Angela's Adventures

Angela's Adventures: Bikram "Hot" Yoga

Posted: Dec 12, 2011 12:50 PM by Angela Douglas - Q2 News
Updated: Dec 12, 2011 1:07 PM

BILLINGS - With a studio temperature of about 105 degrees and 40-percent humidity, Bikram Yoga is the hotest craze in Billings right now.

"It works every muscle, joint, ligament, everything that you have, in one 90 minute class," explains Bikram Yoga Billings owner Lea Jacobson.

From the moment you enter the room, you're sweating constantly. So why so hot?

"It makes your muscles a little liquidy so you're more flexible, less injuries, the heat makes you sweat, obviously you release toxins," Jacobson says.

Jacobson understands that some people are intimidated by Bikram Yoga because of the heat factor, so she only requests two things from her beginner students.

"They need to stay in the room and they need to breathe. Everything else that we do in there is optional," the yoga instructor says. "It really is a beginner yoga class made for everybody. Every age no matter what problems you have, you can come in and do this yoga."

And I have to agree, the moves may look odd and contorted but after a few tries, you do get the hang of it.

Lynn Brown also agrees. She's been attending Bikram Yoga classes since the studio opened a couple weeks ago.

"First I started coming because it was a challenge to just last in the room. But, with time, I've noticed just a huge increase in my flexibility," Brown exclaims. "It was amazing. It made me feel a lot better. My back, lower back issues, hamstrings, anything like that."

According to Jacobson, non-athletes and athletes alike can benefit from practicing yoga.

"Runners, athletes, skiers, I mean everybody can really benefit from this," she states. "If they have bad knees, shoulders, whatever, this will help heal that. They can still do their other stuff and then come in here and help heal all of those things."

In addition to the physical challenges and benefits of the 26 postures, there's also the mental side.

"You have no phone, you're not talking to anybody, you have nothing expected of you, you just have you and the mirror basically," Jacobson says. "You set your intention for your practice and you go through it, and when you get done, it feels great!"

Brown admits that even though she's dripping in sweat, she likes the way Bikram Yoga makes her feel.

"It makes me feel good that I did it," Brown says. "And everyday is different, some days are more challenging than others. But, when it's all said and done, it makes me feel very empowered.

If you're looking to sweat a little this winter, while improving your physical strength, flexibility and balance, Bikram Yoga might be right up your alley.

"Plus, we're in Montana, so it's nice in the winter!" Jacobson points out.

And if you're already getting sick and tired of this cold weather, then maybe you should head on inside and try out this adventure.

Bikram Yoga is open seven days a week and is located at 2049 Broadwater Avenue.

For more information visit their website at bikramyogabillings.com.