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| - This is the only Bikram yoga studio that I have ever been to, so I'm not sure how much of my opinions are a reflection of this particular studio or of this particular style of yoga.
In general, I love yoga! I normally prefer a more vinyasa, power yoga style of practice, but I'm newer to Pittsburgh, so I've been trying out different studios.
Positives of this studio:
*Great location and lots of parking!
*Locker room is clean and spacious
*You can tell that the instructors all love yoga and their job! They're very encouraging and always so engaged. I really appreciate that they make an effort to know everyone's name, even if the class is packed!
*Plenty of class times
*There are some peak class times, but for the most part the classes are not too full.
*Again, the instructors are great. They provide a lot of feedback and adjustments.
*I looove heated yoga! But you have to do it right. Just turning up the heater isn't enough. There has to be a good balance of heat and humidity. So even though it's 100+ degrees at this Bikram yoga studio, the temperature feels really soothing and invigorating at the same time!
Things I could do without: All the rules! It might just be part of the Bikram style of yoga. Given that Bikram is essentially the same postures every time, I'm not too surprised that there seems to be "a way" to how things are done. But, I'm more used to a "if it's in your practice...everyone's practice is different" type of yoga mentality.
*You have to have a towel, which I understand that they require, due to all the sweatiness. But, we're not really moving fast, so I personally would not be worried about slipping. Plus, I feel like I can't get any traction with the towel and I'm always slipping on the towel vs the traction I get with my mat.
*You're asked not to drink water until the standing portion is over. Again, I know they have their reasons. It's distracting to other yogis. But again, I'm more used to a "if it's in your practice...everyone's practice is different" type of yoga mentality.
*Everyone is dressed in bathing suits. I mean, yes it is sweaty in there, but I'm perfectly fine in my dry fit attire and "normal" yoga leggings. I felt a little bit judged the first time I entered the studio. It was like "mmmhmm, she's new. she's not practically naked."
And the last thing is that the classes are all 1.5hr long, which is kind of big chunk of time if you've got a packed schedule already.
So I hate to end on negative notes because, I do enjoy going to this studio. I feel really invigorated after each class and would definitely recommend this studio because the instructors are great!
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