Bikram yoga for a yoga beginner?

[diggerdigsdogs]

It's the only yoga I can get to at times that are convenient.

Is it ok for a relative yoga beginner? I've done enough yoga to know I enjoy it but it was almost a decade ago.

I'm also 6 weeks post partum and breast feeding if that's relevant.

Hello. Yes, it is designed for everyone, completely beginners included. One thing to be aware of is that it's dialogue led, i.e. the teacher doesn't demonstrate the postures so beginners are asked to join the back row and watch more experienced students until they learn the series. Bikram himself says anyone can practise his yoga whatever age, ability etc.

If you are going to an evening class drink plenty of water during the day, but not too much in the couple of hours directly beforehand as students are strongly discouraged to leave the room and you don't want a full bladder! Also avoid eating three hours beforehand.

The teacher should explain the 'rules' of the hot room, and some studios are stricter than others, but general good studio etiquette is to remain quiet on entering the hot room and don't move your towel or fidget too much once the class begins. Don't drink during the first postures - you will be told when you can, the dialogue describes it as 'party time', after which you can drink between postures. Try not to wipe your sweat, just take the one towel into the room to cover the mat.

It's an amazing workout and surprisingly addictive. Enjoy!

Ps. I started practising six weeks after having DD and when breast feeding. There are a couple of postures which have to be modified, particularly the spine strengthening series in which you lay on your front. Let the teacher know you're breastfeeding and they will give you adjustments or the option to take additional savasana.

Thanks that's great and very useful. Much appreciated.