Bikram Rooms are hot by design. Be prepared to work hard; to make demands upon yourself; and to sweat. Though yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach, hydrate well before each class, and bring bottled water. Sticky-mats and towels are necessary for floor poses. Lycra active-wear is preferable for both women and men.

The following are but a few of the benefits enjoyed by the millions of people around the globe who regularly practice yoga:

• increased flexibility, strength, and vitality;
• improved body image, and self-esteem;
• decreased stress, and alleviation of pain;
• regulated blood pressure;
• improved mobility of the spinal column;
• calmed nervous system, and increasing sense of well-being; enhanced endocrine function, and balanced metabolism.