Beginner Tips For Hot Yoga


Updated 10/11/11 6:24 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Beginner Tips For Hot Yoga

Hot yoga, aka bikram yoga, can be quite intimidating for those who are either new to yoga in general, or haven't been to a hot yoga class before. If the 105ºF temperatures aren't enough to scare you away, the thought of getting sticky and sweating with a group of strangers can be enough to turn you off of it. But, once you get past the heat and the sweat factor, hot yoga classes can provide you Read more

Yoga Styles Decoded


Updated 04/16/12 6:25 PM · Posted by · 6 comments

Different Types of Yoga Classes Explained

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. Hatha Yoga Origin: Introduced in 15th-century India by Hindu sage, Yogi Swatmarama, Hatha poses — Downward Facing Dog, Cobra, Eagle, and Wheel, for example — make up most yoga sequences practiced today. Philosophy: The goal of Hatha yoga is to bridge the body and mind with the breath in a series of physical poses Read more

Hot Yoga and Summer Heat: The Perfect Combination?


Updated 05/31/11 11:16 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Is Practicing Hot Yoga in the Summer Safe?

Hot yoga like Bikram is practiced in a studio heated to around 105 degrees, which sounds great for those cold Winter months, but when the temperatures rise, who wants to be stuck indoors without the A/C? Sweating it out in a heated studio with dozens of similarly glistening strangers may sound like the exact opposite of what you'd want to do. But, practicing hot yoga during the Summer months can Read more

Manduka eQua Mat Towel: Good 'Til the Last Drop


Updated 03/24/11 10:40 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Manduka Yoga Towel — Absorbent and Perfect For Hot Yoga

I'm not taking Bikram, but lately my teacher has been turning the temperature way up in my yoga class. The higher temp, the more I sweat. Besides not wanting to look like a drippy mess in class, the extra perspiration makes it hard to stay put on even the best of mats. After nearly slipping onto my face during Downward Dog, I knew that it was time to invest in a good towel. Enter the Manduka eQua Read more

Choose a Yoga Class That Fits Your Personality


Updated 07/28/10 12:27 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 12 comments

Types of Yoga Explained

When I tell people I teach yoga, I hear things like, "I always wanted to take yoga but it's way too hot," or, "I could never do yoga because it's way too slow." The thing is, there are so many different types of yoga that whatever your personality, one style will be right for you. If you've always wanted to try a yoga class, check out the chart below to see which kind of class you should Read more

Yoga Competitions: Cool or Not?


Updated 06/23/09 4:37 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 26 comments

Yoga Competitions: Cool or Not?

Many people who try yoga give a Bikram yoga class a try. They're drawn to the fact that it's insanely hot and sweaty, and the poses are really challenging. The founder, Bikram Choudhury, has taken this practice to a whole other level. For a while now there have been yoga competitions all over the world, and Choudhury is hoping that it will become an Olympic sport. He says that "yoga competition Read more

You Asked: What Should I Expect From My First Bikram Yoga Class?


Updated 09/25/11 10:08 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 23 comments

You Asked: What Should I Expect From My First Bikram Yoga Class?

Hey Fit, I'm going to try out Bikram yoga for the first time next week, and I'm a little unclear on what to expect (and a little nervous). I know it's going to be hot, so I'm wondering if you have any tips or things that I should (and shouldn't) do that day so that I get through the class feeling good instead of feeling like I might pass out halfway through — foods to stay away from, should I Read more

You Asked: Will Bikram Yoga Help Me Lose Weight?


Updated 08/14/11 8:00 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 61 comments

You Asked: Will Bikram Yoga Help Me Lose Weight?

You're asking and I'm answering. "Hey Fit. I've heard that people lose a lot of weight when doing Bikram Yoga. What's your take?" — Heated Heather When I say Bikram Yoga is hot, that's quite an understatement. You don't know how hot it is until you set foot in a Bikram studio. It's like walking into a sauna. The room is heated to at least 105°F and 40 percent humidity. The extreme heat is Read more

Are You Slipping on Your Mat? Try a Rug


Updated 03/01/11 8:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

Are You Slipping on Your Mat? Try a Rug

Saying that Ashtanga, Bikram, and Vinyasa yoga classes are sweaty is a bit of an understatement. The room is heated (in Bikram can be over 100°F), and you're moving vigorously, so your body sweats profusely to cool you down. In the first 15 minutes, my entire outfit is soaking wet and little beads of sweat start dripping from my chin. The worst part is that my palms get really sweaty Read more

Kinds of Yoga


Updated 10/18/07 8:56 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Kinds of Yoga

Deciding to try out a yoga class is really exciting, but it can also be confusing since there are so many different types. Here's a brief explanation of some popular kinds of yoga: Ashtanga - Hot, fast-paced, same series of poses every 1 1/2 hour class. This style is great for runners, bikers, or anyone looking to really move and strengthen your entire body. Jivamukti - Physically challenging Read more