Karolina Walsh focuses on her balance at Bikram Yoga Jan. 25. The studio features a state-of-the-art heating system that reaches 110 degrees while allowing participants to remain comfortable because of the ample air flow the system provides. Janelle Cordova / The Lumberjack

Sweltering temperatures, dripping sweat and the hum of practiced breathing invigorate the senses inside Bikram Yoga College of India’s Flagstaff studio.

Bikram yoga is a unique form of exercise consisting of a series of 26 poses performed in a heated room to allow one’s entire body to become calescent. Experienced practitioners claim maintaining at least 105-degree room temperatures allows for deeper stretching and detoxing of the body through the opening of pores.

Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury began the practice in India and later brought his methods to the rest of the world.

Choudhury’s “Hot Yoga” has become a worldwide sensation, with studios in nations including Argentina and the United Arab Emirates. It is even gaining a following among NAU students.

Scott Bateman, a junior psychology major, said he tried Bikram for the first time to satiate his desire for an experience that would both challenge his body and his mind.

“I’ve done medium to advanced yoga classes before, and they don’t even compare to Bikram,” Bateman said. “Afterward, besides being super sweaty, your muscles will be extremely relaxed, and you’ll be centered both physically and mentally.”

Ashlee Crawley, a freshman biomedical science major, said she also prefers Bikram to regular  yoga.

“Personally, I like Bikram a lot better,” Crawley said. “It leaves you with the best feeling ever, like you’re completely cleaned out; you’ve sweat it all out.”

Local residents looking for an introduction to Hot Yoga need to look no further than Bikram Yoga College of India’s Flagstaff location, situated within walking distance of NAU’s campus behind Beaver Street Brewery. The studio, the only Hot Yoga facility in Arizona north of Phoenix, celebrated its sixth anniversary Jan. 24.

Julia Olguin, director of the Flagstaff studio, said taking the first step and entering the sometimes intimidating mirrored room can be the hardest part for many Bikram newcomers.

“Yoga is not a competition; we try to promote a safe environment where people feel comfortable,” Olguin said. “We’ve had 10-year-olds in here, and we’ve had 75-year-olds. Bikram really caters to the general public because we all start the same way.”

Classes are open to all levels of skill, but first-time students are advised to arrive early, hydrate thoroughly at least one day before class and avoid eating for two hours before the class begins.

“The best way to prepare is to double or even triple your water intake [for] a minimum of 24 hours before class so that it’s in your tissues,” Olguin said. “The more hydrated you are, the more positive an experience you’ll have. We really hope that people leave feeling better than when they came.”

NAU students may attend a single class for a discounted rate of $10, or for $5 on Wednesdays and Sundays. For schedules, rates and more information, visit bikramyogaflagstaff.com or call 774-3637.

Get a closer look at Bikram Yoga in the video package. Julia Oluin, director of Bikram Yoga, discusses some of its benefits and the inclusiveness of the studio.

Click below for Lumberjack exclusive video by Kristine Cannon about Bikram Yoga.