Bikram Yoga vs Running

christeb

OK - I know I'm posting this in the running forum, but here goes.

I run mainly for health - to look, feel good and get fit. Time goals are a slight second priority for me. Although I had a tough time pacing for DCM*, running still holds only good thoughts for me.

Anyway, after running a bit for the first few days post marathon, I decided to give Bikram Yoga a bash. It's an unlimited deal for the first month. It's 90 minutes of stretching, contorting and resting in a heated room (37c - 40c). After 4 session over 10 days, I can report that it's very very tough. Harder than a 10m aerobic run tough (IMO). I was wondering what others thought. Have any faster guys tried Bikram, and how do you rate it? As it's non-impact, I don't get those irritating aches and niggles you always get from doing 50+ mpw. 30-60 mins post session I get a v energetic buzz, akin to a runner's high I suppose. It feels damn good.

So I suppose my question is, what is better for overall health - Bikram Yoga or running? Discuss.


* I didn't do too much training, but the main problem was shoulder pain. I broke my collarbone in March 2011 and I suspect it's related. There was a lot of pain for the last 14m in the Marathon which I just couldn't shake off.

menoscemo

christeb wrote: »

Although I had a tough time pacing for DCM*,

I thought you were the freshest of the 3. You hid your discomfort very well so!

Donelson

I'd be a big fan of both, I always found that any kind of yoga help me to run easier/ more efficently either threw being more flexible or just being more aware/ connected with my body. I'm away amazed how much more feed back you get from your body after some good yoga. A good example being the day after when you go into work and your at your computer and your back says "why are you slouching, you don't need to slouch" and you automatical sit up.
So maybe I should run to yoga class.

christeb

menoscemo wrote: »

I thought you were the freshest of the 3. You hid your discomfort very well so!

cheers, legs were fairly fine but by the end I couldn't lift my arm over shoulder-level. Not great when you're trying to G-up the crowds!

rainbow kirby

christeb wrote: »

It's an unlimited deal for the first month.

The Elbowroom?

christeb

rainbow kirby wrote: »

The Elbowroom?

www.bikram.ie in Fairview

ThisRegard

I don't think you can compare the two and put them up against each other in a versus competition, they would complement rather than compete with each other.

In the year following when I broke my collar bone I found it got sore running too. It eventually went away, not sure if it was because I was doing push ups a few times a week or if time just healed it.

Fazz

I actually think Bikram yoga is dangerous, but maybe that's just me.

A heated room increases flexibility and you push moves you cannot otherwise do.
I would see this as having increased injury risks due to stretching too much.
However it may be that the heat allows you to do moves enough for hard session whilst not over stretching so may suit you by the sounds of it.

I've done a marathon recently, and no doubt about it it's hard on the body.
I have also done Ashtanga Yoga and damn is it tough too.

Completely different types of fitness.
One extends your life time. Yoga
One decreases it I think. Running marathons.
One stretches your muscles - yoga
One tightens your muscles - running
I would see Ashtanga Yoga as easier on the body (joints), but very hard, physical and rewarding.
You definitely feel better after it, but with sore hamstrings the next day!

As for which is better for overall health, I think yoga ticks that box.
Try an Ashtanga class and see what you think.

Cupcake.

Ooooooh tough question!! Trick question?

I do both (although not as frequently as I'd like) and absolutely love both! I find the compliment each other perfectly and both boost mood as well as burning cals.

Bikram builds up your stamina and strength which helps improve your running form and by becoming more flexible you can increase the length of your stride and better your time.

Running builds up your lung capacity and reduces body fat making Bikram easier and more enjoyable!

On the practical side running wins - it's free (bar good runners), not subject to time constraints (1.5hr Bikram standard class) and can be done virtually anywhere.

It's funny though (and making a huge generalisation) - I've seen alot more runners incorporate Bikram into their routine than i've seen hard-core Yogis talk of taking up proper running...

TFBubendorfer

Fazz wrote: »

Completely different types of fitness.
One extends your life time. Yoga
One decreases it I think. Running marathons.

I was about to reply with some lengthy statemnt that lists some scientific studies that indicate how running increases health and therefore life time, but I can't be bothered. What a load of nonsense.

tunney

christeb wrote: »

OK - I know I'm posting this in the running forum, but here goes.

I run mainly for health - to look, feel good and get fit. Time goals are a slight second priority for me. Although I had a tough time pacing for DCM*, running still holds only good thoughts for me.

Anyway, after running a bit for the first few days post marathon, I decided to give Bikram Yoga a bash. It's an unlimited deal for the first month. It's 90 minutes of stretching, contorting and resting in a heated room (37c - 40c). After 4 session over 10 days, I can report that it's very very tough. Harder than a 10m aerobic run tough (IMO). I was wondering what others thought. Have any faster guys tried Bikram, and how do you rate it? As it's non-impact, I don't get those irritating aches and niggles you always get from doing 50+ mpw. 30-60 mins post session I get a v energetic buzz, akin to a runner's high I suppose. It feels damn good.

So I suppose my question is, what is better for overall health - Bikram Yoga or running? Discuss.

Getting the crap beaten out of me with iron bars for 60 mintues is waaaay tougher than a 60 minute run. Does that mean. I feel great when they stop so iron bar beatings must be better for me than running.

If its health only benefits you are interested in may i suggest a visit to Fitness (always thought you belonged there anyways )

Gringo78

christeb wrote: »

After 4 session over 10 days, I can report that it's very very tough. Harder than a 10m aerobic run tough (IMO). I was wondering what others thought. Have any faster guys tried Bikram, and how do you rate it? As it's non-impact, I don't get those irritating aches and niggles you always get from doing 50+ mpw. 30-60 mins post session I get a v energetic buzz, akin to a runner's high I suppose. It feels damn good.

I think doing anything for the first time is tough - imagine how a person new to running would feel after 2 weeks if you told them to run for 60min - they would think it was the hardest thing ever.

I think you should reserve judgement on how tough it is until about 6 weeks in.

shotgunmcos

+1 on what Gringo said. Like anything new it will hurt at first. Also, bikram is a limited repetoire of 26 poses. Doing it a few times a week and you will have them off by heart and as unconscious competence sets in the difficulty factor will fade away. Asthanga is a cool alternative actually. It has a greater range of movement and IMO more suited to running than the extremes of the sleepy hatha or the sweaty bikram Horses for course of course. Yoga in general is kick ass IMO, I haven't been for a few weeks and I miss it. Salutations at home is just not the same without some enigma playing quietly and an unforgiving instructor.

Is any form of yoga better than an hour run? Apples and oranges. Depends on the perspective! I get what the OP means though about the lift you feel after a good Yoga class. It is similar to the exhileration of a good run, but no not the same. After Yoga you just feel refreshed and vitalised. However, I'd take the adrenalin rush of a good run over it any day of the week.

Fazz

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I was about to reply with some lengthy statemnt that lists some scientific studies that indicate how running increases health and therefore life time, but I can't be bothered. What a load of nonsense.

I'd imagine there are arguments and numerous articles supporting both sides.
It should be noted I specifically said running marathons not just running.
Main thought is previous hearsay and also the natural stress on muscles, joints and body systems (immune etc) from the exertion of a marathon.

I also think its pretty well accepted yoga does increase life time and health, those yogi's live into silly years and still practise daily.

But I've no appetite for a debate, and no strong opinion/knowledge either way.

Ps I run and wouldn't stop even if it meant -5 to -10 years off life time.

Bally8

Fazz wrote: »

I'd imagine there are arguments and numerous articles supporting both sides.
It should be noted I specifically said running marathons not just running.
Main thought is previous hearsay and also the natural stress on muscles, joints and body systems (immune etc) from the exertion of a marathon.

I also think its pretty well accepted yoga does increase life time and health, those yogi's live into silly years and still practise daily.

But I've no appetite for a debate, and no strong opinion/knowledge either way.

Ps I run and wouldn't stop even if it meant -5 to -10 years off life time.

Yikes this is freaking me out a little- I dont know much about science and studies of how runninng marathons effects your life expectancy. But I have always felt great for turning my life around, getting off the couch, losing weight and becoming a runner. Are you saying now that I would be better off if I hadnt? Taking 5 to 10 years off a life time as opposed to what? Seriously I cant understand this and would love an explanation as I have been happily living in a bubble thinking Im doing the right thing by training and running marathons. Not sure if I would keep doing it if it means I would lose that much of my life expectancy.

BobMac104

I woudnt worry about it Bally8. you only get old when you stop running

Rantan

I run and do a weekly yoga/pilates class(not bikram) I find the class really helps my running.
I think the "which is better for me approach" is not the best way to look at it. I enjoy both and get benefits from both. When stretching in the class I am able to forward fold better than anyone else so I know my hams are good and loose, on the other hand I really struggle with anything to do with my left hip. I have learned where I'm strong and more importantly wherre I'm weak or stiff. This is great info for my running anad really lets me focus on areas that need attention

Fazz

Bally8 wrote: »

Yikes this is freaking me out a little- I dont know much about science and studies of how runninng marathons effects your life expectancy. But I have always felt great for turning my life around, getting off the couch, losing weight and becoming a runner. Are you saying now that I would be better off if I hadnt? Taking 5 to 10 years off a life time as opposed to what? Seriously I cant understand this and would love an explanation as I have been happily living in a bubble thinking Im doing the right thing by training and running marathons. Not sure if I would keep doing it if it means I would lose that much of my life expectancy.

Oh come on!

No, my quote of -5 to -10 years was my version of I'd keep running regardless IF that were the case.

I've no idea if it will reduce your life time, but clearly the benefits of exercising is widely known.

Yoga is perhaps more beneficial to life expectancy however.

If running did reduce life time by say 3 years would you stop?


No.

Just like many continue to smoke/drink/eat crap etc with the associated risks etc

#runstogetoutofthisthread
Opinion taken out of context. Apologies for interweb misinterpretation ability

TFBubendorfer

Why is the thread called Bikram Yoga vs Running anyway?

They both complement each other very well in my opinion and there should be no need for "vs". If anything, I'd recommend doing both (general Yoga, that is. I don't have any personal experience of Bikram Yoga).

Krusty_Clown

Bally8 wrote: »

Yikes this is freaking me out a little- I dont know much about science and studies of how runninng marathons effects your life expectancy. But I have always felt great for turning my life around, getting off the couch, losing weight and becoming a runner. Are you saying now that I would be better off if I hadnt? Taking 5 to 10 years off a life time as opposed to what? Seriously I cant understand this and would love an explanation as I have been happily living in a bubble thinking Im doing the right thing by training and running marathons. Not sure if I would keep doing it if it means I would lose that much of my life expectancy.

You really shouldn't worry. The only thing that marathon running will shorten, is.. your spinal cord...
<runs and ducks for cover >

BobMac104

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

You really shouldn't worry. The only thing that marathon running will shorten, is.. your spinal cord...
<runs and ducks for cover >

but doing yoga along with marathons should offset this.
done. end of thread:)

plodder

Fazz wrote: »

Ps I run and wouldn't stop even if it meant -5 to -10 years off life time.

There was a big study done at Stanford univ. that showed running adds an average 16 years to your active lifespan. It showed an overall increase in lifespan too, but that was less pronounced.

Bally8

Ok so panic over- I'll take up yoga too and live a long supple healthy life:D



I wasnt really that worried. I've just never heard anyone ever say that running marathons shortens your life expectancy before. Would be really sh!tty to think you are doing something good for your health to find out that it would limit your life expectancy.


(P.S I should be ok in any case though- I "run" at around 10 min mile pace so Im not even a runner or jogger according to many people here:D)

RacoonQueen

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I was about to reply with some lengthy statemnt that lists some scientific studies that indicate how running increases health and therefore life time, but I can't be bothered. What a load of nonsense.

You're very blunt lately.

I was going to pick up on the same comment earlier. Thought it was an interesting one.

There wouldn't be an solid evidence either way (you can't really have a control if you were testing this), for either yoga or running lengthening or shortening your lifespan. Both have massive health benefits, the only negatives to running are the effects it has on your bones and joints, but there are many people in their 70s and 80s still clocking up the milage, while there are many people in their 70s and 80s who were never runners who are riddled with arthritis.

Cardiovasularly, I'm not sure any type of yoga would have the same positives as running/cycling/swimming.

If you're not that interested in running and just do it for health, you've no need for structured, consistent training, just run when you want to run, go to yoga when you want to go to yogo, go boozing when you want to go boozing.

christeb

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Cardiovasularly, I'm not sure any type of yoga would have the same positives as running/cycling/swimming.

Have you tried it? My HR is very high during many parts of Bikram. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't have significant CV benefit. Not the same as running, for sure, but good nonetheless.

PaulieC

I tried yoga for teh first time this week, albeit anti-gravity yoga (the new fad). As I write this I still can't lift my arms over my head and my stomach muscles ache. I wanted something to increase flexibility and core strenght and from what I am feeling, I cerntainly got it. Why did I want these two things? To improve my running. I would say they are entirely complentary

RacoonQueen

christeb wrote: »

Have you tried it? My HR is very high during many parts of Bikram. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't have significant CV benefit. Not the same as running, for sure, but good nonetheless.

Nope, thats why I said I'm not sure.

Have no interest in doing yoga and what not myself. You can improve your flexibility with a good stretching routine, the only time I ever stretch is after strength training and only because I have someone standing beside me ordering me to do it. Runners have no real need for flexibility IMO - maybe if I stretched regularly I'd notice a difference but I have no issues as it stands so don't really see how yoga would compliment my running.

Different beliefs, different experiences, different theories and all that.

Rantan

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Nope, thats why I said I'm not sure.

Have no interest in doing yoga and what not myself. You can improve your flexibility with a good stretching routine, the only time I ever stretch is after strength training and only because I have someone standing beside me ordering me to do it. Runners have no real need for flexibility IMO - maybe if I stretched regularly I'd notice a difference but I have no issues as it stands so don't really see how yoga would compliment my running.

Different beliefs, different experiences, different theories and all that.

sorry I have to disagree, I think there is a big place for flexibilty work in a runners routine, speaking from my own experience it has made a big diffrrence - as I said earlier, yoga illustrated to me where I am particularly tight - especially in hip flexors and I now focus on doing extra stretching there.
Surely having impoved, freer and easier movement in your major joints can only assist running? I would be surprised if it didn't have some effect, however minor?? Of course this is all relative to each individual and if I was in better shape maybe I wouldn't need extra work

christeb

Rantan wrote: »

sorry I have to disagree, I think there is a big place for flexibilty work in a runners routine, speaking from my own experience it has made a big diffrrence - as I said earlier, yoga illustrated to me where I am particularly tight - especially in hip flexors and I now focus on doing extra stretching there.
Surely having impoved, freer and easier movement in your major joints can only assist running? I would be surprised if it didn't have some effect, however minor?? Of course this is all relative to each individual and if I was in better shape maybe I wouldn't need extra work

I'm leaning (excuse the pun) more towards this viewpoint too. As runners we almost take the associated stiffness for granted. There are a lot of very fast runners out there who are as stiff as planks, but I'm more interested in feeling good as opposed to running the extra miles which might make me a bit faster.

As an aside, just got off the phone to a clubmate. Accomplished runner, does plenty of miles the whole year round, sub 3 guy. He lost it this year, citing his lack of core strength as a possible factor. He thinks something like this could be the solution

galwayhooker

I have been doing hot yoga since aug and have found it def helped me with marathon.it's the stamina aspect and helping you to focus that helps you.helps me to relax and sleep like a log.I do yoga in d 15 hot yoga center in Blanchardstwn and find anne Marie excellent.

mymojo

As a yoga instructor and mountain runner myself , personally i get frustrated when people think yoga is just about improving flexibility... And that a few stretches here and there will do the trick the sameway a class wud... There are so many forms of yoga available nowadays that its important to choose one that wud compliment your running... One that wud strengthen your whole body , get your heart rate up and also yes improve your flexibilty alongside increasing muscular endurance, stamina and the ability to relax physically! (and in turn mentally!) ..
Athletes use yoga to train body parts which may be left out or overdeveloped..depending on their sport and yoga can often be used when normal training is not possible due to injury etc...

Personally i wud recommend more dynamic forms of yoga for runners to do to improve performance on the track, road or field.. Currently i have seen great improvements with athletes doing my antigravity yoga classes as they are extremely tough but all movrments are impact free and involve constant core and stability work..yet fun and enjoyable..

I dont teach bikram or hot yoga myself but the 26postures used in each class regardless of the heat factor wud bring ur spine into its full range of motion.which we shud all, but certainly dont do enough of in our everyday lives - like moving physio for the body...

So i will stop rambling on lol! In summary rather than yoga vs running...as others suggested ideally its yoga + running for a happy healthy body and mind

ellieswellies

They complement each other. I ran a half marathon this year after training and ran another a few months later on a whim after doing bikram for almost a month. I ran the second one faster and recovered faster. Bikram yoga has really improved my indurance and focus as well.

With yoga, it's all about trying out different styles and finding one, if any, that suits you. I have tried a few styles over the years and none of them really did anything for me apart from Bikram, but it's going to be different for everyone.

A0

So I suppose my question is, what is better for overall health - Bikram Yoga or running? Discuss.

You can't say an activity is better than another one, unless you do an activity which has a very low energy cost and where you won't burn much calories and the stimuli on your cardio system and muscles won't be "big enough" to generate adaptations.
Most activities have their advantages-disadvantages (from both a health and performance point of view) and it also depends on how often you train: running every day (high volume and frequency) can lead to injuries or other problems on the long term, similarly to Bikram yoga or yoga, swimming, cycling, etc. If you take the example of elite cyclists - swimmers, they are at higher risk of osteoporosis. Similar to elite female runners with the known female triad (eating disorder, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis).

In your context you are asking this from a health point of view. I'd say keep doing both. Whatever you gain doing yoga classes might transfer to your running and the cardio adaptations you get from running will certainly help health wise. If you want to really go down the running route and improve your perf. then you'll have to... run!

Icecap

christeb wrote: »

Have you tried it? My HR is very high during many parts of Bikram. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't have significant CV benefit. Not the same as running, for sure, but good nonetheless.

I've been doing Bikram for two and a half years now , two or three times a week . Absolutely love it and reckon it has taken years off me. I'm sure running might have had the same results, but don't know that my knees could stand .
It certainly claims to have cv benefits . I know my lung capacity is massively improved , and resting heart rate gone way down . But despite its claims I don't think it increases metabolic rate. You will for sure burn more fat running.
By the way I still after all this time find it really tough.

christeb

Icecap wrote: »

I've been doing Bikram for two and a half years now , two or three times a week . Absolutely love it and reckon it has taken years off me. I'm sure running might have had the same results, but don't know that my knees could stand .
It certainly claims to have cv benefits . I know my lung capacity is massively improved , and resting heart rate gone way down . But despite its claims I don't think it increases metabolic rate. You will for sure burn more fat running.
By the way I still after all this time find it really tough.

It's not too clear from your post - do you run alongside Bikram?

mymojo

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3626/5-Ways-Yoga-Will-Improve-Your-Running.html

BikramBunny

christeb wrote: »

OK - I know I'm posting this in the running forum, but here goes.

I run mainly for health - to look, feel good and get fit. Time goals are a slight second priority for me. Although I had a tough time pacing for DCM*, running still holds only good thoughts for me.

Anyway, after running a bit for the first few days post marathon, I decided to give Bikram Yoga a bash. It's an unlimited deal for the first month. It's 90 minutes of stretching, contorting and resting in a heated room (37c - 40c). After 4 session over 10 days, I can report that it's very very tough. Harder than a 10m aerobic run tough (IMO). I was wondering what others thought. Have any faster guys tried Bikram, and how do you rate it? As it's non-impact, I don't get those irritating aches and niggles you always get from doing 50+ mpw. 30-60 mins post session I get a v energetic buzz, akin to a runner's high I suppose. It feels damn good.

So I suppose my question is, what is better for overall health - Bikram Yoga or running? Discuss.


* I didn't do too much training, but the main problem was shoulder pain. I broke my collarbone in March 2011 and I suspect it's related. There was a lot of pain for the last 14m in the Marathon which I just couldn't shake off.

I'm on day 2 of a 30-day Bikram Yoga stint and plan to do a 90 min session each day (at least!) So far, so good! Thinking about doing the Flora Women's Mini Marathon on 4th June (registration opens tomorrow). Haven't done much running in years so this should be a challenge!