Bikram yoga is a uniquely effective form of yoga that is performed in a hot room at a relatively high temperature (40 degrees Celsius/105 degrees Fahrenheit). With a combination of a total of 26 yoga poses and 2 breathing practices, this hot yoga provides an intense cardiovascular workout. Although there are many other forms of yoga for purposes like relaxation, meditation, and overall fitness, hot yoga is getting popularity due to its positive effects on toning muscles, heart health, and weight loss.
The disadvantages of hot yoga are also coming up more and more as people are getting dehydrated and often injured while practicing it. As it is a 90-minutes-long session where poses and stretches are practiced in a specific sequence, people tend to sweat a lot and end up extremely dehydrated after the class. Here are some of the disadvantages and side effects of Bikram yoga which you might want to check out —
- High heat loosens the muscles and can cause overstretching.
- Potential risk of suffering a strain or, sprain.
- Can be nauseating for some people.
- Deeper stretches cause harm to your ligaments and tendons in the long run.
- While detoxification, it makes the body prone to dehydration,
- Causes overexertion.
- Can be demotivating for some fitness enthusiasts to stick to.
Exercises certainly have pros and cons, and might not show similar results for everyone. That is the reason why everyone should do proper research and learn what you need to know before starting an exercise. Nonetheless, due to its immense popularity, people tend to join Bikram yoga classes without considering the potential risk and benefits in the long run.
Here are some top tips to prevent hot yoga injuries —
- Always keep yourself hydrated
- Drink plenty of liquids and fluids with electrolytes
- Find an experienced hot yoga instructor
- Try to breathe normally throughout the class
- Stay focused and listen to your body
- Don’t push yourself too hard
- Beware of overstretching
- Consult your physician or do proper research to determine if it will be beneficial for your health
Bikram yoga has a number of ardent admirers as well as rigid critics. While it is an intense workout, the unique combination of breathing, sweating, and focus helps increase the feeling of calmness, balance, and stress relief. However, there are some drawbacks to this exercise you should be aware of. Following the above-mention tips, you can avoid potential health dangers and ensure a safe and satisfying Bikram yoga practice.
Reference:
– Chloe Pantazi (2017, March 14). Hot yoga can actually be really dangerous — here’s why
Retrieved from https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-hot-yoga-is-it-bad-for-you-2017-3#:~:text=Although%20practicing%20hot%20yoga%20is,the%20heat%20becomes%20too%20much.
– Hot Yoga: 10 Pros and Cons you May Not Know (2020, Feb 22).
Retrieved from https://www.suvatayoga.com/yoga/10-pros-and-cons-of-hot-yoga/
– Cameron Scott (2019, June 4). Hot Yoga: Is It Super-Heated Exercise or a Health Danger?
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/hot-yoga-booming-but-it-may-be-bad-for-you-051515
