There is something to be said about feeling sweat coating every inch of your skin. But I notice the mood today, how unfriendly everyone is in these classes. Is it just too personal, a self-consciousness with all that sweating and imperfect bodies exposed in minimum clothing?

The postures themselves are held longer but it’s kind of a “strike a pose” approach, very little guidance in breath or transitions. Being sensitive to language, I feel an almost militaristic tone: push, grasp, suck in your stomach, grab, choke your throat, lock your knees, stiffen the elbows. Very forceful imagery. Very macho really, although classes are still mostly composed of women students.

Tags: Bikram yoga, yoga practice, yoga postures