TheHotYogaDoctor

I just finished reading Bikram’s book. One thing he mentions is the battle of mind over body when in poses.

I am very new to Bikram Yoga. about 6 classes in. Some of the poses I cannot hold. My arms shake, fingers tremble, muscles burn, ankles hurt. Do you guys experience that? Have you in the past? I feel like I fight through that as long as I can but there are times I pull out of a pose early.

I also have to lay down during some of the class. My heart rate gets high or I feel nauseated. How hard am I supposed to push myself?

There are a lot of “mind games” that go on inside your head during a hot yoga class (Bikram or other).  Sometimes your body is willing but your head is telling you to give it up because it’s too hot, there’s sweat in my eyes, my muscles burn etc etc.  At the end of the day you have to be true to yourself.  If you are working hard, breathing calmly and pushing to YOUR edge - it doesn’t really matter if you lie down.  Everyone starts at a different point, progresses at a different pace and is working towards an outcome that is totally individual. 

I’ve been doing hot yoga for about 18 months and I don’t really notice what other people in the room are doing (unless there is a lot of drama involved!) - so don’t be concerned about what anyone else thinks either.

Take a break if you need to, but then jump back up and keep working it! 

Oh, I also meant to add that sometimes you can be working too hard in a posture.  It can be really beneficial to back off a little, make sure your alignment is good and progress from that point each time.  That may take some of the struggle out for you…

Hope some of this helps! 

Thank you.

I know for myself, I am extremely proud that I am there and exhilarated when I am done. I am overweight and I do believe it makes it harder. I don’t give up I keep going but I do take small breaks when I really feel pain. Honestly, I am amazed at the things I can do with my body. If anyone could have told me I would be doing this and shown me pictures of the poses. I would have laughed. Getting up and down, bending all around. That is amazing enough let alone the extremes I do it.

I don’t think I work too hard in a posture. I have a hard time just getting the form right. But keeping my arms in the air, in Awkward pose after already having them up during Half Moon, my arms and shoulders shake and even my fingers. If I do it without my arms I feel like I am cheating. Ya know?

Hi Pamela

Thanks Shona for chiming in with your advice!

Pamela, how’s the level of challenge holding your arms up for Awkward now, even less than a week later?

My guess is that with another few classes under your belt that you’ve built more resilience and stamina levels already. It’s gratifying to feel and see what can be a fast pace of progress.

You are fairly new to your practice. But essentially your job is the same: Just keep on checking in with your body. Pay attention to your breath and alignment, observe, make adjustments and don’t cross the threshold over to pain. Honor the stage you’re at! Simple!

Namaste
Gabrielle

Hi,

Well, I had surgery at the end of May so I was out for a month. I went back for my first time on Saturday and it was soooo hard! It was more difficult than my first ever class.

With that said, arms are not any better. It’s my shoulders and it starts during half moon. I just realize now I will need to develop more body strength and that will happen with regular practice. Seems I have better flexibility. I am going back tonight so I’ll check in let you know.

Thanks!

Hi,

Well, this is getting better. My stamina is getting stronger and my balance is getting better. My ankles used to hurt and they don’t anymore. I do as much as I can and try not to wimp out. It’s exciting each time I go to see how much better I am getting.