Bikram

WHAT IT IS

Yoga poses in a sauna. Classrooms are heated from 95 to 102 degrees. If it’s called “Bikram” (for inventor Bikram Choudhury), it will be a series of 26 postures, each performed twice.

BEST FOR

Weight loss; you can burn 350 to 600 calories in one class. You’ll build stamina as well. “Tolerating the heat is really an athletic challenge," says Donna Rubin, co-owner of Bikram Yoga New York.

WHO'S GOTTA HAVE IT

Exert-aholics, ex-jocks, and others who don’t think they’ve worked out unless they leave a puddle.

NEED TO KNOW

If touching your toes is a pipe dream, take heart: The steamy air will increase your flexibility. However, this kind of heat can be like lots of martinis—you’re too loose. So don’t overstretch and injure yourself, champ.

CHEAT SHEET

Leave the modesty at home. To keep your core temperature down, wear as little as possible. A sports bra and boy shorts will suffice. Stay hydrated.

FAMOUS FOR

Hollywood students like Goldie Hawn, Choudhury’s flamboyant capitalist shtick (he collects Bentleys and Rolls Royces), and outrageous quotes (“I have balls like atom bombs!").

RESOURCES

Official Bikram website