If you’ve ever done a Bikram Yoga class, you’d probably say, “What kind of crackhead do you need to be, to want to do TWO of these classes back-to-back?”
Yep. You read correctly: 2 Bikram classes back-to-back. 180 minutes in the hotbox.
While most of us don’t opt to do this on a daily basis, if you’re doing a 30-day or a 60-day Bikram Yoga Challenge, there is an allowance that states:
- During a 30-Day Challenge, if you miss a day of class, you may double up on another day. But you cannot double up more than TWICE during a 30-day. (hell, life happens, right?!)
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need (or want) to take a double, here are some things to consider…
(Again: please note I am not an official Bikram instructor…just a fanatic)
ASSESS YOUR BODY AFTER THE 1ST CLASS
- Be honest with yourself. Don’t do a double just because your hell-bent on it.
- Assess how your body feels: if you feel great, give it a shot. If not, then there will always be another day.
IN-BETWEEN CLASSES
- Most studios will have 30 minutes in-between the end of the last class, and the beginning of the next class.
- After your final savasana, I recommend leaving the room to cool down slightly and normalize.
- HYDRATE. (duh.) In addition to drinking regular water, I really like drinking a coconut water.
- My home studio (Bikram Yoga NYC) carries Zico, but I just got tuned in to VitaCoco which (at least to me) tastes like it has a little less sugar than Zico. While it’s nice to have a little sugar for energy, drinking something sweet can sometimes make you more thirsty. So generally speaking, the less sugar the better.
- Don’t forget to pee before the 2nd class. On the real.
ENJOY THE RIDE!
- If I’m doing a double, during the first 15 minutes of Class #2, my mind is grumbling things like, “Holy crap, what was I thinking?,” “Oh damn, this is gonna be a long freaking class…,” “Get. Me. Out.”
- Let it go….Once you learn to accept the fact that you are committed to be in the room…the fun begins.
HOW DO YOU FEEL?
- EUPHORIA. The second class is euphoric. Your body is already warmed and stretched out from the 1st class, so the 2nd class is less stiff.
- YOUR MIND IS QUIET. One of the reasons for hatha (physical) yoga is to quiet the body, so that the mind can be quieted and prepared for meditation. The 1st class helps you get all the “noise” out of your head. The 2nd class, you experience a focus, awareness and “present-mindedness” that is indescribable.
So if you DO decide to try your hand at doing a Bikram double…hope this helps!!
Namaste.
Just took my weekly bikram yesterday and I feel loose! Not at the point where I could take 2 back to back… I mix up bikram with various other forms of exercise.
One other thing is: Zico does not add any sugar. It is 100% pure and is actually the only brand that doesn’t add any sugar to any of the flavors, including the natural. Vita coco, in fact, adds several grams of extra sugar to their flavored varieties. I’m a big Zico fan!
Hey James! Interesting info about Vitacoco! I didn’t know that. So funny, but to my tastebuds, it tastes the opposite way around. But either way, either one is good, right?
You still get the natural electrolytes after draining them from Class. Let me know if you ever decide to do a double! Sadly, Bikram’s the only form of exercise I dabble in….
xx, hp
I never tried vitacoco. But a little sugar after Bikram is recommended. So, as long as you get hydrated with electrolytes that’s all that matters. I haven’t been going to class.. So terrified~
Important thing to note here about Vita Coco is the different flavors have slightly different nutritional values. Bikram Yoga… What’s the difference from just regular Yoga? I’m so uneducated.
Oh John, what are we going to do with you? Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute series in a hot box. http://www.bikramyoga.com for more info!! If you ever want to try it for the first time, check out my post for beginners: http://seouldiva.com/2010/01/26/bikram-101-an-unofficial-guide-for-newbies/
I highly recommend Vita Coco after yoga, it’s just the right amount of sweetness to keep me going. It also has more electrolytes than Gatorade and more potassium than a banana.
Thanks this was helpful…I’m gonna try my first tomorow(I’ve been practicing for 9 months)… I’m nervous but determined;)
Hey Jes!
I know these are just little things that help me when I’m doubling up, but THE most important thing is to listen to your body. If you don’t feel up to it, don’t push yourself to do it just because your mind’s set on it! 
Good luck with the doubling!!
good luck!!!
xxo,
hp
First off I love bikram yoga… Bysa!!! I practice mon-fri two classes a day n it’s the best decision I have ever dedicated myself to, I have lost weight gained muscle n most of all I am so mentally fit it’s ridiculous granted I’m a single guy with a great flexible job n have the time to practice when n how I want. My diet is awesome mostly brown rice n ckn breast 6 days a week with one day to enjoy my favorite foods.. And I completed a 60 day challenge in 42 days !!! Email me for any questions!!!!