The Keys to Bikram Yoga Survival

Now that I have been to Bikram almost ten times and only attended one class in which I thought I would die, I have created a list of the keys to Bikram survival. If you are unfamiliar with the practice of Bikram yoga it consists of being put into a room which is heated to about 100 degrees for 90 minutes and you do about 26 yoga poses. I’ve taken four people and I’m happy to say that three of the four have returned. Warning to black women: Bikram yoga is not black girl hair friendly so if you don’t have braids or a sew in or “good hair” and its not the night before your hair appointment, I suggest you avoid this yoga class. You will sweat your hair out!

1. Wear as few clothes as possible (i.e. a swimsuit top and bottom: boyshorts, not thongs or bikini, respect the other yogis!) and lean towards lycra, as opposed to cotton, it dries quicker.
2. Freeze a bottle of water before you go, but give it a little time to thaw before class, at least 30 minutes. It will thaw throughout the class but still stay ice cold.
3. Make sure you have enough calories to get you through the 90 minutes. This is what caused me to suffer during one class. I just didn’t have enough calories in my system. Now about 45 minutes before each class I drink a meal replacement called Be Fulfiiled. It is only 180 calories but it has loads of protein and fiber. You want to make sure that you don’t eat heavy or bad foods or you will pay for it. Ask my sister.
4. Set an intention for your workout. It helps to increase your determination and concentration. It will also help so that you aren’t cursing out the instructor in your head (maybe that’s just me. It gets challenging sometimes). Sometimes my intention will be making sure that everything that I do that day is with positive intention and to rid negativity from my day.
5. Try as hard as possible to be present in class. Do not allow your mind to wonder. Do not look at what other people are doing. Focus on yourself and try to maximize each pose.
6. ENJOY YOURSELF!!! It is painful sometimes and sweaty but you feel so good after it its worth it!