If you're familiar with Bikram Yoga, and have submitted to its ninety minutes of strenuous exercise…read morein a room so hot that no clothes would be too many, you'll know that every little thing makes a difference to your experience of the class. Folding your torso over your thighs, pulling your knees towards your face, sweat dripping into your eyes and still another hour to go, you need to feel totally comfortable in your surroundings.
The studio at Bikram Yoga Nice, situated on the top floor of a little hotel by the port, is just about ideal. Forget your big-city warehouse spaces with teachers on pedestals and wireless public address systems; here, the experience is as close as can be found to a private class. During my ten days of twice-daily practice (yes, it is addictive), the biggest class was of eight students with, I think, around 12 being the max (but you can book your place online). The space isn't big, but with skylights and big windows, and pastel, minimalist decor, there's no sense of being cramped.
In one corner, statues of Shiva and Buddha draw your attention to yoga's spiritual antecedents; from another wall, a pop-art poster's cherry-red lips, pouting behind a raised finger, remind you to ssssshhhh. Gossip, chat, distraction? Interdit, absolument.
So, the classes. In a word, excellent. Bikram teachers talk a lot, reminding you when to push, when to pull, when to keep your eyes open, when to breathe, when not to give up. It helps a lot, when your mind's straying and your body's saying 'no', to hear someone else saying 'YES!'.
Bikram Yoga is very good for you. It makes you work hard, sweat, grimace and swear. But it also makes you leaner, fitter, calmer and happier. So if you're visiting Nice, or living there, and fancy reversing the effects of foie gras, rosé wine and Gauloise, sign up for a class, or a course, as soon as you can.
