How hot is it really supposed to be?

I’ve heard from plenty of sources about how some Bikram Studios like to show how hot their studio gets, as if it is meant to be a challenge. I am absolutely sure this is a minority, but just to clear things up, the ‘optimum temperature’ for Bikram yoga is not a static figure.

It’s so dependent on the relative humidity, the number of students in the room, the type of students in the room (male vs female; ‘hard core experienced’ vs beginners), the time of day, the air circulation. The figure ends up being around 37-42°C.

The humidity is important! If it is over 60%, the Bikram series gets quite sweaty yet this is the best feeling! It's as if the body is really heating up and sweating out toxins (although I’ve heard pretty strong debates about whether one can really ‘detox’ through sweating).

Hydration is really critical though, I know I need to drink plenty through the day before either attending or teaching. We don’t stop people drinking water in our studio – you’re free to bring your own bottle in – but we do discourage excessive drinking as it can be somewhat uncomfortable! (Especially important whilst still warming up in the first 25 minutes of class).

There is an excellent independent article on our own website about the need to hydrate and the scientific aspects of the body’s thermoregulation. See it at http://www.bikram-yoga-noosa-australia.com/bikram-yoga-benefits-of-the-heat.htm (scroll to the bottom of the page)

See you in the heat!

Gabrielle