Bikram Yoga: A cherry popped.

So, since I got a question about Bikram Yoga elsewhere, and I just took my first class last night, I figure I should drop a quick dime and 'plain it to those who don't know, and are curious about how it might relate to one's dancing.

It's a new form of yoga; so-called "hot" Yoga is related, but I am led to understand that Bikram is a different beast, and "hot" yoga is one of the more traditional forms done in a heated room. Bikram has a specific and unchanging sequence of moves, which, oddly enough, is part of the initial attraction for me; along with ATS, it means I'm not cramming tons of technique in my head and trying to perfect it on the fly.

It's also got some disquieting elements. The fella who created it seems to have his head up his ass; he's apparently running 'round claiming it's the "only true yoga" or some such crap. The Wikipedia entry on the form has much more on that. I'll say, on the record, that anyone with the balls to claim a multi-millennia form is "owned" by him likely needs said balls cut off.

So how did it make me feel? Well, when I woke up this morning, I felt taller. Which says a TON, frankly, about how much good just one session can do. I'm tired, but not sore, and worn out, but not exhausted. Doing the actual exercises was among the hardest things I've ever done, though -- I'm really good with heat, love to be warm, but my body's not what it used to be, and that near-100 deg. room took a tool on me. So you have to pace yourself, and the instructor encourages you to do so.

What does the heated room gain you? Flexibility. I've long known that my body works much better in heat -- a side effect of being hot-natured (physically speaking…) -- and Bikram plays on everybody's natural tendency towards enhanced flexibility in warm/hot conditions. It's hard on you, though, and seems to have some enhanced cardio value over "regular" yoga.

Would I recommend it to the budding dancer? Based on my readings and this 1st class, yes. I'll be back -- hoped to make it back this AM, but I'm just too tired. The ability to build up so-called "core" strength and flexibility will serve any dancer well, and esp. the newbie to raks, who lacks the muscle strength to start taking advantage of the isolation forms.

* The same person asked about ATS (American Tribal Style [Bellydance]) as well, so I might answer that, soon....