Being in the military is quite stressful, and I am looking for some way to relax and unwind. Searching for some local yoga classes I found something called Bikram yoga. Drop-ins are $15, and a 5 class card is $65. They claim Bikram is suitable for beginners, is this true? And will I get the best result from this type of yoga?
Is it hot yoga type ?
Bikram yoga can be done by beginners but it is hot and it is not easy so be prepared to get your but kicked.
There are many types of yoga. Bikram is very physical. Try different ones to see what you like.
Sounds like it might be about as relaxing as the calisthenics you remember from basic . . .
I have never done Bikram but I study yoga avidly so I know about it. Strenuous yoga can also stimulate a relaxation response but it does it in different ways. I do know of people who say they love Bikram and do feel great afterwards.
It definitely is not relaxing in the conventional sense.
Beware Bikram you beginners.
The danger is that there is no mercy in Bikram and with an ego the size of the sub continent that he so eagerly left in pursuit of (by his own admission) US dollars.
No modifications means brute danger to the innocent beginner
Beware and stay clear. Sweat is not it is all made out to be.
I had a lady who did yoga with me for a few months last year and who came to me and told me that what I offer is not for her, she wanted something more strenuous and more challenging. I recommended Bikram and I saw her a few weeks ago after more than a year, she is happy where she is and I could see she loves her Bikram yoga.
I am personally no fan of Bikram, I nearly died after my first class way back years ago, but for some it does work and it is the right yoga. The only way to determine that, is to go to a class and do it, give some time and then decide if this is what you want or need.
I agree with you entirely.
Some it does suit and like you I tried a class and as a teacher myself I was shocked at the naivety of the teacher’s instruction and the sheer insistence of procedure that would have had me shot.
When questioned I was told that this was the precise format as taught.
Oh, well we all are served challenges in life to move forward.
But it still is a no no for me
Happy days:-D
Hello Commander,
While there are beginning students who do take up that style of asana practice, and it appears to be “for” some and not “for” others, my personal sense is that the poses being taught there do not provide a foundation of alignment and action. When a beginning student does not first learn foundational elements they are logically at greater risk for injury. In addition, the sequence in that style of yoga is rote - it is the same over and over again. All this and I’ve not even mentioned 105? heat and a certain “way” of imparting the practice from teacher to student.
My preference for beginning students is a practice that is malleable to them rather than one that forces them to adjust to it. Coming from a military background I’d imagine you’ve been barked at and forced enough for one lifetime. But that is speculation on my part. It could very easily be the exact opposite.
You ask about relaxing and unwinding. If another boot camp relaxes you then you are right on target. There is a certain relaxation response in the body but I’m not certain that it is synonymous with exhaustion and fatigue.
However, as pointed out elsewhere, those practicing that style of yoga do swear by it and appear to enjoy it very much with a deep sense of commitment.
I started with Bikram as a newbie. I practiced that style for two months.
For me the heat and hydrating became all consuming. I could not run, lift weights or cardio kick box the days I did bikram. I tried a vinyassa class and
have never looked back. I can cross train again and I’m not told to lock my knee in a pose.(if you’ve done Bikram you know what I mean).
I don’t know about yoga enough to knock bikram, I do know it was not for me. It did lead me to my current practice for which I am grateful.
I don’t think a beginner should start with a hot class of any style.