I Tried It: Hot Yoga at Bikram Yoga College of India
What I wanted: A hardcore workout that will get us bathing suit-ready in five weeks.
What I tried: The 5:30 p.m. class at Bikram Yoga College of India on June 10th.
Who was teaching: Sandy
Student/teacher ratio when I dropped by: 25(ish):1
Lockers/Showers: Yes, two women’s changing rooms and one men’s. There’s not a ton of storage space, but the showers are very clean and functional. There is a hair dryer in one of the women’s rooms, which is always a nice perk. Towels are available for $1 each.
What I loved: For a runner nursing a toe injury, I needed a workout that makes me feel like I was, well, working. Bikram definitely accomplished that. I was exhausted afterward and sore the next day. Also, Sandy was extremely clear about how to do each posture and helped correct mistakes both verbally and physically so I knew I was doing it right!
Did I sweat?: Absolutely! The point of Bikram is to sweat out your body’s toxins by practicing yoga in a room heated to about 100 degrees. Most people look like they’ve been swimming after the 90-minute class.
Do it or Ditch it: Do it. But don’t forget to hydrate properly beforehand and to never stop breathing during the class. I felt dizzy and nauseous a few times, which I was told is a sign that Bikram is working. It’s hard, but totally worth it.
Weigh In: Have you tried this class? Tell us what you thought! And if you have a class you loved or hated, let us know. We could run your Sweat Test in an upcoming newsletter.
First week: $20 unlimited. Classes then sold in blocks on a sliding pay scale. Discounts available for students. Bikram Yoga College of India, 1520 Sansom Street, 215-977-YOGA. bikramphiladelphia.com