Two weeks ago, I had a conversation with someone who was very interested in trying Bikram yoga. She asked me some questions about it, got the general scoop, and seemed very eager to try out a studio in her area. Yesterday we talked again, and I learned her enthusiam had greatly decreased and she had not gone.
Why?
Well, when she went to the studio’s website she saw pictures of people doing postures. It wasn’t the postures that had her panicked. It was what people were wearing.
“I’m not wearing a bikini!” she exclaimed. “Everyone just wears bikinis!”
I assured her that was not the case. I assured her that people of all sizes and ages do Bikram yoga. I told her that some people even wear pants (I do not know how those of you in the pants group managed to pull it off!). I gave her examples of things she could wear to class and focused on what the fabric should be made of (you know, don’t wear cotton). She still wasn’t convinced when our conversation was over, but she said she would think about it some more.
For the first time, I was struck by how a newcomer might view a Bikram yoga studio website. It had never dawned on me that pictures of people in almost-nothing clothing might freak somebody out. Does that mean those pictures shouldn’t be there? I don’t think so. Instead, I think it means showing a variety of people ina variety of dress IF studios are going to show people at all.
My Bikram Yoga Life 
Apr 12, 2013 @ 07:38:32
Myself, being someone who was almost 400 pounds, and still trying to lose weight in the 190’s, I can certainly see how pictures of women in bikinis could deter people from wanting to join a yoga or any other exercise class. It’s probably not that she’s uncomfortable with other people’s skin, but she’s uncomfortable with her own. I’d continue to encourage her to attend and maybe introduce her to a few people so she can see for herself, that people are people and their main focus is the same; to be healthy, have a good mental and physical presence.
Very sincerely,
Marcy Palmeri
TWITTER: @itsabouthealthy
BLOG: https://itsaboutbeinghealthy.wordpress.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/palmeri.marcy
E-MAIL: Marcy.Palmeri@gmail.com
MESSENGER: Yahoo: MarcyPalmTree
Palmeri Photography: http://palmeriphotography.com/galleries
FB: https://www.facebook.com/palmeriphotos
Apr 12, 2013 @ 15:33:34
Agreed. She thought she had to wear a bikini based on the pictures, and I explained that was not at all the case. We wouldn’t be practicing at the same studio, otherwise I could help her out a bit more.
Apr 13, 2013 @ 11:20:36
I absolutely had anxiety about what to wear when I first started going!!! I had seen all the pictures of the trim gals in teensy outfits and it just triggered all my own issues. Not only did I have worries about the heat and the postures, but I also felt like there was no way to fit in because 1) I’m extremely overweight, and 2) I can’t wear the clothes.
As it turns out, though, at my studio it’s rare to see the teensy outfits. People generally wear plain tanks tops and shorts. A few will rock the shorts (non-booty) and sports bra combo.
I think it would be great for studios to have pics up of non-lulu clad people. Maybe even some bigger/older/struggling people.
I do think that if I ever get my body into shape enough to wear the cutie outfits… I’m totally doing it. 🙂
Apr 14, 2013 @ 06:24:12
At my studio I think we have a mix in terms of what people wear. It could learn one way or the other depending on who shows up. I’m not sure there’s ever really a typical day in terms of what people wear. Then again, I’m not really paying attention to that.
I think you should wear what you want regardless of size. Easier said than done, I know.When I started, I wore the running shorts/sports bra combo, but that’s because I owned them and saw no point in spending money on the teeny tiny outfits. Then I tried one tiny outfit and was hooked. They are more comfortable to practice in than running clothes.
This has been interesting to me because it never occurred to me that someone might avoid class because of what to wear. It’s been great to think about and discuss.
Apr 13, 2013 @ 11:51:42
I like when studios put up some group pictures taken during classes where everyone is drenched and pink faced and you can see all of the variety.
Apr 14, 2013 @ 11:54:24
Yes! When I see the pics/videos of people in various bits of the posture, I find it encouraging.
Oct 28, 2014 @ 10:57:40
Everyone Just Wears Bikinis! http://t.co/Z7pNqWA1K7 #bikramyoga #yogaholicsmag
Nov 17, 2014 @ 12:16:14
Everyone Just Wears Bikinis! http://t.co/Z7pNqWRCSb #bikramyoga #yogaholicsmag