Why is the room hot?
The heat combined with the sequence of the postures is what makes Bikram Yoga so special. The room is heated to warm muscles, which allows you to work deeper in a shorter period of time, seeing results faster. Heat takes the trauma out of stretching, heals and helps prevent injuries. Yoga is not just about working muscles: you are massaging deep tissues, glands and organs as well. As you work deep within your body, you may start to release "poisons" or "toxins" that have been stored there a long time. Your skin is the largest organ of elimination in your body. Sweating helps flush toxins from your body, giving you a wonderful glow from head to toe.
I felt nauseous and a bit dizzy during class and very tired after. Is this normal? What should I do about it?
It is not unusual to feel nauseous or dizzy during your first class. Practicing yoga in a heated room reveals to us our present level of health and inspires us to take much better care of ourselves. Usually the problem is that we do not drink enough water for daily living let alone for exercising in a heated room. Nutritionists tell us that we need 64-80 ounces of water a day to help the body stay hydrated. If you feel disoriented or like you need a good nap after your first few classes, this is likely because your body has begun to heal itself as a result of the yoga practice. Don't be scared. After the first few classes this sensation will pass. The more you practice and the more your give your best effort during class, the more energized you will feel throughout the class and throughout the rest of the day.
What if I'm not flexible?
This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. However, yoga is not about flexibility alone at all. All that matters is that you try the right way and find your personal "edge", and you will get 100% of the benefit!
How many times per week should I practice?
It is recommended to practice no less than 10 times a month to get the most benefit from Bikram Yoga. Unlike weight training and other forms of exercise, it is not necessary to take a "resting" day from Bikram Yoga. The more you practice, the more benefits, and you can consider your yoga practice as your "internal" hygiene: you have to clean out the insides to have good health.
Is it a cardiovascular workout, and can I lose weight?
No matter what your level of fitness, you will find Bikram Yoga very challenging. With persistence, patience and dedication, you can lose inches and develop muscle strength that might never come from other forms of exercise. Aerobic activity trains the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system to process oxygen more quickly and efficiently to every part of the body by elevating the heart rate to its target level. As the heart muscle becomes stronger and more efficient, a lot of blood can be pumped with each stroke. Additionally, the digestive, endocrine, lymphatic and elimination systems will begin to work harmoniously, with unhealthy cravings and sluggish metabolism diminishing. Remember: the more you put into your yoga practice, the more benefits you will receive!
Can I practice while menstruating, and will it help with symptoms of menopause?
It is perfectly safe to practice Bikram Yoga during a woman's monthly cycle. Inverted postures are not recommended during the cycle, but there are no inversions in the Bikram Yoga Sequence. As hormones are balanced with a regular yoga practice, uncomfortable symptoms of all women's stages are lessened, including hot flashes and night sweats.
Can I practice if I'm pregnant?
For pregnancies that are not high risk, practicing yoga during pregnancy and postpartum decreases lower back pain, stabilizes joints, helps digestion, strengthens the mind, reduces anxiety and promotes calmness. The yoga will improve breathing, fluid and hormone balance, prevention of varicose veins and ensures skin elasticity.
With a physician's authorization, regular practitioners can continue to practice without modification from the sequence during the first trimester. For the last two trimesters, a specific pregnancy routine is practiced, as outlined in "Rajashree's Yoga for Pregnancy". Your instructor is trained and certified to guide you through this sequence.
Can I practice with asthma?
Bikram Yoga is good for you in several ways. As Bikram Yoga promotes relaxation of the nerves and muscles, it is the type of exercise that you can do with as little or as much intensity as appropriate for your needs. In other words, you can do each posture with less effort if you're concerned about overexertion triggering an attack, so sit down, rest, and breathe deeply whenever you need during class. The practice will relax your mind and help let go of toxins, tension and negativity. It strengthens your heart and lungs, improving efficiency and function. You will breathe easier and deeper than you ever have before.
Can I still do other exercise if I practice Bikram Yoga?
Yes, of course! Bikram Yoga is the perfect compliment to any exercise or athletic program. As a matter of fact, if you participate in sports, it is highly advisable to have a regular yoga practice to lessen chance of injury and improve recovery from an injury. Many professional sports teams practice Bikram Yoga as part of their formal season training.
