Bikram yoga, is this a normal amount of suffering?

[LiquoriceWheel]

Hello, I tried a Bikram yoga class last night because I was curious and I wanted to go beyond the beginners hatha/vinyasa classes I have been doing.

First of all, I have always been a 'sweater' and just sitting on my mat at the start had me bathed in sweat. My legs were so slicked with sweat my legs kept sliding off in one of the poses.

Also, I really struggled to breathe. I really thought I was going to die at some points even lying down in the recovery pose. I was really trying to keep calm and breathe in and out slowly but I panicked that I was going to suffocate. Can you suffocate in a bikram class?!

I felt sick in the last third of the class and I threw up afterwards even though I had fasted for five hours before the class.

I only made it through because the teacher was keeping an eye on me and telling me to lie on my back when i felt dizzy.

On the plus side I finally managed to get my forehead to my knees in the floor part of the class. Is this why Bikram gets addictive for some people?

Please let me know if my reaction to the class is normal or if you get used to it after a few more classes? Also, can I wear a crop top even though I'm flabby? TIA x

[Haworthia]

Is it hot yoga?

I must admit, I am so intolerant of hot temperatures, the idea of sitting in a sauna makes me feel panicky and breathless. So the thought of physical exertion + heat = pure hell.

I wouldn’t go back if I were you!

[thedevilinablackdress]

I tried a couple of hot yoga classes and it wasn't for me. I spent too much time trying not to pass out and not concentrating on the poses. Felt a bit too gimmicky.

Fasting for 5 hours before possibly didn't help with feeling light headed etc. But being sick afterwards is definitely not a good thing.

[DarlingNikita]

You can wear whatever you want!

But it sounds as though Bikram/hot yoga might not suit you. I'm not good with extreme temperatures and think that if I tried it I'd have the same reactions as you, so I steer clear even though I'm quite interested in it otherwise.

Astanga is a good form if you like the idea of building up a bit of heat/a sweat but don't want to go to the extreme of Bikram.

[Mercurial123]

I hated Bikram yoga I felt sick and that my head was about to explode. I never went back. Go to an intermediate class if you want a challenge.

[thedevilinablackdress]

Bin the Bikram and go to an Ashtanga class if you want to up the ante.

[babybump201800]

I started with Bikram as I felt like It was a workout but later discovered other styles of yoga can more more challenging. Although It does get better each time you go, the first time will always be the worst as your body gets use to the temperature and breathing in the heat. I prefer to work in normal temperature than in the heat and challenge my body that way. It's good if you want to sweat a lot but I prefer Ashtanga or an intense flow class which is just as challenging and once you have learnt the postures in ashtanga you can do it anywhere it becomes very meditative . There are many different types of yoga it's best to try different styles that feel good for you. I like Ashtanga for a workout and Kundalini for the mind.

[Isawthesign]

I tried it twice a week for a month after years of hatha, ashtanga & vinyasa. I didn't like it at all for many reasons!

There's lots more out there. Yoga (or any Exercise for that matter) shouldn't make you puke or like you're going to die.

[LiquoriceWheel]

Thanks for all the replies. I'd LOVE to do ashtanga yoga but there's nothing that is close by, unfortunately.

babybump you're right about the first (and second) time being horrible but I've been back to Bikram twice more and it was ok on my third class. Didn't panic as much and controlled my breathing better.

isawthesign I'm going to see if things improve after a month and then i'll call it a day i think. Also the clean up job with the mat, towels, clothes etc is a real pain.

Thanks again everyone!

[KingIrving]

Read this and you can avoid going back time.com/5107737/hot-yoga-not-better-than-room-temperature/. There are no benefit to hot yoga.

[Ohyesiam]

Read the history of Bikt yoga in Hell Bent and find out it’s based on not much and really good for people who just want to push themselves very harshly beyond their limits.
Not much “ ancient wisdom” there.
Try Iyenger for a challenge.

[Bezalelle]

Bikram Chaudry was not a good man. The practise itself is kind of dangerous, IMO.

[veganrunnergirl]

I went regularly a few years ago and it did get easier after a few classes. However I found it expensive, didn’t see many benefits over other yoga classes, and felt guilty about the carbon emissions so I stopped going. I think you will find it easier after a while but might question if you really want to

[qumquat]

If I were you no way would I be going back. It sounds dangerous for you.