Bikram Yoga

[phred]

I thought I was fairly strong and in reasonable shape even though I have slacked off the weights for the last couple of years. Then my wife said "Lets have a go at this Bikram Yoga". She must be trying to cash in on the life insurance policy. I have never worked so hard in my life and all I did was Breathe, stand on one leg, Stand on both legs, Lie down, Sit up, Breathe.

Are any of this esteemed gathering of free spirits also doing this unique form of purgatory and if so what are your thoughts. One of the Teachers tells me it will improve my balance and coordination and therefore my riding. I think it improves my riding if I get to use Riding as an excuse for missing a class.

[scissorhands]

I did only one class a week for 6 weeks, and was surprised at how much my strength improved, only doing 90minutes once a week.

I havnt done the heated Bikram type of yoga, but its all the rage. My only worry would be germs and virus's breeding in a heated, closed, crowded room with people all sweating away. I suppose its not an issue, I like fresh air, but I should really give it a go before making comment

Good for you, yoga is great for all sports including riding, but i think MTB may have elements of balance too

[Mully]

Isn't Yoga that cartoon bear that likes stealing pic-a-nic baskets??

Had a little mate called Boo-boo??

[Genestho]

I thought I was fairly strong and in reasonable shape even though I have slacked off the weights for the last couple of years. Then my wife said "Lets have a go at this Bikram Yoga". She must be trying to cash in on the life insurance policy. I have never worked so hard in my life and all I did was Breathe, stand on one leg, Stand on both legs, Lie down, Sit up, Breathe.

Are any of this esteemed gathering of free spirits also doing this unique form of purgatory and if so what are your thoughts. One of the Teachers tells me it will improve my balance and coordination and therefore my riding. I think it improves my riding if I get to use Riding as an excuse for missing a class.

Keep it up mate. It will pay off.

Also you should find improvement in flexibility, strength, and great for the mind and heart - slows it all down (due to the controlled inhales/exhales).
So an added bonus is the stress levels lower, in everyday life.

Perfect mind/body balance.

Another good strength/toning is pilates, it doesn't have the medtitative effect, but continues to burn fat (apparently) for quite a few hours after if you drink loads of water, and brilliant for core strength, I'd imagine it good for both Roadriding, and Racing!

It works quickly on strength and muscles, if your technique is right. (TBH I'm finding it hard to picture blokes in either scenario!!! )

Still - Totally recommend both!

[Skyryder]

Sorta Yoga in a sauna.

Don't know much about the Bikram yoga other than it is performed in a heated room. I use to go to Martin Jackson. And I still got my LIGHT ON YOGA by BKS Iyengar. L.O.Y is still considered the bible of yoga by many practitioners.

About the only yoga I do now is a bhastrika that I can do any time of the day and at any place standing sitting etc. The pranayama's are dangerouse unless you have someone who realy knows about this stuff.


Skyryder

[sil3nt]

Winsor Pilates 20 minute workout after going for a run is great for the core. Will have to try yoga at some point. I have horrible flexibility in my legs.

[phred]

Sorta Yoga in a sauna.


Skyryder

Definitely Yoga in a sauna.
The sweat is supposed to cleanse the body. I have found all my old injuries again.

I am down to the last hole on my belt and a brans new suit that I bought for job interviews now falls off and makes me look like a homeless bum.

[mynameis]

Winsor Pilates 20 minute workout after going for a run is great for the core. Will have to try yoga at some point. I have horrible flexibility in my legs.

LOl @ you

[Fatt Max]

The missus has done a few classes and has reaped the benefits, keep it up mate.

I never really got into it myself, got bastardised by years of judo and aikido. There are links through the medetative aspects but that's about it.

All in all there are great benefits from sustained yoga practice so well done mate

[sels1]

I have never worked so hard in my life and all I did was Breathe, stand on one leg, Stand on both legs, Lie down, Sit up, Breathe.

lol its amazing how doing so little can be such hard work. But its really good for you.
I do a bit of Ashtanga Yoga now and then and really should do more. I started doing it as part of recovery for a back injury and found it brilliant for that. Lots of other benefits too.

The pranayama's are dangerouse unless you have someone who realy knows about this stuff.
Skyryder

True that. Some things cant be learnt from a book or the net, it requires a very experienced teacher.

Much to learn, grasshoppers....

[Skyryder]

Definitely Yoga in a sauna.
The sweat is supposed to cleanse the body. I have found all my old injuries again.

I am down to the last hole on my belt and a brans new suit that I bought for job interviews now falls off and makes me look like a homeless bum.

Some yoga breathing techniques will do the same, but this is very difficult to achieve and takes a lot of time to master let alone break into a sweat.

From what little I know of Bakram it appears to be a varient of Hatha Yoga by another name and it may be franchised.

For those that remember the movie BLUE THUNDER there is some footage of a chick doing Raja Yoga. Its right at the start of the movie where the chopper puts on the silent or whisper mode and closes up to apartment.


Skyryder