BIKRAM FANS?

XFitMojoMom
XFitMojoMom Posts: 3,255 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I just started Bikram Yoga - or Hot Yoga - yesterday. I made it through most of the 90 minute session. The last 15 minutes was hell because I had a dehydration headache starting and I couldn't manage Camel and Rabbit without wanting to vomit.:sick:
:frown: I was also the heaviest woman in the room. But determined not to let that get in the way :tongue:

If you are a Bikram fan, how often do you go? Do you give yourself a rest between days? How much do you drink prior to your class to avoid the dreaded headache? I also only ate lunch before going (4 hours prior) and was STARVING and had the shakes. Can I do a Kashi bar prior to a class?

Replies

  • edleim
    edleim Posts: 81 Member
    Bikram girl here! Been going for about 3 years. When you first get into it, it is best to go at least 3 times a week. This actually makes it easier. It takes about 3 months of doing the class 3 times a week for your body to get adjusted to the class. You will def lose weight, but more importantly your whole body will transform. Right now I go once a week, I always eat something light (a banana, drink a Zico (coconut water), etc.. about 2.5 hours before class and I always drink a coconut water right after. I don't drink tons of water so drinking the coconut water is really important for me. I have alot of friends that do Bikram and we all love it- once your body gets used to it it becomes like a high and it is very relaxing. As silly as this sounds, my friend and I go on Sat nights before we go out. It pumps us up, and helps us avoid pizza at 4am. If you went yesterday for the first time you are probably in your intro week. Take advantage of it. If you go today you will be amazed on how much easier it is. Even if you have to sit down the whole time- your body will still be getting used to the heat which is a benefit. As for the weight thing- buy some bootie shorts and get over it. Bikram class should not be a place you feel self conscious. Nobody cares! The class is about you so make the most of it.
  • astridfeline
    astridfeline Posts: 1,200 Member
    I did bikram for 3 years & loved it!! It's amazing the transformation it will make with your body & mind. Believe me, no one cares what the other people in the room look like--I for one am too busy concentrating on the poses and breathing. I'd not eat too close to class--try something light ~2 hours before, plus it's better to go into class well hydrated than drink lots during class. Have fun & good luck!
  • XFitMojoMom
    XFitMojoMom Posts: 3,255 Member
    I thought I hydrated enough - I drank about 80 ozs prior to the class. Edleim - I had a coconut water after the class and had a little trouble getting through it... I'm not much into sports drinks either because of that sweat/salty taste to it.
    I guess having a Kashi peanut bar an hour prior wouldn't really harm me...
    I'm going to skip today because I simply did not hydrate enough and I already have a headache because of it. Since it is an introductory week, I will try to go tomorrow and Friday (studio is closed Thursdays).

    Thanks for the advice. I would love to see a 'difference' and can't wait for the transformation.
  • edleim
    edleim Posts: 81 Member
    I hated the coconut water too- but now I crave it. Pure coconut water nothing added. If you can't stomach it try eating a banana. It is more about being hydrated in general- not drinking a ton in one day before class. Lots of people get headaches at first- stick with it though and you will be pleasantly surprised. Good Luck!
  • metalpalace
    metalpalace Posts: 576
    Something I always wanted to try. Hope to someday!
  • graegirl
    graegirl Posts: 23 Member
    I've just started doing Bikram and I've only been to 5 classes so far. During a few of those classes I had to sit down a lot because of dizziness and nausea, but that's supposed to be normal at first. Arriving at class hydrated seems to be the most important thing. I try to go for 80-100 oz. of water during the day prior to class. I'm very interested to see if this changes my body the way they claim it can. I've got more than 20 pounds to lose, and I'm doing 3 Bikram classes a week in addition to my other workouts. I'd love to hear how it's going for other beginners...
  • XFitMojoMom
    XFitMojoMom Posts: 3,255 Member
    I finally got used to the coconut water, and now I drink one PRIOR to class. I find it keeps me hydrated for longer, staves off nausea and dizziness.
    Now I'll admit I haven't been in a while. My MD told me to back off the hot yoga, but my body is craving it. I was going to go to Friday's class, but just saw that the instructor is the nazi and the one that calls all the women "sweetheart" and "honey", which just pisses me off...:explode:

    So, maybe I'll try to get to Sunday's class instead. Saturday is out because my husband is on the golf course all day :grumble:
This discussion has been closed.

Categories