Since 2011, Stephanie O’Dear has worked at Empower Retirement in Overland Park, Kansas, and currently serves as the head of marketing for the Retirement Solutions Group line of business. A fitness enthusiast, Stephanie O’Dear enjoys practicing Bikram yoga as part of her regular health routine. Stephanie says it promotes overall well-being, flexibility, has strength and cardiovascular benefits, and is a great addition to any fitness regimen.
Popularized by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s, Bikram yoga involves repeating 26 poses in a specific sequence over a 90-minute span. Classes typically occur in rooms with a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 percent humidity. Consequently, Bikram yoga is often called hot yoga.
The following are a few tips to ensure that newcomers to Bikram yoga have a successful session:
- Stay hydrated. Beginners should have a water bottle with them throughout the day. They need the extra water before, during, and after class.
- Dress for comfort. Bikram yoga classes aren’t a place to worry about appearance. Beginners should dress for comfort and to minimize body heat. Due to the warmth of the room, participants should opt for shorts and tank tops in breathable materials like cotton.
- Keep an open mind. Beginners should avoid putting pressure on themselves to be experts. Maintaining a positive attitude is ideal since everyone in the room feeds off energy from others.
