This place is my sanctuary. A sanctuary where everyone is welcomed no matter who you are or what…read moreyou look like. In a world where judgement is a constant, it's nice to walk in the Bikram Yoga West End doors and know that not a single person is there to judge you, rather, are there to focus on taking care of themselves. It's a wonderful thing.
Unassuming, down an alley off Byres road, this place is a gem. I have been practicing here for roughly 3 months (with a few weeks here and there taken off due to visitors to Glasgow and other things happening), but I'm back and I'm well and truly on my way back to the level of fitness I was prior to taking a break.
I never practiced with Stephen and the gang before they opened this Byres Road location, but they have loads of regulars who have been with them from the beginning. I've practiced Bikram yoga in the states, so I get the idea of it, but for those of you who have never been, or who are new to start, it's basically a series of 26 postures done one right after each other in a hot and humid room. It's 90 minutes of a cardiovascular (no, not running about) yoga workout, all while centering yourself and clearing your head preparing you for your day/night. It really is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I really start feeling the benefits after day 1.
Don't be scared to come in and say hello (make sure to take your shoes off at the top of the stairs), the staff and all the teachers are warm and welcoming, as a Yoga studio should be. They have crackin' deals if you're a student, and if you're a student or non-student, it's totally worth trying out Bikram Yoga West End as they do a 30 days for £30 deal, with a huge discount on top of the membership prices if you join before the 30 days is over.
Aside from all that loveliness, they have towel and mat rental, and locks for lockers to borrow on the day. They have bottles of plain water and coconut water for sale, and various other snacks and clothing to buy. What's best is there is a rest and relaxation area where you can gather your thoughts before and/or after class, have a cup of (free) tea (they usually have 2 flavours going at any moment) and chat with the friends you'll make. There are also changing areas and showers for those of you on the move and needing to be cleaned up after sweating like crazy!
I'm almost certain I've practiced with every teacher here so far, and can assure you that each and every one of them are amazing and teach a little different than the next. All with the same script and postures, but some will correct you if you're not in the proper posture, and some will just let you on your way and figure it out with your class mates. Personally, I enjoy Sherands classes the best, but maybe that's just because we're both American. Hehe, I kid, but she's really great and is one of the teachers who help you correct your postures to get the maximum benefit from your practice.
All in all, this place is great. Do yourself a favour and check it out. You'll thank yourself for it!!