Trouble getting back into Bikram

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi!

I haven’t practiced yoga in a year. I used to do Bikram 3-4 days a week but moved and couldn’t afford to continue. Now I’m able to get back to my practice. Yesterday was my first class and I was shocked by how out of shape my lungs are, though flexibility is fine. I was very winded, almost panicked at moments, and had to lay down during many balance postures and camel. I almost blacked out once and at one point I couldn’t feel my hands.

Does this sound normal for someone whose been out of practice for so long? I’m wondering if I have bigger problems…

Thanks!

#2

So if I understand you correctly you have not been practicing for about 12 months and in that time you were not doing any backbends or pranayama? If that is the case, for most human beings, I would imagine one’s lungs would be fatigued by any demand.

Since I personally find the demand(s) of that particular practice to be quite over-the-top and not addressing several important facets of Yoga, I would likely not be the person to advise you on a return there.

#3

I too feel that this practice is a bit aggressive in nature!! But that is my personal opinion. You may find you are not use to the temp. of the studio. And this is what is causing you to black out!! But usually if you have not been practising pranayama nor any type of yoga…you will find yourself back to square one!! You will also find this with anything you do, not just yoga! So the thing here would be not to judge yourself. Try it again. You’ll find that over time the practice becomes easier. Also, you may find that you are not interested in this type of yoga too!! Perhaps you are ready for a different form!

Good luck! And listen to your body!!