Choudhury moved to the United States. In 1974, he established the Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills, California. This is where hot yoga began. He thought that to boost and amplify the effects of yoga, the poses should be done inside a heated room of 100 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature and 40 percent humidity.
The usual lightweight clothing, anti-sweat athletic wear that dries quickly will do just great. For men its light tees with shorts and women can wear a tank top or sports bra with shorts or lightweight pilates memphis yoga-style pants.
There are a few other choices that exist to cover your Bikram yoga needs. There are cotton yoga rugs that are apparently quite good in these types of conditions. And their history substantiates this too given they have been used longer then anything else on the market, and in places like India and abroad. The cotton yoga mats are woven. They give good cushioning combined with good traction. Once there is a bit of moisture your hands and feet will adhere really well. The other mat that may work well for you is the Lululemon Hot Yogi Mat. This mat, although not specific to Bikram yoga, would work well. It is priced really well at $35 for all the great qualities that it has to offer.
A lot of people want to go for the thinnest mat that gives them the most padding. I strongly suggest going for a thicker mind body haus mat for your hot yoga class. Many of the positions will be really strenuous on your joints, having the extra cushioning will do you wonders. I have even seen people have two yoga mat's in their Bikram yoga class, they will switch out for the thicker mat when doing these positions. I personally think that's a little excessive, but whatever you prefer!
Yes and no. I get into weight lifting zones. I find it exhilarating and relaxing... much like what hot yoga delivers. I've always loved weight lifting. Therefore, interrupting yoga poses with weight lifting sets doesn't have any adverse effect on the effectiveness of yoga. Instead, I gain flexibility, rest and fast workouts.
One style of yoga that is best for losing weight is called vinyasa or "flow yoga". The poses are called "sun salutations" and they are very athletic and really work up a sweat.