Anyone doing Bikram Yoga?

[theresaann]

I am really excited-I'm starting this tomorrow. I've heard a lot of great things about it, and it seems to be very complimentary to the raw lifestyle.

Anyone have any experience with it?

[heabrook]

I have a friend that absolutely loves Bikram. I haven't tried it myself but I do want to. I was previously living in Phoenix AZ though -- so I didn't need any EXTRA heat...

I live in Colorado now and want to try it. The only thing I would say is be sure to bring a bottle of water with you, as you are meant to sweat a lot during Bikram. Bring a towel too! Have fun :)

[rawcanadagirl]

I have done bikram a few times, but I prefer ashtanga (cool room) or power (HOT room). I have many friends who are addicted to bikram however, and I would HIGHLY recommend yoga in general. I love the hot room (especially in winter), and have such a great feeling once I am done.
Bikram is a series of 22 (I think it is 22) postures, all repeated twice. Many of them are balancing poses. Take it easy your first time in the hot room - it can take a few times to get used to it. After a while, the hot room is addictive though!
Let us know how your first class went :D
RCG

ps: I drink 1.5 litres of water in a 1.5 hour class - so remember the water! Also, a sticky mat is helpful :)

[cdepalmer]

I love it. I try and get to a class a least 4-5 a week. It is hard but the benefits are worth it. You feel incredible. I wish I could go everyday. The room is very addictive. I think you still need to do cardio and weight training if you are trying to lose weight. The instructor would not agree but that has been my experience. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!
Cindy

[theresaann]

WOW WOW WOW!!!

I did my first Bikram Class today and I have to say I am REALLY glad I've been working out consistently for the past 8 weeks and been raw for 5, cause man, that stuff is an a** kicker!!!

But I felt AMAZING for 2 hours after. I could feel energy coursing throughout my body, my breathing was so slow and deep and calm. Towards the end I felt a little nauseas and dizzy, but just rested for a few minutes and could go on with the asanas. wow. I am hooked.

And it WAS hard!! and I agree with you, cdepalmer about working out with other stuff too, although after experiencing how challenging it is, it's hard to believe you really DO need any other exercise! But I am going to continue with my 2X a week free weight circuit training and walking my dog daily for cardio (fast walking), and do Bikram 3X a week.

This stuff is very detoxing and healing- I can feel it. I'll keep posting on my progress. Right now I still have about 25 pounds to lose and I'm at a size 8, want to get to a 2-4. I'm sure Bikram will help-all that sweating is really something!!

[cdepalmer]

theresaann,
I find that doing the BY you will lose inches and with the cardio and weights it is more weight. You will feel very sick the first few times. And not eating at least three hours before will help also with the nausea. Also don't guzzle water in class. It also helps you not focus so much on food. I have been doing it for almost 4 years on and off. Stopped during pregnancy even thought the instructor did the entire 9 months. I was high risk so couldn't. I think you will find it helps with everything. I do have to keep up the other forms of exercise. I have 30 lbs to lose from post baby so just getting back in to BY. Where are you?
Good Luck,
Cindy

[theresaann]

howdy~

I'm in West Bloomfield, Michigan. There is a center about 15 min from me in Farmington Hills. I LOVE this stuff....I feel like it is maybe a perfect exercise to combine with a raw lifestyle. And I did notice a lot of students in class today were pretty adept at the poses but pretty obviously overweight too. Funny paradox. I guess you do have to eat right to lose weight-even with Bikram Yoga.

[theresaann]

ok, I know I'm the only one posting here (lol-story of my life...) but I have to share. I did my second class yesterday and the heat was still really challenging, but I woke up this morning with MORE inch loss. You are right about that, cde...it's pretty amazing. I just feel so "wrung out" after, like it really purges toxins. I really love this and will continue to do it. wow.

[sisrawnic]

I've just joined this site!

I've done BY here and there for the past year and love it. I read how it can help out ailments (I fell some years ago and my back hasn't been the same). When I first started, I went to several classes for about a month and noticed my back wasn't sore. Classes aren't real cheap but I'm going to start again this coming Monday. My goal is to go every week, at least 3x/week. I've also gone to regular yoga classes at 24 Hr Fitness.

In the beginning, I used to sweat alot. Now I don't sweat as much. Interesting. Enjoy your new interest.

[RawTruth]

My best raw friend is a total Bikram fiend. We started together with the $20 for a week intro. She went 8 times that week (she did a double her last day) and I went 4 or 5, I think.

They were all complimentary that I didn't vomit or pass out the first few times. That should be a warning, dontcha think (just kidding -- don't kill me for this comment, 'k?)?

Unfortunately, I injured my knee during weight training soon after and didn't continue with Bikram -- or anything other than walking and rehabbing the knee.

But, those who love it just wouldn't trade it for the world. I did feel pretty amazing afterward -- well, once my heartrate got back to normal!!

I (and my friend) find that with eating raw food, the warning about not eating for the prevoius 3 hours just isn't necessary. Well -- maybe if you're eating nuts. But -- you know how fast fruits and veggies empty out of the stomach!! So, you needn't really worry about that.

Glad you liked it!

[theresaann]

rawtruth, I totally agree with you about the "nausea" thing. I have had to stop the few times I've done this periodically with dizziness. I could only go once this week cause of scheduling stuff, and I miss it!! The people there who are regulars promise the dizziness and nausea goes away after the first 5 or so times... I hope so....

[asil]

Hey there,

I've been doing Bikram 3X/week for about a year. I also do Ashtanga 2X/week and an individual Iyengar class once a week. I love them all! The nausea and dizziness go away really fast. In fact, I'd forgotten all about it until you mentioned it. The main thing is to get really hydrated well before class, so that you don't have a belly full of water and you don't need to drink a bunch of water during class.

Have a blast!

[theresaann]

asil, you're right about the dizziness and nausea! I just did my third bikram class in 2 weeks and I was only nauseas at the very end-it felt AMAZING to feel strong through the whole thing! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff. It's just melting fat off my body-with all that sweating. You do other classes too?

I'm gonna guess you're answer is yes to this question, but do you feel that yoga alone gives you enough exercise for a high level of fitness? :)

[asil]

Hey, glad you're already getting past the nausea/dizziness thing. Soon you won't even remember what that was like. I like to stand as close to the heat sourcse as possible now, so I can *really* detox.

And yes indeed! I do think yoga is the only exercise I need to do to be fit, mind and body. Although I also like to walk, garden, swim, build things, etc. I'm mostly sedantary, spending up to 12 hours a day at my computer. Without yoga I'd be crunched up in pain. I've lost over 50 pounds since starting yoga about 2 1/2 years ago. (I started Bikram more recently.) And for the first time in my life I'm not pear shaped. And I can't believe how much stronger I am. (How about that standing head to knee? he he he.)

But don't be fooled by the heat and sweating in Bikram. In my opinion, other yoga schools, taught by serious and trained instructors, are just as challenging (sometimes more), even if they don't look as dramatic. That's why I like to take classes from several different teachers -- I love variety too. :)

I'm not saying that to dampen your enthusiasm with Bikram. Like I said, I love those classes! I'm addicted! But if you feel like exploring other schools, don't hesitate. :)

[lavendarJ]

I've been wanting to do it for a while now; I just can't afford it yet, but I know I am going to love it.

[theresaann]

thanks, asil!

I will get the itch to try other classes soon, I am very sure....

I didn't know I would like yoga so much, but doing it REGULARLY is what's hooked me. Know I know what everybody is raving about!

Thanks for the inspiration-your story is awesome. That's a lot of weight to lose! good for you!!

yesterday at Bikram I saw an old client of mine (I'm a massage and craniosacral therapist). I remembered she had stopped seeing me a few years ago for lower back pain because she said she found something that eliminated it for good! I asked her back then what it was and she said, "Bikram yoga!" I knew she already was a "yoga bunny" doing yoga all the time, but she had only just discovered Bikram then.

Well, when I saw her yesterday she said she'd been doing it all this time at least 3X a week, and that's really all she does for exercise, and she looked FANTASTIC. she looked great before, but she was so lean and toned and looked 10 years younger. ANd she's not even vegetarian, let alone raw....

pretty cool. I feel lucky to be able to do it and am committed to budgeting for it. It's really awesome!

[JMD]

OH OH OH do I want to go RIGHT NOW and try a class!!! I am sorry to say I am not sure where there is one around here!! (though i am sure there has to be one i am located north of Boston).

I have been doing yoga for over 11 yrs almost daily and AM DYING to take a class like this. My fear is that it will be too hard or the poses too challenging. BUT like NIKE says "just DO IT!!"

Thanks for sharing and invigorating me to try something to release toxins from my body ESP at Springtime!! This is a great time to DETOX.

[solarliving]

You can go on-line and search for Pictures of Bikram yoga/poses. I believe there are 27. They do the same ones every time. The most challenging aspect is of course the heated room, but you can always sit and rest.

[Punky]

thanks, asil!

I will get the itch to try other classes soon, I am very sure....

I didn't know I would like yoga so much, but doing it REGULARLY is what's hooked me. Know I know what everybody is raving about!

Thanks for the inspiration-your story is awesome. That's a lot of weight to lose! good for you!!

yesterday at Bikram I saw an old client of mine (I'm a massage and craniosacral therapist). I remembered she had stopped seeing me a few years ago for lower back pain because she said she found something that eliminated it for good! I asked her back then what it was and she said, "Bikram yoga!" I knew she already was a "yoga bunny" doing yoga all the time, but she had only just discovered Bikram then.

Well, when I saw her yesterday she said she'd been doing it all this time at least 3X a week, and that's really all she does for exercise, and she looked FANTASTIC. she looked great before, but she was so lean and toned and looked 10 years younger. ANd she's not even vegetarian, let alone raw....

pretty cool. I feel lucky to be able to do it and am committed to budgeting for it. It's really awesome!


wow! I am sold ;)
I NEED to try this...need to start getting in shape though...haven't excercised really for the last 9 months, ughh! so not sure how I'd fair in the heated environment. Maybe after a month or two of gettting some cardio and weight training back in my life I will give it a go. There is a local yoga place that does heated rooms, but not sure if it's Bikram style or not. I will check. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[onelife2live]

I just wanted to add that a friend of mine that I met during the spring of 2005 is a Bikram Yoga instructor in Washington DC......when I met her she always had this very glowy, fresh look to her...ALL THE TIME! I never knew her age until one day I asked her because I was always in awe of how great she looked....she looks 20 and shes 40 :eek: (and I say 20 because I was 29 at the time and she looked younger than me!!!) I assumed she was vegan...but after a couple of lunch and dinner dates together I quickly learned she eats whatever the hell she wants :rolleyes: ....I don't advocate it...but hey! She looks FAB!

[theresaann]

I know-I'm 41 and I have a client that owns the most successful spa in Michigan-shes' very "traditional", from Germany and older-very into "quality products", etc. She's also an esthetician.

ANyway, I went to her house last Tuesday after 6 weeks raw and Bikram and she's like, "your skin looks fabulous" then she lowers her voice in her German accent and goes, "are you using a new product?" like it's a "trade secret" or something. I laughed and I'm like, "no way! I haven't washed my face in 2 days! It's Bikram Yoga and raw food!" THen she said, "I am going to do raw food then!!!" heehee.

[theresaann]

just did my fourth class in three weeks yesterday. I need to get there more often-it's tough to take the two hours out that it takes with kids, but I made my son come with me and sit with his ipod yesterday so I could go!!

It IS getting easier, even only after 4 times. I really love this stuff....

[moniqueyvette]

Hello!

I am new to raw and new to Bikram. I haven't started class yet, Monday is my first class. I am in Los Angeles and going to the Bikram College on LaCienega...anyone from Cali here?

I am 5'3" and weight 185....although I am pretty flexible, and don't look anything near my weight....does anyone think larger people have a serious problem doing yoga or would one get used to it like everyone else and it actually helps???

[RawTruth]

Hi Moniqueyvette! Welcome!

Every time I drive by the studio, I really think about driving up to try it.

I've gone to Bikram in Long Beach and plan on going to the studio in Laguna Beach (they sell raw take-out meals there that are really good!!!).

I think you'll find it great no matter what your current size is. It IS very demanding and physically taxing, so be sure to take it easy at first and stop for a minute if you feel dizzy or nauseous.

Keep us updated how you do!!!

Again -- welcome to the wonderful world of raw. You live in the perfect place to find support, for sure!!

[onelife2live]

I am sooooo wanting to do Bikram Yoga. But there are very few advertised studios here in Maryland? Annapolis, Crofton, Rockville, Baltimore and DC are all inconvenient. Anyone know of any others near Beltsville??

[jackierr]

Hey,
In one of the earlier posts someone mentioned a sticky mat might make things easier. I have a yoga mat and my hands always slip when I sweat which makes poses like the downward dog really hard to do. Is a sticky mat something different than a regular yoga mat? Thanks!
-Jackie

[whitelotus]

I've been practicing Bikram Yoga for a few years now, averaging around 7-10 classes a week. I love doing doubles and can't wait to try a triple. It's a great type of yoga - yes it's hot and yes it's long (90 minutes) but it's all mental. It's hot in there and it's going to get hotter so as long as you can learn how to control your mind, you'll do great! I agree that weight lifting once or twice a week will greatly benefit your yoga practice, although this yoga will definitely give you one of the best workouts in the world. Go to bikramyoga.com and check out the classes in your area! Good luck to everyone and enjoy your practice!

[rawnyckat]

I absolutely loved doing bikram yoga but it is soooo expensive here- and I have compensated with paying for organic groceries instead! Plus I am involved in so many other physical activities I found that the bikram yoga totally knackered me out-but I did get that "euphoric" high after class! Someday when I am not teaching I wil go back to it and martial arts!:) Have fun! :)

[stiletto]

Bikram is wonderul. Sweating out all those toxins, yes! But, then, I am biased. I really haven't ever tried a yoga class I didn't like. From hot and sweaty yoga, to gentle candlelight yoga. mmmm

Enjoy yourself and experience every moment of it!

Peace,
Stiletto

[Rima]

All "official" Bikram Yogas studio are listed under http://BikramYoga.com
For your area: Crofton and Rockville might be the closest !

Best Wishes !

[Rima]

I am sooooo wanting to do Bikram Yoga. But there are very few advertised studios here in Maryland? Annapolis, Crofton, Rockville, Baltimore and DC are all inconvenient. Anyone know of any others near Beltsville??

oops... was trying to reply to the above post and was not clear ! here is my reply again :) :

All "official" Bikram Yogas studio are listed under http://BikramYoga.com
For your area: Crofton and Rockville might be the closest !

Best Wishes !

[KombuchaCHIC]

I've been wanting to try this ever since I heard of it! I think my friend and I are going to try taking a class together! I can't wait! :)

[Angeline]

I started doing Bikram yoga in the spring of 2005 and continued until after one session I had a severe migraine that ended up making my left eye lid turn purplish red and the inside of my eye a deep red. It really scared me and my nuerologist tried to convince me that the heat was too intensive. I stopped doing Bikram Yoga. Intuition directed me to get a second opinion and I found out that it wasn't the yoga but a pituitary tumor that caused it. I am back to doing Bikram yoga after about a year of being away from it. It is an excellent way to detoxify your system, help your lymphatic system and tone your nervous system. An instructor let us know that you burn 1050 calories a class. It is a good path for weight loss. The main benefit from it is the peace and bliss after the class. If you want to research it go to http://bikramyoga.com/.

Expect to be extremely sore after your first few classes but don't be afraid of the pain and work through it. It's worth it!! Hope this wasn't too long to read through and might help.

[rawredbone]

I just had my first class Sat and it was great I experience all the symptoms everyone mention so far but I am going to stick with it. I justify it as my something for me time. My next class is this evening. I am going to sign up for a month class for now. I really want a 1yr class who knows maybe DH will surprise me ;) . Yes the class are expensive but many have specials. I get in on a special I would say check around in your area. My first class was only $18.00 for a 90 min class now that is cheap and nothing is cheap in Minnesota.