Let’s Talk Bikram

Let’s Talk Bikram! Learn from your Teachers what the “26 & 2” Bikram-inspired practice all about!

What's your opinion about Hot Vault in that it offers a variety of yoga styles?

Matthew: Hot Vault is special to offer a variety of yoga asana. Yoga asana is a great counter to strength training. With vinyasa, 26&2 and yin, there is something for everyone. Dynamic movement, fixed hatha, and restorative Yin, you can have it all under one roof.

Nina: Each practice/style compliments all the other styles offered. A LIFT class strengthens specific muscle groups, while a Bikram class will lengthen the muscles, ligaments and tendons while toning the entire body. Vinyasa allows for meditation and play, linking each movement with a conscious breath.

2) What drew you to Bikram (and when) and why do you continue to practice after all these years?

Nina: I took my very first Bikram class in 1999 and was hooked immediately! Over the years I have added other modalities into my fitness and meditation routine, but I always practice my Bikram; there's nothing that will ever replace it for me. The way the practice addresses every single area of my body and mind is unparalleled. The way I feel after a practice is unmatched by any other.

Sofia: What drew me in was the intensity of the practice, its many physical benefits like strength and flexibility, but also the mental benefits like discipline and focus.

3) Some complain about the bright light, no wiping, limited water breaks. How would you respond to these complaints?

Matthew: The 26&2 practice places a great emphasis on discipline. When we start to bring attention to some of the behaviors and habits on the mat, it often will translate to how we act and carry ourselves off the mat. We get to take this newfound awareness off the mat. A lot of the fidgeting is in the moments or stillness and rest. I encourage my students to just sit with whatever it is (an emotion a physical sensation a thought) instead of distracting.

Nina: The practice builds discipline and creates a body mind connection. It's not that drinking water or wiping our bad things inherently, but we start to notice our habitual and unconscious ways of being, and creating some structure around what we do and when we do it actually gives us more freedom to be at choice! The bright light is there so that we can literally see ourselves! We can't make any changes if we can't see! There is some symbolism here, and it's also quite literal.

Krizia: Bikram is a traditional yoga, hence the emphasis on stillness and what some may find rather “strict” rules. Training in this style of yoga encourages focus and enhances mental clarity. Personally, Bikram has helped me with becoming more grounded and in my discipline

4) For people that have a desire to teach Yoga, why would you encourage Nina's 26 & 2 Training?

Matthew: Nina is amazing. Very knowledgeable and SO COOL. You will be in great hands with Nina!

Nina: The 26 & 2 TT offers a solid foundation to teach anything, yoga or fitness related. Participants will come away with the confidence to lead a class, any style, and speak clearly, powerfully, and with compassion. Many people have began their teaching journey with this practice and subsequently gone to teach other styles. Interestingly, it doesn't actually work in the reverse! This training offers a foundation from which to teach all other styles.

5) For newbies to Bikram, what advice would you offer?

Matthew: Do your best. You will be challenged. You will be tempted to quit. Do your best and be gentle with yourself. If you are on your mat and practicing, you are doing great. Stay with it.

Nina: Begin hydrating the day before you're going to practice. And practice consistently, at least 3-5 days a week, even better if you can go every day for 30 days in a row. It's important to stay consistent with your practice so that your body can begin to acclimate to the heat and the movements. It's amazing how much transformation is available to beginner students! It doesn't mean you have to kill yourself in every class, in fact, resting is encouraged, and simply doing your best is always enough.

Stay hydrated, and come to class as often as you can!

Sofia: My advice is to be patient. It takes time to accept the Bikram series. The series is hard, but effective, no need to add anything ! No props, no gadgets, everything is already calculated for execution within yourself and your body. With consistency, it gets better and better.

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