An experienced yogi reveals the differences between hot power yoga and Bikram.
The Good, The Bad, and The Smelly
Hot power yoga takes place in a room approximately 90 degrees in temperature. Poses are practiced amongst scents from candles that are calming and soothing. Bikram requires a temp of 105 degrees, and some studios are stinky from carpeting and intense, sweating bodies.
Feeding the Fire
Before a Bikram class, some suggest eating a light meal up to three hours before. In hot power yoga, it’s recommended to eat a snack, perhaps a banana, about a half-hour before. In both scenarios, hydrating is necessary, before and after, preferably with cool water.
All yoga is about patience, balance, commitment, and practice. Whether it’s room temperature or a varying level of heat is added, it’s all about the poses and loving your body.