, or sports bra tops are good too. Men: just forget the shirt altogether.
• Crowded is good. Classes can be crowded and having a little space between you and your neighbor can be very nice. However, if you find yourself directly next to a classmate, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Melissa McMurray, Director of Bikram Orlando offers this advice: "It is actually beneficial to be in close proximity to others because it raises your own level of intensity. If you get yourself surrounded by other students who are really motivated, then you and your neighbors begin to produce synergy where now each individual has more 'power' than if left on their own."
• If you don't feel well, don't leave the room -- just lay down. You will recover best by not shocking your body to a cooler temperature. When you do lay down, take deep breathers through your nose. This will help you feel better sooner.
• Come back after one class! The more you do Bikram Yoga, the easier it gets and the better you feel!

Bikram Orlando is located in the Colonial Landing Shopping Center directly across from the Fashion Square Mall. This new facility has over 4,000 square feet, locker rooms, retail area and massage rooms. To learn even more about Bikram Orlando, visit their website at www.bikramorlando.com or call 321.663.7526. For more on Bikram himself, go to www.bikramyoga.com. Hope to see you in class soon!