If you have ever been to Bikram yoga, then you know this line is pretty much standard with any instructor, yoga center or in any country. For me, when I walk off the street, from a taxi, off the train or from a stressful day, those are the soothing, calming and almost military words of attention which let me know, I am here, I am ready. So please stretch, pull, twist, back-bend and scrunched me for the next 90 minutes. Heaven! And the feeling once you walk back into the air-conditioned waiting room and after a shower is undeniably the best feeling of rejuvenation and energy ever felt in this lifetime. Well maybe equivalent to a spa day of head to toe treatments.
I would have never considered myself to be somewhat of a yogi but as of today I have attended Bikram yoga in three countries (UK, US and Indonesia) and three US cities (Chicago, New York and Louisville). Therefore, I think by now I can consider myself a globe trekking yogi or a Bikram secret shopper. Yep, I am judging upon check-in. Therefore, what have I witnessed? Well my journey has given me the experience of the hottest yoga room (has to be in the world) - Harlem Bikram East (with heated floors) to the coldest - Bikram Yoga Louisville (room was moderately hot); from the best, most informative instructors - Sohot Bikram London to the most inconsistent Bikram Yoga 42, Jakarta (this is the place of real traveling yoga instructors). So if you should wonder upon any of the cities below feel free to check out the following centers.
US
Highly recommended!
Chicago, IL - Bikram yoga Chicago has 3 locations, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and South Loop. The location which I spent my time, Lincoln Park. The facility was clean, well maintained and the instructors are great! Fresh towel with fee and mat rentals. They offer a great 30-day special of $39 and discounts on direct deposit payments. Not to mention you can book your sessions online to avoid long lines and rushing before class.
Yogi secret: Lunch time sessions are smaller and more personable.
Only one here and recommended!
Louisville, KY - Bikram yoga Louisville is the only one of it's kind here. It is in the Highland area on Frankfort Avenue and in a really nice entertainment center (eat, live, shop) called the Vogue Center. The facility is very new and nice. Room is large and airy but the temperature was much cooler than I am use to. Honestly never thought this would be an issue for me as I embarked on this mad Bikram journey.
They don't have great specials, but do offer 20% on any package upon your first visit. Towels and mats are available for rent. But they do offer facecloths in the bathroom for washing -- so American, but love it!
My only issue with this center--it wasn't geared towards beginners at all. I invited a friend and her daughter to the practice and the instructor didn't give the detailed instructions I am use to and they were a little lost and confused. Nor did she give them the basics on water intake and keeping your head above your heart when feeling tired or faint. Very important points for all classes.
In addition, I was appalled to see people leaving right after the final breathing exercise. Obviously this is a huge interruption to those wanting to relax on the final Savasana.
So not a bad place, but not a great one either. However, if you are here and need to Bikram, it will get the job done.
Yogi secret: Showers aren't that full since most people here go home to clean-up.
Highly recommended!
New York, NY - Bikram yoga East Harlem is a very friendly and lovable place. Consistent to the modern and minimalist look of other yoga facilities (this must be part of the franchise agreement) but the owners and front desk people are brilliant. I signed up for a 7-day beginners session for $23 more than enough for me since I was only in New York city for a week.
I was lucky enough to attend both classes with one of the co-owners who made sure we pushed ourselves and was extremely informative about the poses and benefits. She was personable and used names when she could. The class practitioners were also just as excellent.
However, with heated flooring, this class had to be the hottest class in the world. I felt as though I was in the Sahara on the hottest day of the year. No worries, the owner says it is because the heat is rising through you from the floor, making you feel hotter than you probably are. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing, but I survived.
Yogi secret: the towels are not the best, so bring your own. They have a small spa, so book a treatment after your yoga session. Divine!
UK
Highly recommended and my fave!
London - Sohot Bikram yoga is in two-locations Soho and Victoria. Victoria being the newest, largest and cleanest, is my favorite. But the Soho location is more central, smaller but still nice.
The instructors are great! Probably the best in the industry. But I could be biased as I practiced here first and the longest. Towel and mat are included and they offer a 14-day trial special at £35 (approx. $50).
Yogi secret: They are strict with their yoga so do not arrive late, you will be turned away. Also, they are very busy and the Soho location is packed during peak times (after 5 pm).
Indonesia
Highly recommended!
Jakarta - Bikram hot yoga @42 has three-locations, 2 in Jakarta and 1 in Bali. I spent once a week at the Senayan location which is very nice and friendly. The front desk speaks a little English and there are loads of expat practitioners here. The class is taught in English so don't worry.
Prices are inexpensive due to the rupiah currency (150,000 rph - approx. $15), so if you plan to be in Jakarta for a while, sign-up for a package. It is well worth it. This rate includes a towel and mat.
The instructors are from all over the world, but they change often since they seem to be part of some sort of traveling yoga instructor circuit. They can be there for 3-weeks or 3-months, therefore don't get too attached: I met an American from California, a Frenchman from Paris and a Spaniard from Barcelona.
Yogi secret: Get there early to meet people traveling from all over the world. Also, Indonesian women are very skittish about dressing out in the open, so expect a wait at the showers (they dress in the shower stall as well).
Always arriving 10-15 minutes early, I enter the hot room, find a spot and lay my mat. I look around at those who have arrived before me, take a seat and say a prayer, Thank you God for allowing me to wake and be a blessing to someone today and thank you for this time away from the world. Most importantly thank you for giving us Bikram.
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