Just Starting

Hello,

I'm a lover of Bikram yoga and I will be starting it in a few days. Does anyone have any tips for staying hydrated, preventing injury, and STAYING WITH IT.

What are some of the benefits you've experienced? What are some of the challenges you've gone though. How did Bikram enrich you life? Did you GAIN/LOES weight?

How do you pick a good studio/instructor? What do you do about snobby/negative instructors?

Please Share. Thank you!

Love you all!http://youtu.be/maV2InOTsOchttp://youtu.be/maV2InOTsOc

Jubilee

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by hellcat on December 11, 2011 at 5:58am

Congratulations! Stick with Bikram, you'll love it!!

Staying hydrated: eating hcrv really helps, as fruit has electrolytes in the right amounts to prevent cramping. Drink PLENTY of water. I drink 2L before class as a minimum.... (not immediately before class of course). If you do morning classes, you may prefer having an empty stomach or you could try having something VERY light before class like 1/2 cup juice or 1/2 a banana, couple of dates, etc.

I started bikram about 4 months after starting hcrv, so it's hard to attribute benefits solely to Bikram. Doing both, I've cured mental illness (including depression, anxiety, panic disorder), improved concentration, skin quality, lung capacity, strength, flexibility, endurance, balance.... to mention a few.

Haven't lost weight at all, but my clothes are looser and my body shape seems to be changing.

Picking a good studio and teacher is a bit hit and miss. You want a teacher who will push you just far enough, will not ridiculule you, will make you feel comfortable, will listen to you, etc. If there are specific things you're worried about you should ask here, we can tell you whether it's "usual" or not. Expect teachers to give constructive criticism (e.g. I'm constantly told "arms back, arms back") but they should never make you feel ashamed or guilty.

Permalink Reply by Aloha Girl on December 11, 2011 at 6:49am

Thanks for the info. I've heard someone say that drinking juice from 1 head of celery every day before bikram will replace the sodium in your body. HOW DO YOU REPLACE YOUR SALT?

Permalink Reply by Aloha Girl on December 11, 2011 at 6:48am

Hey! Let's Swap Stories! Love the profile photo!

Permalink Reply by Aloha Girl on December 11, 2011 at 11:01am

Do you do Bikram too? How did you get involved? What were the results?

Permalink Reply by Laura Hills on December 11, 2011 at 1:15pm

i used to do bikram a lot back in the day - i just bought a groupon for $49 for 30 classes that i can take within 6 months -- what i can say is take the class at the end of your day - i found that it helped me get ready for bed and i was well enough hydrated to start with - do not eat right before class- i find it easier that i don't drink during the class - it messes with my stomach too much - if you find the class is tough just lay flat and focus on your breathing until you feel like you can pick it up again - trust me i was in now way shape or form a fit person and after about 3 classes my body was used to the heat and stretches and it became a breeze

Permalink Reply by Yamah on December 12, 2011 at 3:47am

Hi Jubilee,

Love your account name ;)

Some aspects that Bikram yoga has strengthened in our life are: patience, focus, willpower, concentration, letting go, and acceptance....all nonphysical.

Here is a vid clip with Rajashree Choudhury. Be sure to catch the last 30 seconds, a great sharing about the postures and temporary happiness that is inspiring. "You CAN do it.".... ...~~~~> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3H6pWz6mZw

All the best to you and your practice,
Yamah

Permalink Reply by Danodfyful on December 22, 2011 at 8:39pm

Great video here Yamah, thanks for the post. :)

Permalink Reply by Danodfyful on December 22, 2011 at 8:48pm

I too like the comments at the end of the video. Yamah how often do you practice?

Permalink Reply by Yamah on December 23, 2011 at 12:13pm

You are welcome ;) This week practicing 2x, including tomorrow morning...YaY!

Permalink Reply by Joanna on May 3, 2012 at 1:26am

:) Hello! I did my first Bikram yoga yesturday and I am going again today! I have been doing the HCRV for a few days, but I have been raw vegan for almost a year. I am looking forward to see the effects of the combination of HCRV and Bikram yoga! I did however have a light headache yesterday after the yoga which was a bit odd because I never get headaches generally, but maybe it is just the detoxing :)

Permalink Reply by J on May 9, 2012 at 10:47am