Bikram Yoga : who can practice?

Whether you are in shape or not at all, if you have done some yoga or not, whether you are a little, a lot, or not at all flexible, Bikram Yoga is for you.

Bikram yoga is for beginners as much as it is for more experienced yogis, and allows you to feel well in your body. It adapts to your level, evolves with you and your body. You will find that after each class, you discover a sense of balance and renewal.

Bikram Yoga may help you if:

• you are stressed,
• you feel lethargic, tired, and/or lacking energy
• you have trouble sleeping,
• you experience headaches or migraines,
• you want to lose weight, slim your silhouette, or gain muscle,
• you would like to enhance your performance in other sports.

For the bit older, less athletic, and overweight future yogis

Of course Bikram yoga is also for you and will enhance your general physical condition! Pay just a bit more attention to your body… and accept a bit slower adaptation and a bit more time to evolve than for others. To each their own rhythm.  

During the class, all levels are in attendance. Do not try to do the same thing as everyone else.

The heat, as well as the postures themselves, accelerate your heart rate and simultaneously create intense sweating. Hold on but stay vigilant. If your heart beats too quickly, and your breathing speeds up to the point that you must breathe through your mouth, do not hesitate to sit japanese-style as often as necessary. No one except your yoga instructor will notice!  

You hydratation

Sweating is more or less intense depending on the person, and it is the body’s defense mechanism to maintain a deep internal temperature of 37°C (98.6°F). The sweating can induce the need to take a small sip of water at certain points during the class.  

After the class, pay attention as best as you can to compensate for the sweat loss. Sweat contains nearly 4 grams of salt per liter, so you have not only lost water but also salt and other trace elements; plus, just like after all athletic efforts, you need to slightly “re-sugar” your body. Ideally, it’s best to make up for your lost elements by 1 liter for each kilo lost by a slightly salty drink with certain sugary foods (mineral water contains a bit of salt, accompanied by fruits or chocolate or fruit juice diluted with half the quantity in water from the tap). Only drink pure water in the hours following the class, to avoid risk of hyponatremia (the sudden drop of salt levels in the blood, which can create cramps, headaches, increased heart beat…)