TheHotYogaDoctor

Hi, I have only just started going Bikram (hot yoga) last week, but will only be able to get to classes once a week after the initial 30 day trial is over.  I am just wondering is it beneficial to practice the pranayama breathing in a normal room or is it only beneficial in the hot yoga room?  I also go to a gym that has a sauna & steam room, would it be beneficial to practice the breathing in there?  That way I could practice 4 - 5 times a week.  Thanks.

Hi Tasha

I sometimes do the Pranayama breathing exercise from the beginning of class, in my office! You don’t need to do it in the heat. It is a great way to build your breathing potential as well as center yourself. A great way to settle emotional upsets and bring you into the present moment too.

Namaste
Gabrielle

I too often throw out a breathing exercise or pose if I need a sanity break LOL It helps reground and center myself. I also have done some experimenting in the gym steam and sauna rooms. I found it depended on time wich room I used but .... If I only a few mins the steam room was the best way to get a good deep quick sweat! The breathe in the HUMID air was ... AWESOME! LOVED IT.
(my new gym does not have one :( ) The sauna though was a nice way to stretch. I would go in a just fold in a long deep stretch. More like the yin practice Gab has touched on in some posts… good luck