Training & Nutrition - Bikram Yoga

I went yesterday for the very first time with a freind that has been doing it for a year. 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises practiced in a 105 degree room for 90 minutes. I was not able to keep up the entire session because but I stayed in the room. Anyone has any experince with Bikram Yoga?

I've always thought it would be neat to try hot yoga but haven't tried it yet.

Do they tell you not to drink water in these sessions?

I've done it for 4 years. It is great for core strength and flexability. Be careful with the poses, you have to start very slowly. In other words dont try to hit the pose the same as the lady up front thats been going for years. It has also helped me with tolerating the heat during mid-summer rides/races. I highly recommend Bikram and the good thing is the routine is exactly the same wherever you may take it, so no surprises.

and yes you must bring water, a towel and a mat

I went yesterday for the very first time with a freind that has been doing it for a year. 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises practiced in a 105 degree room for 90 minutes. I was not able to keep up the entire session because but I stayed in the room. Anyone has any experince with Bikram Yoga?

Damn 105 degrees! Only thing I want to do at those temperatures is drink nice cold German beer. :D

I did it for a little while. It can be a little culty/kooky, the poses aren't really much different than with regular yoga, the heat gets easier but I'm not sure how much benefit you get from the heat. Try a couple types of yoga, see what feels best for you. If none feel any better/worse, do the cheapest :)

Okay, not dissing Bikram but....give some other forms a try. A beginner Hatha class is a good start. Once comfortable there you can go to a more (sometimes much more) challenging practice like ashtanga or a vinyasa flow. I find the static and repetitive poses in Bikram limiting. Also if you are doing a lot of cycling the hot room is not a great idea - it is far warmer than needed to get you loose and you lose too many fluids. Even a much more advanced practice like Baptiste is in a 90 degree room, though with all the movement it'll feel warmer ;) .