TheHotYogaDoctor

Hey there, I just use a big towel, all rolled up very tightly instead of a ball, works great for me…

and weight loss…I am now just going to complete my 4th month of bikram and love it. I get to classes on av. 5 times a week (never though that would be possible for me when started, i was that poor girl who burst out laughing when, they said, cu tomorrow, but then it just happened, feels great to come out of office for this or after a cold night shift on site there is just nothing better) and when away (Christmas) manage to what was mentioned here, going through a set of each where ever I am. It feels sooo good. I feel myself getting stronger and try to not scale myself in the mirrors except for alignment. Havent had scales in the last 10 years, but clothes fit just the right amount better. When started was gasping and near blacking out alot during standing and really hated the spine strengthening, even struggled with Half Moon big time, but since seriously concentrating on holding in stomach tight, lifting chest and using upper body during floor series it all feels so right. On yoga days I feel less hungry and crave only the good foods. All that makes me liking my body more, even though I am not plunging kilos like crazy. Always felt that any body reshaping should be over some time otherwise would get nervous and feel like I might put myself at risk). I am wishing everyone here that they get what they want, just try not to obsess.

That’s a very inspiring story especially to every woman your age. Keep it up! Congratulations!

One of the things I learned when losing weight was that most of us can’t tell the difference between being thirsty and being hungry.  That we have lost the ability to understand the different impulses as they are sent to the brain.  So what I started doing was making sure I ws eating what I needed, and then whenever I thought I was hungry, in addition to those eating times, I drank water.  Lots of water. Lots and lots of water. Till the impulses were gone.

And I have over time recalibrated my body.  I now know that I’m actually thirsty much of the time, rather than hungry.

bikrambride - 03 February 2010 08:54 AM

Hi

Well, I’m moving into my 4th week of Bikram, going at least 5 times per week and I don’t think I’ve seen any changes. I’m trying to be patient, but feeling a little discouraged as I think I thought it would be drastic!

I was also hoping for the appetite changes, but I am still finding myself very hungry and not eating little as many Bikram regulars claim. I have spoken to a lot of instructors who say their appetite is now very suppressed…

Am I being impatient or is it unusual that I have not seen changes yet?

Thanks!

My weight has reached a new low level. I don’t know if it is the result of doing this yoga. I sweat bucket by the second pose. Maybe I am just losing water weight, but 5-10 lbs of water weight is a lot given I only practice two times a week. I haven’t really change my diet but I do watch what I am eating. I used to crave for junk food like chips, fries, bucket of KFC, and dine all-you-can-eat. I don’t consume solid food on Saturday, only liquid. Go for yoga in the afternoon. A light snack (Ensure) as dinner. No food on Sunday morning. Yoga class at 11. Then a bottle of Ensure. Regular meal in the evening and weekdays. I am pretty sure that I have a calorie deficit on Saturday and maybe Sunday too.

Does doing a 90 min hot yoga really burn 1000 calories based on this calculator?

Having lost “weight”, I can see the fat when I shake my tummy. So I am not sure if I am actually losing fat or muscle. I am not big or muscular by any mean.

Hi Jeffrey

I think you can be really happy with your progress. You’re only doing 2 classes per week and you’ve still experienced such great changes.

Yes you lose water during class, but that water loss is not going to be sustained because soon after class you start drinking again.

You may be having a lower energy intake on Saturday but it’s not long term. I really don’t see this as a problem. You’re not in any famine state (clearly, or you’d likely be putting on weight). Many experts say that having a day with no food and taking in less (and even no) calories once a week is a great thing. I know that many people eat until they feel 80% full and never overeat. This is supposed to be one of the major determinants of longevity.

To me it seems as though you have a routine that you seem quite happy and comfortable with.

Regarding the calorie counter: It is a largely subjective thing. The figures will be true for some and not for others. It’s a guide. The calculator may represent the figure of someone whose body is a better energy processor. Even if those particular figures don’t fit YOUR body, the calculator is great for comparing energy expended between different activities. The amount of calories you burn may be different to someone else. Personally I don’t like counting calories for my food intake. So I only use the calculator to see where’s the biggest bang for my exercise buck.

You mentioned your tummy! If you have a goal of losing more shape then I guess one of the ways you could go is to attend a 3rd hot yoga class each week. Just enjoy your practice, the way you feel and try not to get hung up on numbers. You may just be surprised to find that when you let that go that your mind is freer to create the perfect conditions for your outcome.

Namaste
Gabrielle

Hi All!

Thanks to everyone for sharing their hot yoga stories!  I am also an addict.  I started in September and can’t believe how it has impacted me.  I have always struggled with my weight - I look back at pictures of myself as teenager and can’t believe I thought I was fat, but I believed it with all my heart then.  The funny thing is that over the last year I’ve taken a different view of my life and myself, and even before starting Bikram, and before the weight loss, I decided that I wanted to see myself differently.  So even though I now (and in the summer) weighed more than I ever have in my life, I feel happier, sexier and more balanced than I ever have.  I have accepted that since it took many, many years to put this weight on, it’s going to take a while to take it off. 

I never found any exercise or sport that really engaged me for a long period of time - yoga is so personal that if you are truly open to it, it can never become boring as there is always a new goal - to stretch a little further, to open a little more…

My own experience with weight loss and hot yoga has inspired me to keep going.  It has not been drastic, but consistent.  I lost about 10+ pounds in 3-4 months and dropped a dress size (or two - depending on the brand).  I have about 30 pounds to go, if I stay stuck on achieving a specific weight.  I’m not sure I will because since I have started Bikram, I feel so good that I don’t really care so much (still do a little bit), about the numbers.

My attitude towards food and drinking water has changed subtly as well.  I haven’t had a massive change.  I love food. I love to eat.  I can’t see that ever changing.  But in wanting to have a great class, I strive to stay hydrated all the time.  That means I’m eating less because I’m thinking about how to drink water instead of what to eat.  What I’m eating, especially on the day before and day of a class has me thinking as well.  The goal of being ready to have my best class each time is impacting the choices I make, and it’s positive, rather than restrictive.  This has made a huge difference to me.  My awareness of how what I eat impacts my body is also different.  I still crave sweets and salty snacks, but now I’m thinking that if I eat this now, I will feel really heavy when I’m walking into class and I just want to be able to focus on how pulling is the object of stretching. 

I have slacked off a bit lately, but reading these posts have inspired to get off my butt and get back to feeling good again.  Thanks to all who have shared their stories - I hope you know your words impact many others who read them - even if we don’t always reciprocate!!

Namaste, Ilonka

Speaking of food, do you think green tea helps weight loss? I drink about 1L of green tea everyday at work. This is the brand they have at work and I really like the smell and taste. You can buy them at Costco if you are in Canada.

http://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-Green-Tea-Japanese/dp/B000WB1YSE

Hello,

I just found this site today and I am very happy I did. I cannot even call myself of “Newbie” at this point because I have not even attended my first Hot Yoga class!  That is schduled for tomorrow. I will be attending with my daughter who is hooked. I must say I am a bit nervous and hope that I can at least stay in the room for the full 90 minutes. I hear that is an accomplishment in and of itself for the first visit. I am encouraged by all the positive posts and I hope to share my experience with you as I begin my journey.
PS I am a 51 yr. old female, with about 30 lbs. to loose; however my goal for the month of May is a cleaning of mind, body and spirit, so I am hoping yoga will assist me in acheiving my goai. Any advise for a beginner would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening!

Joyce

Hi Joyce

Welcome! It’s great to have you here.

You know what? It is possible to overwhelm yourself with too much information. You can’t know everything.

>> The best thing is to be well hydrated, have eaten lightly a couple of hours before (and I mean don’t turn up after having eaten bacon and eggs because that would hurt! ), turn up with enough time to sign in (20 mins before), set up your mat and towel and just sit or lie in the room to calm your energy.
>> Set up behind and slightly to the side (one mat width maximum) of your daughter (or other experienced yogi). You want to have the sense of what they’re doing in your direct or peripheral vision as well as see yourself in the mirror and you don’t want to have to turn your head.
>> And then when you start your class just go with the flow. Only be concerned with what’s going on for you and your breath. If something hurts then don’t do it! Normal stuff.
>> Expect that you might not know much at all for your first couple of classes and that it is a process that can take several classes to imprint the pose sequence itself. Then it could take months or years (depending on you and your teachers) to learn the poses themselves.
>> Stop thinking about it! Be the observer and aim to have fun.

Namaste
Gabrielle

PS Without fail for all first time students whenever I teach, I give a preview of Pranayama breathing because it can be challenge: You can’t see how to do it WHILE doing it. So Joyce this is not necessary but if your daughter is willing to step you through a few breaths by demonstration and observation then you may well benefit. As I said it’s not essential and you wouldn’t need to be shown anything else.

Thank you, Gabrielle.

I am so looking forward to the experience tomorrow!

Joyce

I just read this entire thread, and I just want to say how inspiring all the stories on here are. You’re all fabulous and I wish you the best!

Rachel