Bikram Yoga for people with Fibromyagia - good idea or not?

[kitkatbahr]

Hi all,

I am new here and also new to Raw. I have Fibromyalgia and I am interested in Bikram yoga. I have never done any kind of yoga, or much exercise at all, except walking when I can, due to fibro pain. I love the idea that the Bikram Yoga helps with detox and also weight loss, etc. I am about 80 lbs. overweight (but I weigh less than I used to. At one time, I was 280 lbs. I am now 231 lbs. at 5 foot 6 1/2 inches). I have lost about 8 lbs just since starting Raw on Jan. 1st 2009! I am excited about this new lifestyle and look forward to learning more about it and losing more weight. I am not totally 100 percent Raw yet, but that is my goal, eventually. I am probably at about 85 percent right now, if I had to guess.

Anyway, we have a Bikram Yoga place here on the island, where I live. I was wondering if anyone that has Fibromyalgia practices this yoga or not? How would it be for someone like me? I know yoga is good for stretching muscles, etc. which I really need, as my muscles get so tight and sore. But, I am afraid it would be too much for me?

I appreciate any responses I get. Thank you very much!

Kathy

[Stina]

Bikram is extremely athletic. I'd personally shop around a variety of yoga classes and see what's resonating with your body. good for you though!

[juliebove]

I don't know exactly what Bikram is. I have Fibromyalgia and have done yoga. I can't do a lot of it. Some of it makes my muscles far worse. I mainly stick to the poses I can do. I also use blocks and a strap.

[RawLibrarian]

Bikram yoga studios are heated to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and are also high in humidity. I practice Bikram and like it a lot, but it isn't for everyone because of the heat and humidity and the strenuousness. Also, some (not all) Bikram yoga teachers can be real drill sergeants, because that the way Bikram himself is. That might be okay for Bikram, but I can do without the Mini-Me's.

A friend of mine has fibro and loves Bikram because of the heat, but she has decided it is just too much for her physically.

If you are new to yoga, I would try a less-demanding style before attempting Bikram. I'd recommend a style of yoga that concentrates on good form, like Iyengar or Anusara. Build your foundation on a rock.

I don't want to discourage you, because I really like Bikram yoga myself, but it's good to know what you're getting into.

[kitkatbahr]

Thank you to those who answered me. I really appreciate it. Raw Librarian, thank you for sharing your friend's experiece as well. It helps to hear from someone who actually has fibro and has already tried the Bikram yoga. I was actually afraid it would probably be too much for me physically, especially right now, as any kind of exercise makes me extremely sore. Maybe if I can heal my body I will be able to one day enjoy the benefits of Bikram.

Thanks everybody!

Kathy

[freespirit]

I live in New Smyrna and the teachers at your studio are not very drill sergeant like. some of them have taught up here. I would go ahead and try it. the great thing about bikram is every class you repeat the same poses, so you will be able to measure your progress, and learn to feel which poses help the most. I would think that it will most definitely help with your pain!!

A couple words of advice-

1. drink lots of water the two days before the class. i like to take coconut water with me, some people drink the glaceau water bc of teh electrolytes, but i like the coco h2o. and bring regualr water too- at least a liter
2. Bikram is somewhat similar to torture the first time you do it. Halfway thru my first class I wanted to walk out. The end result is well worth what may feel like hell in the beginning. bikram is something you will crave- it makes you fell amazing. its like a runners high but waaaay better!!! an hour into my first class i said to myself "f*ck this!!!!!!!" the next day I was there at 9 am.
3. They say not to eat two hours before a class. I always drink a green smoothie on my way there. and I have a banana in my purse just in case. as raw foodists our digestive systems work differently then a SAD eater, so we cant always abide by their rules!!

I hope you enjoy your first class- and go ahead and sign up for the 30 dayss, and try to do it as often as possible. that is the best way to see results. you will be sore the first time- the easiest way to get rid of the soreness is to take another class!

[Hannah]

Hello,
I am a Bikram Yoga teacher and the studio owner where I teach actually has fibromyalgia. She said that this series is the only thing that has helped keep her symptoms at bay. It is a beginners series and may be challenging at first, though people see their stamina strength and bodies change rapidly with a relatively consistent practice.

I recently met the studio owner of the Merrit Island studio - Suzanne. She and her husband are wonderful! I would highly encourage you to go and check it out and see how it goes for you. It does take some time (I remember my first class, and it was not a pretty site) - I always suggest trying 10 classes in a month, if you can that's 2-3 times per week for 4 weeks. If it doesn't work for you or you don't like it or whatever, then at least you know that you have given it a fair shot and given yourself an opportunity to experience what benefits the practice may have for you.

I have also found that the practice is super helpful with the detox of going raw and supports staying raw as well.

Best of luck with your pursuit! Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have - I'll do my best to answer them! hfenster@gmail.com

Have a great day!
Hannah

[w H i te D a i S y]

Hi Hannah! I hope you don't mind me asking about Bikram Yoga a bit..I'm starting it in March and was wondering (since you're an instructor) what kind of results have you seen in people practicing it for a while (or yourself)? Do they lose weight, have a better skin, feel happier..etc. Thank you so much if you get to answer!

-Sandy

[jkumra]

I have been suffering from Fibromyalgia for 10 yrs. Have tried various forms of Yoga & it provides some relief but not completely. I joined Bikram Yoga a week back & it has been amazing. I had stopped my medication about 3 weeks back & was in agony. But Bikram Yoga was effective from the day one.The first day I just managed to stay in the room & wasn't able to do any yoga. But I could feel the change the same day. I slept like a baby & got up without any pain or stiffness. Now the only pain that I have is muscle soreness. I am much more flexible. Feel like a new person.I would recommend Bikram Yoga for Fibromyalgia. Just try to stick it out for a week. Try to stay in the room as long as possible & do whatever asanas you can. See if it works for you. Do let me know.