[Athallia]

All the comments below apply to Bikram yoga only, the original hot yoga, which is the one I'm familiar with. They're other styles of yoga that are now taught in a hot room.

Well, the jury is out for the getting rid of the toxins, but this belief is part of Ayurveda and traditional yoga lit. You'll lose weight IF you're carrying extra weight, supposedly if you need to gain it'll help you with that. I'm not sure if it's true, but when I took class every single day for over a month my butt got higher and rounder and my waist got really tiny, enough to even make my brothers say something positive (they're teens and NEVER have anything nice to say).

As for dangers, dehydration shouldn't be a problem if you drink enough water before, during and after class and also make sure to replace your electrolytes with coconut water, Gatorade etc. An unexpected danger might actually be the teachers themselves. I haven't experienced any actual dangerous practices, but the are enough stories floating around tribe every time the name Bikram pops up. They're all trained the same, but apparently some choose to change things. If that's the case don't give up try as many teachers within the same studio and in other studios until you find you right fit.

Right now all Bikram classes are "for beginners", the advanced class is never advertised and when taught is by invitation only. I've never been to one. However, beginner doesn't mean they're gonna baby you or even give you modifications. You're expected to try your best within your limits. Also, don't expect the soothing yogi voice from the videos nor for the teacher to demonstrate the poses, you have to listen to the teacher's instructions and when in doubt look at the more advanced people in front of you. If any asana gets to be too much you can stand still (or sit or lie down if you're on the floor) until everyone else is done with the pose.

I don't think it's a dumb fad, I love it and I've practiced Sivananda and Integral which are very spiritual styles of yoga. Of course I'm always cold except in the summer, so if you're always hot maybe it's not for you.

Unfortunately, Bikram Choudhury is a bit... I don't know how to put it, abrasive. He says his way is the right way, he openly criticizes other traditions, he lives in Beverly Hills, he copyrighted the sequence, etc and people can't seem to separate the practice from the man who created it.

There was an article on the ACE newsletter about yoga injuries. If they mention anything new I'll post once I read the article.