Bikram yoga retreats are not as plentiful as other types of yoga vacations and retreats. Bikram yoga teacher certification is only given to teachers who have completed 9 weeks of training, with 500 hours of study, according to Bikram's Yoga College of India. Yoga retreats in the United States are organized or hosted by Bikram Yoga Norwalk, Connecticut, and Complete Healing Experience in Haleiwa, Hawaii. Miindful Tropical Journeys in St. Lucia and Willka T'ika Garden Guesthouse in Urubamba, Peru, also have Bikram yoga retreats. Yogi Jason Swinn hosts retreats in exotic locations (see Resources).
Ability to hold Bikram yoga poses for longer periods of time increases with practice. By attending a Bikram yoga retreat, practitioners can devote themselves to the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of their practice, without disruptions from everyday life and activity. Benefits of Bikram yoga include toned and strengthened muscles, weight loss, improved flexibility and decreased stress. This type of yoga is also beneficial for anyone with a knee injury, according to Bikram's Yoga College of India. The college also recommends continual practice to maintain good overall health. The practice can keep chronic symptoms caused by conditions, including arthritis, from returning.
Bikram yoga retreats are best attended by people in top physical condition who regularly practice it. A retreat will provide more intensive practice and teacher guidance than you may be used to getting if you practice at home or in a class. The retreat will involve more than one class per day, as well as optional recreation activities with fellow yoga practitioners. If you want to expand your social base and meet others interested in intensive Bikram yoga practice and training, consider going to a retreat. A retreat may also be precursor to training as a Bikram yoga teacher. Because Bikram yoga classes are in heated rooms, you may be missing out on some of the local scenery if you traveled to an exotic location. Consider a yoga retreat location with outdoor classes if you want the best of both worlds.
Bikram yoga retreats may take place nearby in your city or state. Some take place outside of the continental United States or in foreign countries. A retreat in a foreign country can be an adventure and exotic vacation. Local studios may organize Bikram yoga retreats to other countries or states. Traveling with a group of people you know may be a good option for infrequent travelers. If you cannot find a Bikram yoga retreat in an area you would like to visit, consider similar types of retreats, including hot yoga retreats.
Pack lightweight yoga clothes, which are easy to wash and dry quickly. Because this type of intensive yoga is practiced in a heated room, you will sweat through your clothes more quickly than in a Hatha or Kripalu yoga class. There may be more than one class a day, and there may be open studio time. You might need more than one change of yoga clothes per day. Consider purchasing Dri-fit clothing, although you may be accustomed to wearing more natural fabrics.
