Bikram Yoga

woah, Woah, WOAH! Hold up here. I’m not sure whether my Unilocal irony detector is on the blink, but I just have to correct a previous reviewer in explicitly explaining that bikram yoga is most definitely NOT just «for girls».
I purchased the 20 days for £20 offer as a relative beginner and during my multiple visits I was happy to see both men and women from the ages of 18 to 65+ sweatin’ it out, side by side on the mats.
I’ve visited two other bikram studios across the UK and this was definitively the best in terms of set-​up and facilities.
Some tips if you’re considering having a go:
1. Bring two towels and a yoga mat (can be rented for £1), make sure your towels are MASSIVE as the receptionists are towelling nazis and if yours don’t make the grade, you’re paying a pound to rent one.
2. The taps in the toilets are drinkable and the only source of water. So make sure to bring an average sized bottle. 1.5 Litre bottles do not fit, I know this for a fact, even if you try and wedge it — how very un-​zen like of me.
4. First time? Prepare to feel ropey afterwards, but the teachers aren’t lying, if you leave a day between and then have another go you’ll feel like you’ve gained instant bikram skillz in comparison to your previous efforts.
5. Sit down dear, seriously. Spots in front of your eyes, little bit woozy during your down dog? Take a pew on your mat and chill out until your feeling 100%
6. Without sounding like a prat, it is true that the success of your class depends on how you’re feeling. Now this has nothing to do with meditation — classes don’t actually entail mandatory meditation — but what I mean is if you’re mind is more focussed on deadlines, to-​do lists and this evenings dinner, then the chances are your workout will the equally unfocused. So if you have a bad class it’s normally not about physical ability, but rather the ability to clear your mind and concentrate.
5. And finally the toilets Do in fact have bird calls playing over the speakers — you are not hallucinating due to sweat loss.
I genuinely wish I could afford to go regularly, but even with student discount £9 a class on average twice a week is simply too pricey for my current budget. But if you get the chance I definitely recommend you give it a go.
And if you like it see if you’re «man enough» to tackle the 30 classes in 30 days challenge!

I had my first session here and I can tell you i’ve never been so embarassed in all my life. first of all the class was mixed with beginners and experts, personally the beginners should have had there own class as I had no clue what to do even though the teacher said she would help us keep up and explain things. I got up to go to the loo and was told by the teacher «id rather you didn’t» in front of everyone which reduced me to feeling like a child in school. When i needed a drink of water i was told not to drink in front of everyone who was doing the poses. When i confronted the teacher she got all defensive and even assumed that i wouldn’t go again. Why would i come back to this place if they reduce you to feeling like a little kid being told off by a teacher.

Fancy getting sweaty, stretching into inhuman positions and passing out in a room full of half naked people? No, this isn’t a Swedish orgy — this is Bikram Yoga.
Practised in 40 degree heat ion the swishy Northern Quarter studios, Bikram yoga will make you sweat, cry, feel like your dying and then come out more alive than you’ve ever felt. A friend goes regularly and I’d come along a few times before trying their introductory price (10 days consecutive sessions for £20!). I’d really recommend it, I’m not really bendy or especially fit and it was really really hard the first few times but you get through it and feel really incredible after a couple of sessions. Everyone who goes is really nice and the staff are amazing.
If you want to get fit, relax or just try something new, try Bikram Yoga (bring a towel).

Bikram Yoga is an innovative modern sports instruction centre, using new and unique techniques to practice the best yoga in all the land.
Its also got a slight twist, the yoga is done in a slightly heated room of about 40 degrees, in order to make the exercise even more effective.
Its named after Bikram Choudhury, who has been yoga-​ing since the age of four and was a yoga champion (such a thing exists!) by the age of thirteen! Wow!
He’s also interested in the scientific impacts of yoga, and spent time at Tokyo University, sponsored by the United Nations no less, working on the ways that yoga can regenerate muscles and tissues and cure chronic ailments.
Its huge in the US and was actually invited there by President Nixon! This is the Manchester branch, so whilst you might not see Bikram himself, his yoga is being practiced here. It’s the only Bikram yoga place in the north-​west.
The website tells you ‘today’s classes’ each day so keep up to date on that. Sessions are £10 if you drop in but there are various offers, including 20 days for £10 at the moment! There’s also a 10% student and OAP discount!
Admittedly, it is for girls, but if yoga is your thing, I doubt you can do better!