Bikram Yoga Alberta Street

I had done some Bikram before while conferencing on the East coast, so I had some expectations. These classes kicked my out-of-shape butt, especially the 5:30am. I missed having hip openers and some other poses not highlighted in Bikram's 26 (or is it 28?) Classes are a bit too big for personal attention, but that's usually OK with me. The teachers seem to prioritize learning people's names and will say things (over the Madonna-style headset microphone) like "Chuck, draw in that belly," or approach you to ask about your medical history with the class listening. Awkward! The final straw for me was being hounded to reposition a pose oriented in a way that meant stepping off my mat (more important for everyone to see themselves in the mirror at the expense of traction or hygiene? (Gross disclosure: I enjoyed a bit of athlete's foot a few days after rooting my feet into that moist carpet.) The warmth is really nice, and so are the people who go. Hope this review helps you decide if it might be right for you.