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5 Tips for Bikram Yoga in the Hotness of Summer

8/2/2017

It's gearing up to be ridiculous here in Portland. The city is setting up "cooling stations," and we are pretty tickled that the temperature outside will actually be hotter than inside our hot room!

Practicing Bikram yoga under especially steamy conditions takes a bit of extra attention and planning, so check out these tips for summer self-care- then come on in and cool down a bit (for a change!)

5 Tips for Bikram Yoga in the Summer

Hydrate. Proper hydration is super important for every physical activity and especially during hot weather. Since you sweat buckets in Bikram yoga, hydration is even more crucial. Hot yogis should drink at 1.5 to 2 times the standard recommended water intake of about 64 oz per day- more when it's also hot outside.
'Lyte it up! Electrolytes are salts and minerals including sodium, potassium, and calcium that your body sweats out along with all that water you drank. Dizziness, headaches, cramping and fatigue can all be symptoms of electrolyte deficiency. We love natural beverages that are low in sugar and come from nature, like coconut water. A mixture of water, sea salt and lemon juice is great to restore a balance of electrolytes and keep you spunky for class.
Nom nom nom. Make sure you nourish your body with whole, healthful foods throughout the day. Everyone is different, but a good place to start is allowing two hours after a light snack or four hours after a heavy meals before you start your yoga practice. Having a full belly does not make yoga more fun.
Take it easy, honey. Only you know how far is right for you to push. When muscles are warm, it’s easier to stretch them- so you might enjoy increased range of motion during summer practice. However, you may also become slightly dehydrated from a long day outdoors in the sun. Back off on intensity as needed. If you ever feel dizzy or ill, take breaks by sitting down or resting in savasana.
Dress for success. Bikram yoga is not the time to be modest! Tight-fitting clothes are best, as looser garments trap heat. Cotton is no good: it won't breathe, and will get soaked and heavy. The more exposed skin, the better your body can cool itself using the evaporation of your sweat. So ditch the leggings and wear some biker shorts and a sports bra. Bonus: you will get to see more of your beautiful amazing body in the mirror! That's right. And if you don't agree that your body is beautiful and amazing? All the more reason to take a closer look during class. Learn to love what you see in here, and swimsuit season will never steal your peace again.

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Jake Lowered His Blood Pressure, Heart Rate & Weight in 30 Days

8/1/2017

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"I started Bikram yoga in Grapevine, Texas in June of 2015 with the 30-day challenge. I had herniated my L5 disc in my back and was in physical therapy for 6 months with no real results for the pain. A friend recommended Bikram hot yoga. Though painfully wonderful the first 30 days, the pain subsided and I began to recover.

"In 2016 during a regular physical exam (after I had paused from Bikram yoga for about 9 months) the doctor informed me I had high blood pressure. He wanted to evaluate after 30 days with a recommendation of lower salt intake, weight loss and more exercise. I told him I was going to return to Bikram yoga and see if I could resolve the blood pressure issue. The following results speak for themselves:

"My goals were: Lower Blood pressure (Achieved); Lose Weight 210 lbs (Close!); Heart Beat in lowest level for my age (Achieved); No prescriptions (Achieved); No alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, caffeine (Achieved); Low daily sugar 23g per day; Fun every day! (Achieved)

September 12, 2016
BP 152/105
Heart Beat Per Minute 65
Weight 225

--> 30 days later!
BP 116/72
Heart Beat Per Minute 51
Weight 211.6

"When I returned for my follow-up, my doctor was shocked that these results were achieved within 30 days of my September exam. He asked me how I did it. My response was: Bikram hot yoga, 3-4 times a week. Bikram hot yoga has now been added to my normal routine and I am convinced it has cured my ailments and redefined my body, mind and soul! Bikram hot yoga should be a required prescription in our medical system, for the results are stunning and life-long."

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5 Tips for Bikram Yoga in the Hotness of Summer

Jake Lowered His Blood Pressure, Heart Rate & Weight in 30 Days

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