Bikram Yoga?

[Que]

Just wondering what people think of Bikram's yoga? I'm starting a cleanse and thought it would complement the cleanse nicely instead of my regular cardio and weight training. I've heard of people doing hot yoga for so a month, every single day? Is that something anyone else has heard of? I've heard it's invigorating and refreshing. What's the 411 in these parts?

[Sasha1200]

i've been doing bikram yoga for two years and I LOVE IT! it's the only activity that has really helped me focus on breathing, posture and relaxing. i use to have to go to a physical therapist to deal with my neck/back issues and i'm so much better now. i would totally suggest trying it. be warned though, the first few times are rough but the more you do it the better!

[jaurequi]

Sasha, you say you have back and neck issues -- do you mind expounding on that? If it's asking too much, no problem; I just would like to know what problem was relieved by this certain exercise. I have a neck injury, myself, (permanent, though) that can occasionally act up and would love to learn about *any* technique or exercise to relieve it or learn how to strengthen the muscle around it would be even better. I do certain things for it successfully; however, one can't know too much about anything :)

Thanks,

[Angelina]

I love Bikram, I practice about 6x's/week; been for a lil over two years.. Its excellent, but be warned that the first few times might be a bit rough ~ but I find that depends on the persons health habits prior. When I first began, I was eating a healthy, non processed,tons of water diet ~ I had no problems and yes, for me it was very energizing; although I know of others that have had a few issues such as exhaustion, headaches or dehydration. The classes are 90minutes long, and the temp can go as high at 115-120 (depending on the studio,the outside weather, the inside humidy,amount of people). Its definitely a workout ~ but as with any form of yoga, results come from a consistent,dedicated practice. Good luck and definitely enjoy it if you start :)

[Sasha1200]

hey jaurequi,

to answer your question, my neck and backproblems were work related issues. i use to spend over 12-15 hours a day in front of a computer hunched over. after a while i would get random pains throughout my spine and shoulders. sometimes, i would be in bed and couldn't even move due to the pain.

in regards to your back injuries i've known many people who heal completely after doing bikram yoga for some time and daily. the founder (bikram) created the series of postures to heal himself. the doctors told him he would never be able to walk and after practicing these series of yoga postures he was able to heal himself.

a lot of centers have a one week special for beginners. what i would suggest is to try to go EVERYDAY for at least 7 days and see how you feel before you make a judgement. i know a lot of people who give up after the first day or so because it's so uncomfortable or they get nauseous.

if you stick it for those 7 days your back will thank you and mentally you'll feel the best you've ever have in your life. stress, anger...that all goes away...

here's the official site http://www.bikramyoga.com/

good luck and let me know how your first bikram class goes! =)

[Que]

Hi Shasha
I'm going to try my first class today. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm interested in challenging myself and going everyday. I'll give it a whirl. One day at a time. Thanks for your input.
Que

[Angelina]

Que, one thing that I always tell new people taking Bikram is the water thing,drink a lot throughout the day prior to class ~ but on Raw, I am sure you're drinking your water (plus all the unprocessed foods really help with hydration in the body). Another thing that I noticed I have to be aware of is that since I've always eaten healthy, non processed foods, I was deficient in sodium, so definitely make sure if you don't have a "saltier" diet to add in some salt here and there; and also some potassium. Other than that HAVE FUN and keep us posted.

[Que]

Loved it!!! Absolutely loved it! I signed up for a 3 month unlimited pass. I'm hoping to go everyday that I can. I'll let you know how I continue to progress but for right now, I'm hooked!

[RawTruth]

Que, I didn't see this thread in enough time to respond before you went, but now, of course, this answer isn't really necessary. Regardless, I just wanted to add my voice that Bikram can be fabulous. I used that infamous 7-day membership trial and went 5 times in the 7 days -- not a record, but still a fair amount since I hadn't done yoga in 20 years. I was dizzy and nauseous the first few times, but simply took it easy till it passed and finished the entire 90 minutes each time. I would (and have) recommend it to anyone of any age and fitness level. I will be doing it again myself -- and can't wait to hear a report from you as you progress.

[Angelina]

Que that is awesome..so glad to hear it....definitely keep us posted and beware its quite addicting. ;)

[Sasha1200]

YAY!!!! Congrats Que. I'm so glad you liked BY. I gotta say I was skeptical when my friend got me to go to a class and the only reason why I stuck with it was because I had a 7 day pass and wanted to get my money's worth! lol. 2 years later I can't imagine not doing yoga in the mornings. What you'll really notice is that you'll breath better, you'll be more calm and you'll just feel better!

Gosh I'm so happy you liked the class. You should also tell the teacher about any conditions you may have so that they can make sure you take it easy in certain positions until you can fully heal. Try to do it as much as you can and report back to us!!! I know you'll heal your back problems with BY!!!

[jaurequi]

Thank you, sasha1200; I appreciate you answering.

And thanks to all who responded with their experiences. I hope to find time to add this to my regimen; it sounds interesting. I'm not really into yoga -- I do the Tibetan Rites and my martial arts incorporates a lot of it, though.

Best,

[theresaann]

I did this once in a studio while on a very processed diet, and I could actually feel the coffee and scones coming out of me. I felt like a wrung out dishrag. Then I had a sore throat for a few days-more detoxing. I realized how detoxifying it is and that it would be a lot more comfortable if I was cleaner with my diet first, although the yoga itself cleanses the body a lot. I want to get back to it. It was amazingly healing.

[tvillemom]

I know this sounds dumb...but is it necessary to do this in a studio? I'm not familiar with all the types of Yoga. It sounds like this is special for detoxing? The temperature has to be high?
Wendi

[Sasha1200]

though you could do the poses at home...it's not recommended without the heat. the temp goes up past 100 degrees (don't know the exact degree). you need the heat to sweat out the toxins and to make your muscles more limber