Bikram Yoga Question
July 29, 2010 6:24 AM Subscribe
I am considering Bikram Yoga for weight loss - Will you share your experience?
I am 38 and need to loose the considerable amount of junk that has accumulated in my trunk. I have also noticed that although I used to by hyperflexible when I was younger, I have stiffened up in the past 5 years. Other than that, I have no health problems and have been cleared by my doc to go forth and sweat.
I want to try Bikram Yoga - I have tried other types of yoga before and had great experiences. There is one other yoga studio in the small city that I reside. They offer classes in my level only once a week, which isn't enough for me. The Bikram studio offers the same class at the same time every day that works with my work schedule and I am not the sort of person that thinks I can do yoga properly at home.
If you have done Bikram or Hot Yoga, will you share your thoughts on it? What did you like? What did you not like?
And would you considered it to be a total workout (cardio and strengthening) or should I add some other exercise regimen as well?
Thanks!
I am 38 and need to loose the considerable amount of junk that has accumulated in my trunk. I have also noticed that although I used to by hyperflexible when I was younger, I have stiffened up in the past 5 years. Other than that, I have no health problems and have been cleared by my doc to go forth and sweat.
I want to try Bikram Yoga - I have tried other types of yoga before and had great experiences. There is one other yoga studio in the small city that I reside. They offer classes in my level only once a week, which isn't enough for me. The Bikram studio offers the same class at the same time every day that works with my work schedule and I am not the sort of person that thinks I can do yoga properly at home.
If you have done Bikram or Hot Yoga, will you share your thoughts on it? What did you like? What did you not like?
And would you considered it to be a total workout (cardio and strengthening) or should I add some other exercise regimen as well?
Thanks!
Virtually any exercise is better than not exercising, so in that sense I recommend it. Caveats are:
1) Weight loss is xx% (let's just say mostly) about your food intake. Bikram was one of the first exercise regimens I tried when I decided that I wanted to lose weight and become more fit (many years ago) and I was absolutely floored when I walked into my first class and the instructor and many of the most skilled practitioners were clearly overweight. No fitness program is a magic bullet, and I'd go so far as to say that on the spectrum of "how instrumental will this exercise be in helping me lose weight," Bikram tends towards "not that instrumental."
2) One of the gimmicks (or... traits) of Bikram practice is that every session follows the exact same sequence of poses. If you make a habit of practicing with the same instructor, you'll be doing the same poses, in the same order, with the same verbal cues, basically every time you go. This is fine if Bikram is just one aspect of your athletic activity, but most people will see more benefit, in terms of health and fitness, by engaging in a workout regimen that is more varied.
3) To your point about whether Bikram is a "complete workout": my answer is no, it is not. I am not a yogi or even a regular practitioner anymore, and I imagine that most people who are serious about yoga would disagree with me strongly, but I believe that it's extremely advantageous for everyone to do strength training, especially as they age and start to get that "not as flexible/fit/active/comfortable as I used to be" feeling. Strength training increases bone density and strengthens the muscles that will protect your body as you age... so if you're shaking things up and want to get serious about wellness now, I recommend finding a way to incorporate strength into your routine as well.
posted by telegraph at 6:51 AM on July 29, 2010 [3 favorites]
1) Weight loss is xx% (let's just say mostly) about your food intake. Bikram was one of the first exercise regimens I tried when I decided that I wanted to lose weight and become more fit (many years ago) and I was absolutely floored when I walked into my first class and the instructor and many of the most skilled practitioners were clearly overweight. No fitness program is a magic bullet, and I'd go so far as to say that on the spectrum of "how instrumental will this exercise be in helping me lose weight," Bikram tends towards "not that instrumental."
2) One of the gimmicks (or... traits) of Bikram practice is that every session follows the exact same sequence of poses. If you make a habit of practicing with the same instructor, you'll be doing the same poses, in the same order, with the same verbal cues, basically every time you go. This is fine if Bikram is just one aspect of your athletic activity, but most people will see more benefit, in terms of health and fitness, by engaging in a workout regimen that is more varied.
3) To your point about whether Bikram is a "complete workout": my answer is no, it is not. I am not a yogi or even a regular practitioner anymore, and I imagine that most people who are serious about yoga would disagree with me strongly, but I believe that it's extremely advantageous for everyone to do strength training, especially as they age and start to get that "not as flexible/fit/active/comfortable as I used to be" feeling. Strength training increases bone density and strengthens the muscles that will protect your body as you age... so if you're shaking things up and want to get serious about wellness now, I recommend finding a way to incorporate strength into your routine as well.
posted by telegraph at 6:51 AM on July 29, 2010 [3 favorites]
Best answer: I did Bikram-style hot yoga 4-5 times a week for a month or so (then tried again a year or so later, same frequency, at a different studio, for another month).
It was definitely a WORKOUT. It had a cardio component for me, for sure--after some of the poses that work your thighs or butt, I would definitely be breathing hard. You sweat like crazy, and I found the poses/length of time you hold them to be pretty challenging. After the first couple of sessions, I was extremely sore afterwards, but I got used to it, and subsequently I just experienced a more normal (for me) level of soreness after each session. I actually found that I got used to the heat after a few sessions, too (and this was in the late spring/early summer, in Texas).
What I liked about it:
- I felt like I was getting a really good workout!
- It did improve my flexibility, especially in my back
- I noticed I had better digestion and slept better
- It was fun to work on the poses and get better at them
- I did get a little stronger, and it improved my balance
- I think I did lose a little bit of weight (maybe 5-7 pounds?)
What I didn't like about it:
- The kind of cultish atmosphere. Instructors were always saying things like, "Well, Bikram says...." What do I care what Bikram says? The guy didn't invent yoga.
- The whole experience is very standardized--you do the exact same poses every time, in the same sequence, and hold them for the same amount of time. Even the patter of the instructors was sort of canned--I think they have prescribed dialogue they're supposed to say.
- At the 2 studios I tried, instructors didn't come around and do adjustments, and they didn't really give us much personalized guidance on the poses. I prefer yoga classes where there's more individualized attention to alignment and to proper form.
- It takes a lot of time--I usually spent about 2 and a half hours on it, counting getting to the studio, doing the hour-and-a-half session, showering (cannot skip this part--you're drenched afterwards!) and getting home.
- I found that I pushed myself more in this setting than I do in other yoga styles...which can be a good thing but could also be dangerous. Some of those poses are pretty extreme; I have heard of people hurting themselves pretty seriously doing Bikram.
Hope that helps!
posted by aka burlap at 6:58 AM on July 29, 2010
It was definitely a WORKOUT. It had a cardio component for me, for sure--after some of the poses that work your thighs or butt, I would definitely be breathing hard. You sweat like crazy, and I found the poses/length of time you hold them to be pretty challenging. After the first couple of sessions, I was extremely sore afterwards, but I got used to it, and subsequently I just experienced a more normal (for me) level of soreness after each session. I actually found that I got used to the heat after a few sessions, too (and this was in the late spring/early summer, in Texas).
What I liked about it:
- I felt like I was getting a really good workout!
- It did improve my flexibility, especially in my back
- I noticed I had better digestion and slept better
- It was fun to work on the poses and get better at them
- I did get a little stronger, and it improved my balance
- I think I did lose a little bit of weight (maybe 5-7 pounds?)
What I didn't like about it:
- The kind of cultish atmosphere. Instructors were always saying things like, "Well, Bikram says...." What do I care what Bikram says? The guy didn't invent yoga.
- The whole experience is very standardized--you do the exact same poses every time, in the same sequence, and hold them for the same amount of time. Even the patter of the instructors was sort of canned--I think they have prescribed dialogue they're supposed to say.
- At the 2 studios I tried, instructors didn't come around and do adjustments, and they didn't really give us much personalized guidance on the poses. I prefer yoga classes where there's more individualized attention to alignment and to proper form.
- It takes a lot of time--I usually spent about 2 and a half hours on it, counting getting to the studio, doing the hour-and-a-half session, showering (cannot skip this part--you're drenched afterwards!) and getting home.
- I found that I pushed myself more in this setting than I do in other yoga styles...which can be a good thing but could also be dangerous. Some of those poses are pretty extreme; I have heard of people hurting themselves pretty seriously doing Bikram.
Hope that helps!
posted by aka burlap at 6:58 AM on July 29, 2010
I loved Bikram, but it's not for everyone. The main thing that drove me away from it was how expensive it was. But I liked that the series of poses was always the same no matter what, I found that tobe a very comforting thing to hold onto mentally while dealing with the heat.
I think a lot of the aversion is psychological, we spend most of our time trying to avoid that temperature for comfort reasons, but it (usually) won't hurt us.
And the shower afterward feels positively delicious. Especially if you alternate the flow between hot and cold.
posted by hermitosis at 7:00 AM on July 29, 2010
I think a lot of the aversion is psychological, we spend most of our time trying to avoid that temperature for comfort reasons, but it (usually) won't hurt us.
And the shower afterward feels positively delicious. Especially if you alternate the flow between hot and cold.
posted by hermitosis at 7:00 AM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: I found Bikram very physically taxing (extreme exhaustion afterward, not so much during) and often suffered migraines afterward from the heat & dehydration. I was advised that if I'd go regularly or drink plenty of water in advance I'd be alright, but neither of these things worked for me.
That said, it is a powerful routine and all that sweating and heart-pounding is pretty exhilarating. I'd recommend that you try it and see if it suits you. Bikram may be less complete than a varied routine of aerobic exercise and strength training, but who cares? I would gladly sacrifice some "completeness" to find an exercise I can enjoy and look forward to doing regularly. Oddly enough, brisk daily walks (3-4 miles, while listening to audio books) are currently satisfying that requirement for me. Complete? Maybe not. Sustainable? Absolutely.
posted by cymru_j at 7:02 AM on July 29, 2010
That said, it is a powerful routine and all that sweating and heart-pounding is pretty exhilarating. I'd recommend that you try it and see if it suits you. Bikram may be less complete than a varied routine of aerobic exercise and strength training, but who cares? I would gladly sacrifice some "completeness" to find an exercise I can enjoy and look forward to doing regularly. Oddly enough, brisk daily walks (3-4 miles, while listening to audio books) are currently satisfying that requirement for me. Complete? Maybe not. Sustainable? Absolutely.
posted by cymru_j at 7:02 AM on July 29, 2010
I have done yoga regularly since 1998 and Bikrum is the only class I have ever gotten hurt in. I think the heat allows you to stretch more then you should? Not my favorite flavor of yoga.
posted by shothotbot at 7:09 AM on July 29, 2010
posted by shothotbot at 7:09 AM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: I passed out the first time. I was out of shape and never exercised. Years later, after I had become MUCH more fit, and had been exercising regularly for a good year or more, (but mostly because I'm an idiot), I thought maybe I would be able to handle some Bikram and I went back.
I passed out, and then barfed on the way to my car.
You asked!
posted by pazazygeek at 7:18 AM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
I passed out, and then barfed on the way to my car.
You asked!
posted by pazazygeek at 7:18 AM on July 29, 2010 [2 favorites]
I strongly agree with telegraph - yoga is fine but really not
going to help you drop a significant amount of weight. Bikram, along with other types of yoga, seem great as supplemental activities to improve muscle flexibility (so you're less likely to injure yourself doing real exercise) but an effective workout is more along the lines of Crossfit, circuit training and high intensity interval training. If you find yourself with only enough money and/or time for one form of exercise, don't waste it on stretching.
posted by zoomorphic at 7:19 AM on July 29, 2010
going to help you drop a significant amount of weight. Bikram, along with other types of yoga, seem great as supplemental activities to improve muscle flexibility (so you're less likely to injure yourself doing real exercise) but an effective workout is more along the lines of Crossfit, circuit training and high intensity interval training. If you find yourself with only enough money and/or time for one form of exercise, don't waste it on stretching.
posted by zoomorphic at 7:19 AM on July 29, 2010
zoomorphic - while I agree it is not a complete workout (you really need supplementary cardio) I think you are underselling it by describing it as purely stretching - many of the postures are strength buidling. Like that's so wrong I am inclined to believe you've never actually done serious yoga.
The other important issue is that many of the people who would consider yoga as something they could do sustainably are unlikely to be into the Crossfit/Circuit Training approach to the world.
posted by JPD at 7:27 AM on July 29, 2010 [4 favorites]
The other important issue is that many of the people who would consider yoga as something they could do sustainably are unlikely to be into the Crossfit/Circuit Training approach to the world.
posted by JPD at 7:27 AM on July 29, 2010 [4 favorites]
I wouldn't necessarily recommend Bikram yoga for this. I tried it, and due to long limbs and borderline low blood pressure, nearly passed out every time. Also, the heated studio can lead to muscle tears, as you can easily overstretch.
posted by availablelight at 7:40 AM on July 29, 2010
posted by availablelight at 7:40 AM on July 29, 2010
If you do Bikram, take your time with it. Don't try to get fully into poses the first few times you go, and don't be afraid to quietly sit out a few if you get over-exerted.
I think it will be a good component of an overall fitness regimen but you will also need cardio workouts as well. Good luck.
posted by rocket88 at 8:00 AM on July 29, 2010
I think it will be a good component of an overall fitness regimen but you will also need cardio workouts as well. Good luck.
posted by rocket88 at 8:00 AM on July 29, 2010
Sorry if I came off as dismissive of yoga, but having done both yoga and strength training, I can attest that after serious lifting - and the results that followed - yoga wad far less effective for weight loss. I am a woman, however, and I follow a low carb high protein diet, so lifting didn't have the bulking effect many men enjoy.
I'll step away from the yoga vs. strength training debate and say that you'll also need to focus on your diet if you want serious weight loss results. I'm a low carb fiend who recommends cutting out all breads, pastas and sugars, but find a diet that you can stick to.
posted by zoomorphic at 8:08 AM on July 29, 2010
I'll step away from the yoga vs. strength training debate and say that you'll also need to focus on your diet if you want serious weight loss results. I'm a low carb fiend who recommends cutting out all breads, pastas and sugars, but find a diet that you can stick to.
posted by zoomorphic at 8:08 AM on July 29, 2010
zoomorphic - I totally agree with your more recent comment
And obviously - diet is far far more important than exercise.
posted by JPD at 8:13 AM on July 29, 2010
And obviously - diet is far far more important than exercise.
posted by JPD at 8:13 AM on July 29, 2010
If you're looking for Bikram to be some kind of fast-track ticket to losing weight, forget it. I did Bikram fairly intensively for a while, including doing it 30 days straight, which was a significant accomplishment for a person who had never committed to exercise before. I felt great doing it, but it also took a lot out of me. (See above.) The reason I stopped was because of 1) cost 2) time (90 minutes of hot yoga plus the time to change on both ends is a lot of time) and 3) logistics (at the time I was doing it intensively, the studio was a block and a half from my house). I was stronger, I breathed better, I had fantastic color.
I agree that some studios can be really dogmatic but a lot of studios equally aren't. but it's like that with ANY form of yoga. The teachers make the studio environment, because the type of people who come to practice are a reflection of the teachers. Mine were no-nonsense, professional, helpful, enthusiastic, offered encouragement and adjustments as necessary. It is not like that at every yoga studio, Bikram or not.
Yoga is not for everyone.
posted by micawber at 8:46 AM on July 29, 2010
I agree that some studios can be really dogmatic but a lot of studios equally aren't. but it's like that with ANY form of yoga. The teachers make the studio environment, because the type of people who come to practice are a reflection of the teachers. Mine were no-nonsense, professional, helpful, enthusiastic, offered encouragement and adjustments as necessary. It is not like that at every yoga studio, Bikram or not.
Yoga is not for everyone.
posted by micawber at 8:46 AM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: I started in Bikram but was turned off by the cultish aspect of it ("you must come back within 24 hours!") and the use of carpet (stinky). I then moved to a Hot Yoga studio that has more varied routines and styles and a few degrees less heat. (They do this to avoid the litigious ways of Mr. Bikram, who is a profit monster, and will sue anyone who has classes that are too close in style to the Bikram method.) Hot yoga I love. I found it to be good strength training and good cardio, but I supplement with weights and running. The likelihood of you hurting yourself is less if you're an experienced yoga practitioner.
The first time I did it, I felt nauseous and really really pissed off, like I wanted to punch someone. The second time, I felt pretty great. It is time-consuming. It's also addictive, I find. I lost weight, but it's hard for me to say whether it would have happened with hot yoga alone.
posted by *s at 8:49 AM on July 29, 2010
The first time I did it, I felt nauseous and really really pissed off, like I wanted to punch someone. The second time, I felt pretty great. It is time-consuming. It's also addictive, I find. I lost weight, but it's hard for me to say whether it would have happened with hot yoga alone.
posted by *s at 8:49 AM on July 29, 2010
I went as an accident once. Where I live there's a building where there are two yoga studios. A friend had a guest pass for me and went to a class on one floor. I was running late and went to the wrong class. This was in summer so I didn't notice the temperature at first. I did notice that most of the men weren't wearing shirts, women were in sports bras, etc. I was wearing a t shirt and a pair of shorts.
I think I'm a relatively tough person. At the time I did this, I was training for my third marathon. I nearly left the class. I worried that with all of my sweating that I was going to slip. I had water but no towel and I struggled to hang on. And then when I left, it was warmer outside than it had been in the studio (okay, not really but it felt that way).
I really liked that the heat forced me to focus. I was genuinely concerned that if I did not stay focused, I would slip off my mat and/or hurt myself. For someone who occasionally makes mental grocery lists while doing yoga, that was a good thing. But I think I've found other yoga classes more satisfying. I would go back but it's been a few years and I haven't yet.
posted by kat518 at 8:55 AM on July 29, 2010
I think I'm a relatively tough person. At the time I did this, I was training for my third marathon. I nearly left the class. I worried that with all of my sweating that I was going to slip. I had water but no towel and I struggled to hang on. And then when I left, it was warmer outside than it had been in the studio (okay, not really but it felt that way).
I really liked that the heat forced me to focus. I was genuinely concerned that if I did not stay focused, I would slip off my mat and/or hurt myself. For someone who occasionally makes mental grocery lists while doing yoga, that was a good thing. But I think I've found other yoga classes more satisfying. I would go back but it's been a few years and I haven't yet.
posted by kat518 at 8:55 AM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: I loved Bikram Yoga during the time when I was doing in intensely. I went regularly for about 18 months. (3x or more / week). It didn't really help with weight loss necessarily, but I loved the flexibility and mood-changes it gave me. That said, I very strongly think it caused or at least contributed to my now-recurring lower-back injury. When I went back recently, it was very painful, and I made the connection between this low-grade pain I have occasionally to an injury I had during my early Bikram days. The advice I got from several teachers related to this pain struck me as irresponsible. (Keep doing the same thing! It will help! The pain proves it's working!). So I generally recommend choosing a more responsible studio, but if you do go, take it really easy, especially the backbends, and don't get caught up in the "pull! pull! pull! and... release!" fervor.
posted by salvia at 9:24 AM on July 29, 2010
posted by salvia at 9:24 AM on July 29, 2010
YMMV, but here's my experiences!
I went one time with a friend. My experience: we did a pose or two and I started to feel nauseous. I tried to leave and the instructor yelled at me and told me not to leave the room. When I tried to drink water, she told me I needed to wait until the first water break.
A minute later she said that the warmup was complete. I was seriously bummed because I had high hopes for bikram, but if I felt that sick after the warm up, it was not going to go well. I continued to try to do the poses for the remainder of the 90 minutes, but continued to feel sick whenever I tried. So I ended up sitting on my mat trying not to puke for the majority of the time. The instructor was super rude, too!
My friend didn't get nauseous, but she got really dizzy.
Personally, I'm not willing to try it again, in large part because of the instructor. It would probably be different at a different place, but it just turned me off from it. And I felt super sick for the next three days, despite the fact that I drank a ton of water the two days before I went.
posted by firei at 9:51 AM on July 29, 2010
I went one time with a friend. My experience: we did a pose or two and I started to feel nauseous. I tried to leave and the instructor yelled at me and told me not to leave the room. When I tried to drink water, she told me I needed to wait until the first water break.
A minute later she said that the warmup was complete. I was seriously bummed because I had high hopes for bikram, but if I felt that sick after the warm up, it was not going to go well. I continued to try to do the poses for the remainder of the 90 minutes, but continued to feel sick whenever I tried. So I ended up sitting on my mat trying not to puke for the majority of the time. The instructor was super rude, too!
My friend didn't get nauseous, but she got really dizzy.
Personally, I'm not willing to try it again, in large part because of the instructor. It would probably be different at a different place, but it just turned me off from it. And I felt super sick for the next three days, despite the fact that I drank a ton of water the two days before I went.
posted by firei at 9:51 AM on July 29, 2010
I've never tried bikram, but have been doing yoga for a while. Diet is definitely more important for losing weight, but I do find that yoga makes me more aware of my body, and I'm less likely to eat poorly as a result - because I know I'll feel worse.
With that experience, I'd say giving yoga a shot can't hurt.
posted by backwards guitar at 9:53 AM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
With that experience, I'd say giving yoga a shot can't hurt.
posted by backwards guitar at 9:53 AM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: My two cents:
Don’t eat anything for at least 2 hrs before class.
Drink LOTS of water before during and after class. It’s very easy to get dehydrated and that’s when you get massive headaches. I usually eat a banana soon after class, also seems to help with headaches, etc.
You definitely want to take a shower after class at the studio if you can, if not I recommend a clean towel to place on your car seat – you WILL be drenched with sweat.
During the first week of classes just focus on staying in the room and breathing properly – I felt dizzy, nauseous, and on the verge of passing out on several occasions but you will find that your body adapts quickly.
As mentioned above, some instructors/studios are more militant in their approach than others so find a teacher that works for you – it makes all the difference in the world!
Bring an extra long towel for your yoga mat and a smaller one to wipe your face throughout the class. I usually have a few tissues nearby as well in case my nose starts to run. Most studios will supply you with a towel and mat, but they are usually not the best quality.
I find that it is QUITE a workout, and I have definitely lost weight and increased muscle tone when I went regularly. I think to gain the most benefit you need to attend class 3 times (or more) per week. That being said, there is not a lot of focus on arms and abs, so you may want to supplement yoga with some weight training exercises targeting those areas.
Above all, have fun!
posted by bahama mama at 10:11 AM on July 29, 2010
Don’t eat anything for at least 2 hrs before class.
Drink LOTS of water before during and after class. It’s very easy to get dehydrated and that’s when you get massive headaches. I usually eat a banana soon after class, also seems to help with headaches, etc.
You definitely want to take a shower after class at the studio if you can, if not I recommend a clean towel to place on your car seat – you WILL be drenched with sweat.
During the first week of classes just focus on staying in the room and breathing properly – I felt dizzy, nauseous, and on the verge of passing out on several occasions but you will find that your body adapts quickly.
As mentioned above, some instructors/studios are more militant in their approach than others so find a teacher that works for you – it makes all the difference in the world!
Bring an extra long towel for your yoga mat and a smaller one to wipe your face throughout the class. I usually have a few tissues nearby as well in case my nose starts to run. Most studios will supply you with a towel and mat, but they are usually not the best quality.
I find that it is QUITE a workout, and I have definitely lost weight and increased muscle tone when I went regularly. I think to gain the most benefit you need to attend class 3 times (or more) per week. That being said, there is not a lot of focus on arms and abs, so you may want to supplement yoga with some weight training exercises targeting those areas.
Above all, have fun!
posted by bahama mama at 10:11 AM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: I did Bikram for about a year. I dropped weight right away but then realized it was water weight because I wasn't hydrating properly: no significant fat loss. I stopped because it was crazy expensive, but a significant additional factor was that even though I went to a 6 a.m. class where the heater only got turned on (in winter Boston) at 5:45 a.m., the carpet stench was nasty. I had to go a couple of times after work and it was bad enough to cause nausea.
I still do the Bikram cycle, though - the poses work my trouble areas, and I like the predictable routine. I've heard enough stories about Bikram Choudhury from folks who've made the pilgrimage to LA and then eventually decided to disaffiliate from him that I don't think he needs my money any more, so I bought Tony Sanchez's first DVD instead. (Sanchez studied under Bikram but now appears to consider himself more in the lineage of Bishnu Ghosh [Bikram's teacher].)
posted by catlet at 12:05 PM on July 29, 2010
I still do the Bikram cycle, though - the poses work my trouble areas, and I like the predictable routine. I've heard enough stories about Bikram Choudhury from folks who've made the pilgrimage to LA and then eventually decided to disaffiliate from him that I don't think he needs my money any more, so I bought Tony Sanchez's first DVD instead. (Sanchez studied under Bikram but now appears to consider himself more in the lineage of Bishnu Ghosh [Bikram's teacher].)
posted by catlet at 12:05 PM on July 29, 2010
Agreeing with telegraph - Bikram is great, but weight loss is 80+% about what you eat, and far less about activity. A lot of people go into Bikram because they think they're going to "sweat away the pounds." Your body doesn't work this way.
Also, many people feel like absolute shit the first few times. If this is you, keep at it a few weeks before giving up.
posted by coolguymichael at 12:06 PM on July 29, 2010
Also, many people feel like absolute shit the first few times. If this is you, keep at it a few weeks before giving up.
posted by coolguymichael at 12:06 PM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: As you can see from reading these responses, there is no one bikram experience. I really enjoyed bikram, and right now the only thing keeping me away is the price, but it is not for everyone. Also, it is not "real" yoga. My mother (60 years old) goes to bikram about three times a week and she says it helps with flexibility, strength, digestion, sleep, etc. When she first started, she was not doing any exercise at all and had not set foot in a gym for years. Of course, for the first 6 months she only did the poses once instead of twice, and I think that she still skips some poses.
posted by betweenthebars at 12:07 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by betweenthebars at 12:07 PM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: I love Bikram. I am no spring chicken and the heat and flexibility exercises do wonders for my fused and arthritic vertebra. Sounds like the instructor is a big part of it. I take from an ex-army guy who sticks rigidly with the Bikram patter and order, but is the first one to tell someone (especially new, but even experienced people who seem to be struggling) to lay out and drink some water - or bring someone cold water if he feels they need it. He also knows where all the cooler spots in the room are and saves those for newbies.
But you have to ease into it. If I don't get to do it for a while, I just lay there through half of it when I finally go back. It's not easy. And definitely drink a lot of water before going. As for weight loss, largely dropping bread from your diet and walking --even meandering-- a couple miles a day are two simple things that will do wonders right off the bat.
posted by umberto at 1:31 PM on July 29, 2010
But you have to ease into it. If I don't get to do it for a while, I just lay there through half of it when I finally go back. It's not easy. And definitely drink a lot of water before going. As for weight loss, largely dropping bread from your diet and walking --even meandering-- a couple miles a day are two simple things that will do wonders right off the bat.
posted by umberto at 1:31 PM on July 29, 2010
I can't take the heat - I've tried several times but always end up dizzy and nauseated. I'm also really sensitive to the heat in general, though. It IS a great workout and you will not believe how much you're sweating - like rivers of sweat pouring off your body. It's pretty amazing. FWIW, I prefer Ashtanga yoga, which is also a prescribed series of poses but without the unbearable heat.
posted by jrichards at 1:57 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by jrichards at 1:57 PM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: I didn't / don't practice bikram but ashtanga, but ashtanga is so redneck that you sweat like a monster anyways -- ashtanga is blue-collar work ethic yoga, from what I've experienced, which is part of what makes it a fit for me, I get a kick out of it. But the first studio I practiced in was kept hot -- hot -- and I now practice outdoors in Austin, which, while not as hot as a heated studio, is plenty hot enough, believe me. (The second studio I practiced in was air conditioned and the master would set it cold enough to store meat, and while I was still pouring sweat within three or four minutes, I really thought / think it sucks, which is one of the reasons I left that studio, the other being the cash.)
Weight loss? Yeah, big-time. And that weight loss while changing my body fat content hugely, which means that the fat weight I lost was/is actually larger than what the scale shows, muscle weighs more than fat, etc and etc. That's happened for two reasons: First, the practice itself truly is a lot of work, seems that it moves through my body as much as my body moves through it, if that makes sense. But it's diet, also, as noted by others above, but here's the big deal, one of the larger things that yoga has given to me, that I've never really had before -- as long as I keep in the practice, I no longer want to eat food that is bad for me, it's like I now have a say in the matter, whereas before snickers bars and other garbage called the shots. But it's even more than that -- I don't even feel called to the junk anymore, I just don't want it. I'm not tying myself to the mast, it's that the siren has stopped sounding. It's really been amazing, and fun to watch happen to me.
Anecdote: Nine months into the practice, I got a bad fever for some reason, sortof a rogue wave fever, out of nowhere, a one-time shot; I got an appt with my MD to find out what was going on and get something to knock it down. He took one look at the weight loss and the fever and the fact that I looked terrible that day and he was convinced I was close to death, thought I had cancer or polio or something, insisted I get chest xrays and whatever else, he was all frowny and serious and doctor-y, and I'm like "No, doc, really, it's just this fever, the weight loss is from yoga" but he's looking at me in a casket,it's all he can see. He really was surprised to find nothing. I tell you that to tell you how fast the weight came off -- it was dramatic, like thirty pounds, plus, as I said, the fat content had changed so I was that much thinner, too. I currently wear clothing the same size I wore in high school.
Do be careful. I've hurt myself, twice, badly, trying to push the river, trying to force my body to change faster than it can or will. I call it "Competitive Yoga" or "American Yoga" of which of course there is no such thing. Except that there can be such a thing, if I allow my ego to power the practice, if I attempt to force my body to go where I want it to go rather than allowing the practice to take my body where it will, which is different each day. In fact, that's something else that I've found -- each day I practice, I show up with different energy, different flexibility, different balance, different strength. It was confusing, at the first, but now it's part of the fun in it, it's like "Hmmm, I wonder who's going to show up on the mat today?"
The sweat thing. Buy a rug to unroll on your mat once the sweat starts to flow. You can get them for about thirty bucks or thirty-five maybe, though like anything else yoga-related you can probably spend three or four times that amount. (Here's a fun thing to do, when you practice in a studio: watch all the dopes spend hundreds of dollars of specialized yoga clothing, with brand names like "Karmic Flow" or "Prana Freedom" or whatever -- it's ridiculous, I wear workout shorts I bought ten years ago for ten bucks or twelve at target or wally-world; it's not the clothing you're wearing, it's showing up on the mat.) The rug will still slip some, until you sweat it wet, but a spray bottle of water to hit where you place your hands and feet in the poses will take care of that.
It may not be for you, I know lots of people who it's not the same as it is for me. But my blood pressure is lower, my weight is lower, I'm hardly eating any junk anymore, I'm trim and fairly fit and have fair balance, esp for an old guy. I probably look better -- diet and exercise just can't hurt, right? -- and I'm positive it's been good for my head, if even because of knowing I'm doing good things for myself.
posted by dancestoblue at 2:29 PM on July 29, 2010 [4 favorites]
Weight loss? Yeah, big-time. And that weight loss while changing my body fat content hugely, which means that the fat weight I lost was/is actually larger than what the scale shows, muscle weighs more than fat, etc and etc. That's happened for two reasons: First, the practice itself truly is a lot of work, seems that it moves through my body as much as my body moves through it, if that makes sense. But it's diet, also, as noted by others above, but here's the big deal, one of the larger things that yoga has given to me, that I've never really had before -- as long as I keep in the practice, I no longer want to eat food that is bad for me, it's like I now have a say in the matter, whereas before snickers bars and other garbage called the shots. But it's even more than that -- I don't even feel called to the junk anymore, I just don't want it. I'm not tying myself to the mast, it's that the siren has stopped sounding. It's really been amazing, and fun to watch happen to me.
Anecdote: Nine months into the practice, I got a bad fever for some reason, sortof a rogue wave fever, out of nowhere, a one-time shot; I got an appt with my MD to find out what was going on and get something to knock it down. He took one look at the weight loss and the fever and the fact that I looked terrible that day and he was convinced I was close to death, thought I had cancer or polio or something, insisted I get chest xrays and whatever else, he was all frowny and serious and doctor-y, and I'm like "No, doc, really, it's just this fever, the weight loss is from yoga" but he's looking at me in a casket,it's all he can see. He really was surprised to find nothing. I tell you that to tell you how fast the weight came off -- it was dramatic, like thirty pounds, plus, as I said, the fat content had changed so I was that much thinner, too. I currently wear clothing the same size I wore in high school.
Do be careful. I've hurt myself, twice, badly, trying to push the river, trying to force my body to change faster than it can or will. I call it "Competitive Yoga" or "American Yoga" of which of course there is no such thing. Except that there can be such a thing, if I allow my ego to power the practice, if I attempt to force my body to go where I want it to go rather than allowing the practice to take my body where it will, which is different each day. In fact, that's something else that I've found -- each day I practice, I show up with different energy, different flexibility, different balance, different strength. It was confusing, at the first, but now it's part of the fun in it, it's like "Hmmm, I wonder who's going to show up on the mat today?"
The sweat thing. Buy a rug to unroll on your mat once the sweat starts to flow. You can get them for about thirty bucks or thirty-five maybe, though like anything else yoga-related you can probably spend three or four times that amount. (Here's a fun thing to do, when you practice in a studio: watch all the dopes spend hundreds of dollars of specialized yoga clothing, with brand names like "Karmic Flow" or "Prana Freedom" or whatever -- it's ridiculous, I wear workout shorts I bought ten years ago for ten bucks or twelve at target or wally-world; it's not the clothing you're wearing, it's showing up on the mat.) The rug will still slip some, until you sweat it wet, but a spray bottle of water to hit where you place your hands and feet in the poses will take care of that.
It may not be for you, I know lots of people who it's not the same as it is for me. But my blood pressure is lower, my weight is lower, I'm hardly eating any junk anymore, I'm trim and fairly fit and have fair balance, esp for an old guy. I probably look better -- diet and exercise just can't hurt, right? -- and I'm positive it's been good for my head, if even because of knowing I'm doing good things for myself.
posted by dancestoblue at 2:29 PM on July 29, 2010 [4 favorites]
I loved doing Bikram yoga and plan on going back, but it definitely isn't for everyone. It can be kind of intense, but I like that in a workout. For me, it is huge in helping me deal with all the rest of the stuff in my life. I usually come out feeling like a million bucks.
One thing to be aware of, once you get into that room funtime is over. It is a full ninety minute workout/meditation.
Some things bugged the hell out of me though. Like the cult/idol like devotion they had to Bikram. All the teachers repeat the exact same phrasing they learned from him, sometimes intoning an Indian accent and using bad syntax. Sometimes they say the stupidest and just plain wrong shit about how the body works. It grated on my nerves sometimes. Just talk like normal and tell me what to do! And than I would remember why I was there and concentrate on what I was doing.
I'd suggest you give it a try. If start to get dizzy just sit down or lay down until you can do the next pose. It can get pricey. You may be able to look up the studios around you and see if they have special intro prices for you. Sometimes they have them as low as 2 weeks for 20 bucks or something like that. You could just go from studio to studio checking them out. Groupon or Livingsocial sometimes has great deals on Hot yoga.
And would you considered it to be a total workout (cardio and strengthening) or should I add some other exercise regimen as well?
A "total workout" is kind of weird phrasing and is much closer to a marketing phrase than any real world workout could provide. What do you want to get out of a workout? Do you have some goals or specific things you would like to get out of it? If you list those I think you may be able to get much better suggestions.
And if you really do take advice from someone who disparages x, y, or z type of training, make sure they've at least done that type of training and are able to give a real critical answer rather than an opinion on something they haven't experienced.
posted by P.o.B. at 2:37 PM on July 29, 2010
One thing to be aware of, once you get into that room funtime is over. It is a full ninety minute workout/meditation.
Some things bugged the hell out of me though. Like the cult/idol like devotion they had to Bikram. All the teachers repeat the exact same phrasing they learned from him, sometimes intoning an Indian accent and using bad syntax. Sometimes they say the stupidest and just plain wrong shit about how the body works. It grated on my nerves sometimes. Just talk like normal and tell me what to do! And than I would remember why I was there and concentrate on what I was doing.
I'd suggest you give it a try. If start to get dizzy just sit down or lay down until you can do the next pose. It can get pricey. You may be able to look up the studios around you and see if they have special intro prices for you. Sometimes they have them as low as 2 weeks for 20 bucks or something like that. You could just go from studio to studio checking them out. Groupon or Livingsocial sometimes has great deals on Hot yoga.
And would you considered it to be a total workout (cardio and strengthening) or should I add some other exercise regimen as well?
A "total workout" is kind of weird phrasing and is much closer to a marketing phrase than any real world workout could provide. What do you want to get out of a workout? Do you have some goals or specific things you would like to get out of it? If you list those I think you may be able to get much better suggestions.
And if you really do take advice from someone who disparages x, y, or z type of training, make sure they've at least done that type of training and are able to give a real critical answer rather than an opinion on something they haven't experienced.
posted by P.o.B. at 2:37 PM on July 29, 2010
Also, no real stomach muscle workout in Bikram, and you should complement any yoga practice with something aerobic (in my experience).
posted by salvia at 5:16 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by salvia at 5:16 PM on July 29, 2010
I'm not sure what "real yoga" means but there is nothing fake about the workout in Bikram. If you google Bikram poses and Ashtanga poses you can do a quick comparison off of Images.
posted by P.o.B. at 7:26 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by P.o.B. at 7:26 PM on July 29, 2010
Response by poster: I really appreciate those of you that took the time to answer my questions. It's fascinating how many differing experiences a group can have. Since it's the only class that fits my schedule, I am going to give it a go. Thanks, all!
posted by inquisitrix at 7:51 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by inquisitrix at 7:51 PM on July 29, 2010
i would like to respectfully disagree with your last comment, salvia. in the floor series (second half of class), there is a "sit-up" after the savasannas that are done face-up. very effective when done correctly!
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 9:11 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 9:11 PM on July 29, 2010
I know about those sit-ups, but for me, 18 sit-ups (propelled by my arms overhead) don't constitute a stomach workout.
posted by salvia at 9:26 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by salvia at 9:26 PM on July 29, 2010
Best answer: Ive been doing hot yoga (vinyasa flow) for about a year plus - while not out of shape to begin with ... if you stick with it, hot hard yoga will get you in the best shape of your life - they don't say "yoga body" for no reason. combined with a sensible (not restrictive) diet... If its for you, I would say its the best way to get your fittest having done plenty of running, cross country skiing and weight training. First - see if you like it and it fits your lifestyle (go regularly for 2-3 weeks (2-3 times per week), if its feeling good then fit it into your lifestyle (it will naturally become part of the best part of your week), the physical and mental side effects will come easy.
posted by specialk420 at 9:35 PM on July 29, 2010
posted by specialk420 at 9:35 PM on July 29, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by wowbobwow at 6:38 AM on July 29, 2010