I'm a PT and a yoga devotee. I took Bikram classes for about 2 years and feel compelled to let others know of some risks inherent in this style of yoga. I've exercised all my life having been a collegiate runner and had done various types of yoga for several years before beginning Bikram. I had never had an injury with any other type of yoga and only had minor overuse injuries in all my years of running. However, in Bikram yoga I sustained a serious hamstring tear and later a rotator cuff tear, ligament damage at my collarbone and wrist and a mild neck injury. Needless to say, I left Bikram behind. My experience is that the Bikram dialoque with it's militaristic/cheerleader feel of " do more, hold it longer, go higher" instructions combined with the fast pace and heat, makes people less likely to stay aware of what their body is telling them. There are some things that are positive about Bikram. I would just advise folks to be very body aware during and after class. Be safe and Be well!
Tiele (anonymous) says...
I'm a PT and a yoga devotee. I took Bikram classes for about 2 years and feel compelled to let others know of some risks inherent in this style of yoga. I've exercised all my life having been a collegiate runner and had done various types of yoga for several years before beginning Bikram. I had never had an injury with any other type of yoga and only had minor overuse injuries in all my years of running. However, in Bikram yoga I sustained a serious hamstring tear and later a rotator cuff tear, ligament damage at my collarbone and wrist and a mild neck injury. Needless to say, I left Bikram behind. My experience is that the Bikram dialoque with it's militaristic/cheerleader feel of " do more, hold it longer, go higher" instructions combined with the fast pace and heat, makes people less likely to stay aware of what their body is telling them. There are some things that are positive about Bikram. I would just advise folks to be very body aware during and after class. Be safe and Be well!
On 'Bikram Yoga Makes Me Hot'
September 13, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )