OPINIONS ON BIKRAM YOGA

Krissc1020
Krissc1020 Posts: 9
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm thinking about trying this new craze Bikram Yoga which from what I understand is yoga done in a very humid 106 degree room. Sounds like a great fat burner and I read it can burn up to 1000 calories. Just looking for some opinions especially since I;ve never even done regular yoga before. Thanks

Replies

  • dreanance
    dreanance Posts: 246
    I practice Bikram and personally, I don't believe the calorie burn is what people say it is. I log it as 300 calories burned in 90 minutes. Of course if you wear a HRM the calorie burn is higher, but that is more because of the heat than anything else. It isn't the easiest yoga practice and it is GREAT for you but don't do it if you are only looking to burn calories. That being said, I am addicted and totally love it!
  • vegansara
    vegansara Posts: 192 Member
    It's a perfect yoga for a beginner, I'm a certified Bikram instructor, you can send me a message if you have particular questions :). If you try it let us know what you think!
  • dfborders
    dfborders Posts: 474 Member
    I miss it - I had never done Yoga before and had a friend introduce me to Bikram when I lived in Stamford, CT. Loved it...
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,973 Member
    I'm thinking about trying this new craze Bikram Yoga which from what I understand is yoga done in a very humid 106 degree room. Sounds like a great fat burner and I read it can burn up to 1000 calories. Just looking for some opinions especially since I;ve never even done regular yoga before. Thanks
    It's not a high fat burner. People confuse sweating with fat burning. Maybe 400 calories in an hour session, but no where near 1000. Even high intensity athletes have to work hard to hit 1000 calorie burn in an hour.
  • Krissc1020
    Krissc1020 Posts: 9
    Thanks, I think I'll try it for the experience but even I thought 1000 was a little high, especially when you can run for an hour and burn less. Everyone who tries it seems to enjoy it so its worth a try.
  • Mucky_Duck
    Mucky_Duck Posts: 73
    My dad went to a local class the other week and loved it. He wasn't so sure I was up to doing one myself but I'm determined to show him otherwise. As a female though I'm sort of wondering what is best to wear?
  • vegansara
    vegansara Posts: 192 Member
    Wear the least amount of clothing you feel comfortable in. That means some women are practicing in bikinis, some women are in long yoga pants and t-shirts. It is going to be hot no matter what, but wearing less clothes helps. Maybe a tank top and exercise shorts? Comfy pants and a t-shirt? Sweat-wicking clothing is recommended, but it honestly doesn't make that much difference. I've had women show up in leggings and long sleeve sweaters, sweatpants and sweatshirts, you name it.
  • pinkgigi
    pinkgigi Posts: 693 Member
    My instructor recommends shorts as there are a couple of poses where the sweat on your body helps you slide into it. Honestly, people wear anything, and nobody really looks at you because they are just concentrating on themselves and trying to survive! I'm still 10 kgs overweight and I wear a single top and little shorts.

    I hope you love it as much as I do, it is a great strength and flexibility workout and you feel fantastic afterwards.

    GG
  • dreanance
    dreanance Posts: 246
    I wear tiny tight running shorts and a sports bra. People of all shapes and sizes are wearing very little clothing so I never feel too selfconcious.
  • CeejayGee
    CeejayGee Posts: 299 Member
    I did Bikram and was really out of shape, overweight, and had never done yoga. Big mistake. I was SO not ready or able.

    The poses are HARD. I had to do major modifications of almost everything.

    And, the heat is a real challenge. So, it depends on whether you like heat or not. But, if you calculate the heat index for those rooms (based on the humidity and actual temperature), it places it around 149. And, doing that for 90 minutes is hard.

    If you go, drink tons of water hte day before and day of. And bring tons of water with you. You'll sweat like you never have before.
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