bikram yoga

loubian

Hi im looking to start bikram yoga. However, I'm over weight. What should I look out for that it would be "dangerous" or is it ok for an over weight person to do bikram?

Thanks

endacl

Have you done any yoga before? If not, why bikram to start with?

loubian

I did pilates a few years ago. And I heard bikram is beneficial for a lot of reasons and it's the only class on in my area tomorrow and I'd like to do something yoga or pilates related.

Ashbx

Sorry to drag up an old thread but Endacl, is there a reason you ask why the OP wanted to do bikram instead of just yoga?

I would be quite keen to do yoga but particularly hot yoga (not necessarily Bikram). I have done Pilates before but never done any sort of yoga.

Do you (or anyone else) think I could go straight into hot yoga or should I do normal yoga first to get myself used to the poses and to get slightly more flexible? I did struggle a bit at the start of my Pilates class so just not sure if the trying to learn the new poses plus the heat may be a bit overwhelming.

I'm pretty sure you can do bikram as a beginner. Think the heat is supposed to help with the flex
Best way is to just go and do a class and see how you get on, imo

zoobizoo

What did you struggle with in the Pilates class?

I'd recommend everyone to start with an Iyengar class before trying any other type of yoga. Have a look at Iyengar Ireland's website for classes near you.

I'd also ask to see teaching credentials or ask about where the teacher trained and for how long.

There are lots of terrible teachers out there.

Ashbx

Thanks for the replies!

Well for starters I think I underestimated just how tough pilates was going to be. My muscles were shaking trying to hold the positions. The combination of breathing and doing the poses I found quite tough. I did an 8 week course and I did start noticing an improvement towards the end so I do understand it just takes practice.

After writing the above line, I looked up Iyengar yoga on google and seems like its EXACTLY what I need!

Thanks for the tips zoobizoo....I will definitely check this out.

innad

I had never done any other form of yoga before starting Bikram, so no, I don't think that's a prerequisite. If there is another type of yoga that appeals to you more, by all means go for it. But for anyone wanting to try Bikram, there really is no need to have done any other form of yoga first.

zoobizoo

There is no need to do any type of yoga before hand but if you're looking for flexibility and to know how poses should be done, then iyengar is the way to go.

If you're looking to lose weight then Iyengar won't do it for you.

Bikram himself doesn't do it for me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRYZIXxzaME