Bikram: Worth the sweat

With famous sweaty devotees including Lady Gaga, Pippa Middleton and David Beckham, Bikram yoga has got one hot following...

With famous sweaty devotees including Lady Gaga, Pippa Middleton and David Beckham, Bikram yoga has got one hot following...

Who knew you could sweat from your ankles? At least I think that’s where the water dripping into my mat is coming from, for my vision is blurred by beads of sweat rolling into my eyes. Or are they tears?

During the last 90 minutes I have considered puking, fainting and hurling my water bottle into the mirror, all while contorting my body into 26 different positions, in 40.5c heat.

Bikram yoga is a bag of mixed nuts. Unlike other forms of exercise, it gives your mental capacity one hell of a work out too. Yes the first ten minutes dedicated to breathing exercises may leave you inwardly cursing (yo Bikram, I’ve done this breathing malarky pretty well these last two decades) but 26 postures later and you’re going to be feeling pretty darn good.

Designed to increase strength and flexibility through every part of the body, you’ll leave the class yoga high, a combined feeling of ecstasy and sheer exhaustion.

You have your good classes, and your bad classes, but I challenge you to not come away feeling positive. The body feels lean, your mind energized and calm, emotions are in check and the skin is positively glowing (caution: many will find this new-found smugness offensive).

For some the intoxicatingly addictive practice is a journey of self discovery, but for most of us it’s just a great way to sweat out the days stresses and worries, while getting a cute butt. Exhale.

Future Yogi’s in the making should head to one of the original and founding studios at Bikram Yoga London where new students can try a 30 day introduction to the practice for just £35.

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