bikram yoga thoughts?

[heatherjoy]

i have not consistently exercised in years - i've been too exhausted! i am hoping that this will change as i continue on my raw journey (day 7).
anyway, i've been thinking about bikram yoga - heard it's great for detoxing.
does anyone do it and if so why do you like it?
thanks,
heather

[adrienne]

I loved bikram when i did it, i had a profound experiece during one of the classes in which i had a huge realization about things going on in my life. i think it was because this type of yoga really opens you up physically and emotionally. i liked the sweating/heat aspect. take it very slow at first and drink as much h2o as possible. in the begining i stood near the door b/c it was the coolest part of the room then gradually the heat didin't bother me anymore. i think most yoga is great and you can get the same benefits but maybe with bikram a little faster and more detoxifing (just my opinion)
good luck

[swingbolder]

Bikram is thoroughly intense cleansing. I took a clas once and came out of there feeling like I had just had an hour massage/sauna. Like rubber.

However, I didn't like the way the teacher barked at us through her headset. Very unyoga-like, IMO. However, I would give it a try. If it gets too intense and you feel dizzy -- which is normal in the beginning -- just lie down for a few minutes.

[Angelina]

I have been doing Bikram now for over two years and absolutely love it..I can't sing its praises enough. I think this, more than any other exercise will greatly benefit you because it does give you soo much energy. Its great for all levels, whether you're new to exercise and yoga or just looking to do something new. It is a bit different than other yoga, whereas, the whole spiritual aspect isn't covered. If you haven't done other forms of yoga, it may take awhile to get the whole mind/body connection, but when you do, your class will become dramatically better (and drastically different). I practice it just about everyday and definitely credit it for healing a badly broken leg (doc wanted to operate, I declined, insisting yoga; doc recommended physical therapy again, I refused saying YOGA). This form of yoga throughly works your whole body (and mind), it has soo many benefits I can't even begin to list them!! Check out bikramyoga.com to see the full list. But nothing is better than first hand recommendations. Give it a try for a week and you might just be addicted (..lol..this is coming from someone that had a week off from work so decided to take two classes a day)... Good luck and definitely let us know how you like it :)

[rawcanadagirl]

I used to do bikram yoga, however have since moved on to ashtanga. I still go into the hot room (either power or bikram) every so often, because I just LOVE the hot room. It is SO relaxing - especially if I have had a stressful day. You really feel purified after a class. I just find, for me, that ashtanga is much more challenging and rewarding - so I do it more often. I would definately recommend any yoga. It is so good mentally and physically. I do many other physical activities, and I think yoga is the reason that I have not gotten injured and have maintained a high level of flexibility and balance. Enjoy your yoga experience!

[ephmeralgrl]

I agree Bikram Yoga is great, the heat, the depth of stretch you can get, the sweat (lots-o-sweat!!) all great!! It is important to get enough water, however listen to your body. I was drinking 5-7 liters a day to stay hydrated and began getting headaches. When I backed off the water to 4-5 the headaches went away and I still felt hydrated. Just keep in mind that over-hydration has similar symptoms to dehydration.
Enjoy and keep on sweatin'

[solarliving]

I just went to my first class this last Sunday. Love it! It was definately challenging but you can go into a meditation as you go beyond your normal comfort level. I felt as if I accomplished something. I liked sweating out all the toxins and my skin felt really good as if I had a facial. Most anyone can do it, there was even some young kids in my class. It is worth trying at least once.

[heatherjoy]

thanks everyone for the inspiration. i went to my first class last night. it was painful and wonderful. sweat the whole time. loved the feeling of getting some toxins out, especially as i am 13 days raw and detoxing anyway. as is my usual pattern of avoidance of all things good for me, i do not want to go back today. i got an unlimited class card for 30 days for 30 dollars - beginner's packet. please god, help me to get there. i know i'll feel better if i go.
thanks again. happy posturing all.

[phoenix2006]

it's funny thay I was guided to this website and area because I have been raw for 20 days and just signed up for a class here in houston for tonight. Thanks for the insight and I'll give my feedback tommorow.

[solarliving]

HeatherJoy,

Congrats on your first class!. I just had to say, wow did you get a deal. One class here in San diego is 15$ I think the cheapest would be 10$ if you buy a package. Lucky. I've gone 3 times so far, but I don't think I can afford to go on a regular basis. Keep us informed on your experience.

[pdx kris]

I know that at least in Portland, many yoga studios will let you work in trade if you can't afford the high prices of membership because they don't want anyone to go without yoga. Writing a newsletter, gathering the towels after class, stuff like that. Maybe inquire at your studio and see if there is something you can do to cut the membership cost in half or even more?

kris

[solarliving]

Hey thanks for the idea. Maybe I can trade massage.

Thnx again,

Angelique