Question 1

how much weight can you lose by doing bikram yoga?

Accepted Answer

Varies: The amount of weight one can lose with excercise such as yoga would depend on the intensity, amount and duration of yoga.  Couple this with a sensible diet plan and watch the pounds shed off!  all the best.

Question 2

what are some things i should do to prepare for my first bikram yoga class?

Accepted Answer

Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga uses a room heated to 105 degrees -- so you need a large towel, 1-2 washcloths, a mat, and water bottle for class.  Dress lightly -- shorts and exercise top (rather than cotton t shirt) if female.  Or bathing suit or tank top. Come with empty stomach -- no food 1-3 hours before class.  For several days before class, drink lots of water -- at least 4 liters per day for Bikram yoga.

Question 3

what is bikram yoga?  what positive or negatives does it have compared to regular yoga?

Accepted Answer

Done in heat, so...: Many of my patients are big fans of Bikram yoga, one of many varieties of hatha yoga. Bikram yoga consists of 26 specific postures (asanas), but what distinguishes it is that it is done in a studio heated to at least 105 degrees.It's easier to stretch when your body is heated & people sweat more to detoxify.Good unless you don't like heat! see http://bikramyoga.Com/bikramyoga/about_bikram_yoga.Php.

Question 4

is bikram yoga an effective way to loose weight quickly?

Accepted Answer

Not by itself: Weight loss generally requires both long-term changes in one's diet & increased exercise. Bikram yoga is a form of hatha yoga practiced in a warm environment that makes it easier to stretch your muscles. Hatha yoga has many health benefits but is not particularly useful for weight loss. I advise a diet low in simple carbs & aerobic exercise. See http://www.Drfuhrman.Com/weightloss/default.Aspx.

Question 5

is bikram yoga safe for lupus patients?

Accepted Answer

Bikram yoga: If any should help with joint pains, fatigue , better mobility , feeling of well being. Lupus nephritis patients and renal failure patients should consult with their doctors prior to undertaking Bikram ypga due to  fluid loss and dehydrates toon as a result if heat associated with Bikram yoga.

Question 6

i take psychotropic meds, is it ok to do bikram hatha yoga?

Accepted Answer

Good question.: Hatha yoga would be better than hot yoga as sustained excessive heat causes sweating leading to dehydration which may affect concentrations of some medications in the blood. Sports drinks rehydrate and provide electrolytes. Sipping water during exercises is good. Best regards.

Question 7

is bikram yoga bad for women in the long term?

Accepted Answer

Not studied: I'm not a yoga expert, but Bikram yoga is essentially yoga at high temperatures.  The risk i see is the high temperature which would make me worry about dehydration and hyperthermia.  The yoga aspect of Bikram yoga doesn't appear to have any harmful effects.  Some experts worry about forcing hyper mobility on joints.  If you enjoy this yoga, hydrate yourself well, and don't push yourself to fast.

Question 8

is bikram yoga a good osteopenia exercise?

Accepted Answer

Yoga is good: What are your goals?  If you are worried about your bone density, then would focus on weight bearing exercise.  Yoga is a good exercise in general and definitely activates the muscles as well so would be good for you.  Would also consider adding in some light weighttraining as well.

Question 9

can bikram yoga be a good way to de-stress?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but caution: Hi, 
yes, Bikram yoga, as any yoga, can help manage stress, especially if done in a mindful way. 

Bikram yoga is a popular type of "hot yoga", practiced in a heated and humid room. Exercising in heat may carry certain risk concerns, and so make sure it is ok for you to do so from a medical perspective, and then keep well hydrated and avoid overheating while doing it.

Question 10

is bikram yoga an effective alternative to running?

Accepted Answer

See below: It is like comparing apples to oranges. Running is a high impact aerobic exercise, whereas Bikram yoga is a low impact form of exercise preformed for 90 minutes at 105 degrees not typically thought of as aerobic. I don't think you can  think of one as a substitute for the other, but having both incorporated onto your weekly workout routine is an excellent idea.

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How soon after pregnancy can I start bikram yoga

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How much weight can you lose by doing bikram yoga?

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What are some things i should do to prepare for my first bikram yoga class?

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What is bikram yoga? what positive or negatives does it have compared to regular yoga?

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Is bikram yoga an effective way to loose weight quickly?

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Is bikram yoga safe for lupus patients?

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I take psychotropic meds, is it ok to do bikram hatha yoga?

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Is bikram yoga bad for women in the long term?

A member asked:

Is bikram yoga a good osteopenia exercise?

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Can bikram yoga be a good way to de-stress?

A member asked:

Is bikram yoga an effective alternative to running?

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