It may be sweltering outside but it's about to feel even hotter inside Abu Dhabi's first independent hot yoga studio when it opens October 15, 2014.
While most yogis are grateful for the comfort of air-conditioning during a workout, Bikram yogis practise their sequence of 26 yoga postures and two breathing exercises in a humidified room heated to 40°C, welcoming the sweat that pours down their bodies throughout the 90-minute sessions.
The husband-and-wife team behind the new Hot House Health and Fitness Club at Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach area - the Aussie Tasha Hawkins, 30, and the South African Peter Meiring, 33 - first met at a Bikram Yoga class in Dubai four years ago.
Hawkins taught Bikram Yoga, which now has five locations, for five years before bringing the practise to the capital when the couple - who have a young daughter - moved to Abu Dhabi in February. Here are some of the things that set Bikram apart.
It's strict
Talking isn't permitted and leaving the room is frowned upon. The door is locked once class begins and late students are not admitted. Hawkins says her classes have guidelines rather than rules, "just so your mind doesn't wander". The less fuss, the better.
"It's about promoting stillness in your mind - when you're fidgeting, it's a distraction," she says. "You don't need a towel, because that sweat is actually cooling you down."
It's addictive
Bikram yoga started in the 1970s, but its popularity really snowballed in the past 20 years. It's now known as McYoga, according to Hawkins. Celebrity devotees include Madonna, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore,
Lady Gaga, George Clooney and Kobe Bryant.
Hawkins says she knew from her first class nine years ago that it was what she'd be doing for the rest of her life.
Michael Miller, 39, one of her students, agrees it is addictive: "It revitalises me, keeps me focused and clears my mind."
Another student, Zeina Fawaz, 31, says: "It leaves me feeling cleansed, purified and helps me focus on the present, even if it's only for 90 minutes."
It's sweaty
The main difference between Bikram and other types of yoga is the sweltering heat - originally intended to mimic the climate of India. Fans say it loosens muscles for a deeper stretch, prevents injury, promotes healing and cleanses the body by flushing out toxins.
On the downside, with all that heat, strong deodorant is discouraged. However, Bikram studios rarely smell like their students. And while it would be possible to practise outside in Abu Dhabi, harnessing the capital's natural summer heat, Hawkins prefers the indoors.
"You can, but there are more distractions outside," she says. "Also, we need mirrors to check alignment and as a point of focus."
On the plus side, Hawkins says the studio's heat makes it easier for yogis to acclimatise to UAE summers. "I find it easier coping with the sun these days. You sweat more, because your pores are open - but that helps cool you down."
It heals mind and body
Legend has it that when Bikram Choudhury (who had been practising yoga since he was 3) was 20, he crushed his knees in a weightlifting injury and was told by doctors he'd never walk again. The Calcutta-born yogi, now 68, came up with his famous series of postures because they were beneficial for his injured joints and claims he managed to heal himself.
Bikram yoga has also been lauded for reducing stress, depression and anxiety and increasing lung capacity.
"Asthmatics bring their puffers into classes but they don't use them - their asthma improves because of Bikram yoga", says Hawkins. "It helps you breathe properly outside of class, too, like when you're stressed on the roads." Fans say Bikram also increases focus and mental clarity, as well as flexibility, strength and balance.
It's controversial
Choudhury made headlines around the world last year when he was accused of rape and sexual harassment by three former Bikram trainees. Back in the 1970s, he obtained his American visa from his "good friend", the former American president Richard Nixon - who was also no stranger to scandal.
Unlike other yogis who often prefer a vegetarian diet, the eccentric Choudhury eats one meal a day of chicken or beef (no fruit or vegetables), only drinks water and Coke, and claims to only needs two hours' sleep a night.
Hawkins doesn't send money to Choudhury or support him, although she'll always be grateful to him for his postures. "I've learnt to separate the man from the yoga," she says.
But the yoga also has its critics: some doctors claim it can increase the risk of cartilage tears, heart attacks, heatstroke and dehydration.
It can be competitive
Bikram and his wife Rajashree Choudhury are at the forefront of a movement to make yoga a competitive sport. While some yoga practitioners maintain that competition contradicts the idea of peace, unity and enlightenment, Bikram says: "Competition is the foundation for all democratic societies. Without competition, there is no democracy."
It fights flab
Bikram Yoga is a vigorous workout, especially for first-timers. One posture that seems befitting to local tastes is the camel pose, ushtrasana, a challenging deep backward bend performed in a kneeling position. At its deepest the head can be between the knees. "Even for me now it's a strenuous workout," says Hawkins. "We're working your endocrine system and that helps regulate hormones and metabolism. The first three months I practised Bikram, I lost 10 kilograms. I changed my eating habits because my cravings started to decrease."
Get it right
. Wear whatever you feel comfortable sweating profusely in - shorts and a top are advised.
. Bring your own towel, water bottle and mat.
. Drink lots of water before and after class.
. Don't eat for two to three hours before class.
. Don't wear strong-smelling perfume or deodorant.
. Don't attend if you're fasting.
The Hot House will be also be offering classes in ashtanga yoga, hatha-vinyasa flow, kids' yoga, prenatal yoga, Zumba and personal training and fitness. Go to thehothouseuae.com or www.facebook.com/Bikram-YogaAbuDhabi for more information
artslife@thenational.ae
