Anyone do Bikram Yoga?

[awakenedsoul]

I just started doing the Bikram Yoga series again. I don't do it in the 105 degree heat, I just take a hot bath and do it in my living room with no air conditioning. (It's pretty hot here right now.) I am amazed at how it's helping my back and hip. I was starting to feel arthritic and very feeble. I had always been in great shape, so this was depressing. The pain was intense and I was going downhill fast. I'll be 48 next month. I've been doing the 26 poses every day for the past five days, and I'm out of pain! I have so much more energy, and am so relieved that I can work in the garden, do my chores, etc. I feel like I'm in my twenties again. I'm going to keep this up. It's really worth it.

[Tussiemussies]

I just started doing the Bikram Yoga series again. I don't do it in the 105 degree heat, I just take a hot bath and do it in my living room with no air conditioning. (It's pretty hot here right now.) I am amazed at how it's helping my back and hip. I was starting to feel arthritic and very feeble. I had always been in great shape, so this was depressing. The pain was intense and I was going downhill fast. I'll be 48 next month. I've been doing the 26 poses every day for the past five days, and I'm out of pain! I have so much more energy, and am so relieved that I can work in the garden, do my chores, etc. I feel like I'm in my twenties again. I'm going to keep this up. It's really worth it.

Have done Sivananda yoga in the past, but this sounds good. Don't know if I could take doing it in any heat though. Glad it is helping you...:)

[awakenedsoul]

Thanks! I used to do Integral Yoga, which is very much like Sivananda. I like that, too. I know what you mean about the heat. I'm happier this way, and it doesn't cost me anything.

[Tussiemussies]

Hi awakened, I have never heard of or done Integral Yoga, you will have to fill me in on what it is all about. I used to do hours of Kundalini yoga, which I strongly suggest a person doesn't do unless they are spiritually prepared for it. I have quit it since doing it for about 6 months. It did put me into good shape too although you wouldn't think it would do much by looking at the postures etc.

Glad that this yoga is really helping your back and hip. Maybe a chiropractic adjustment would also help you out?
Well you are getting relief and it sounds great to do yoga after a hot bath!:)

[bunnys]

There is a Bikram Hot Yoga place about a mile from my house. I have always wanted to try it but @ $15 per session, it's too rich for my blood. Plus, I've never even taken a yoga class so that seems really self indulgent when I've never even tried regular yoga. Yoga is good for flexibility and core strength, right? I should probably try it as I'm getting older and stiffer with each passing day.

[try2bfrugal]

I just do random yoga poses from yoga therapy books and DVDs but I have had the same results with yoga and other natural therapies for healing pain and orthopedic issues. I went from being in constant, agonizing pain from all sorts of fibromyalgia and RSI problems to pain free. I could do more to balance my muscles out better but I am not in any pain at all any more and can work on the computer freely now.

[Tussiemussies]

That is so great trytobefrugal, what a relief to you and the OP that you both have found a way out of pain....:)

[awakenedsoul]

Hi awakened, I have never heard of or done Integral Yoga, you will have to fill me in on what it is all about. I used to do hours of Kundalini yoga, which I strongly suggest a person doesn't do unless they are spiritually prepared for it. I have quit it since doing it for about 6 months. It did put me into good shape too although you wouldn't think it would do much by looking at the postures etc.

Glad that this yoga is really helping your back and hip. Maybe a chiropractic adjustment would also help you out?
Well you are getting relief and it sounds great to do yoga after a hot bath!:)

Thankstussiemussies. Integral Yoga is from the same swami as Sivananda Yoga. They treat the chants, postures, and meditation/relaxation as equally important. The styles are very similar. I did Kundalini Yoga for years, too. I know what you mean, it really brought up all of my "stuff". If I do it now, I do a very basic set, like the Preparation for Meditation. I like Ravi Singh's beginner sets, too. It was intense, but it did give me some emotional release and healing. I know what you mean about it putting you in good shape. All that breath of fire really tones the muscles somehow.

I feel like the Bikram series is adjusting me like chiropractic would. He really has an understanding of alignment. The structure of the class has a phenominal effect on my spine and hip. It's correcting my pelvis, which was tilted. I'm reading a great book by John E, Sarno, called Healing Back Pain. He describes the typical person with back pain: very responsible, conscientious, high achieving, self motivated....check! check! check! The old traumas and emotions really do sit in the tissues and muscles. It's taking a lot of work, but I want to clear it. Yeah, the hot bath works really well, and I find I'm healing a lot in my sleep, too.

[awakenedsoul]

There is a Bikram Hot Yoga place about a mile from my house. I have always wanted to try it but @ $15 per session, it's too rich for my blood. Plus, I've never even taken a yoga class so that seems really self indulgent when I've never even tried regular yoga. Yoga is good for flexibility and core strength, right? I should probably try it as I'm getting older and stiffer with each passing day.

Yes, it's good for both. I prefer the older styles. The new power and Ashtanga trends in LA don't feel healthy to my body. I'm going to order the Bikram CD's and work with those at home. If you can deal with the heat, the exercises in his class are great for flexibility and reducing stiffness. You can usually find good teachers through word of mouth. I like the older ones. Once you understand the form, you can practice at home for free!