Bikram Yoga - Are the Risks Worth the Benefits?

Bikram Yoga, or "Hot" yoga, is a fairly new form of yoga that is one of the fastest growing practices in the United States. Invented by the founder of the Yoga College of India, Bikram Choundhury nearly 30 years ago, Bikram Yoga involves performing yoga poses and breathing exercises for 90 minutes in a room that is set at 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 60% humidity.

By increasing the temperature, students of Bikram Yoga experience increased flexibility of their joints and muscles, enabling them to hold more difficult poses for a longer period of time compared to normal yoga. With the elevated temperature, students sweat more than in normal yoga. This has a detoxifying effect on the body as wastes are filtered out through the skin. Also, recent research has found that sweating can lead to naturally healthy skin, and fewer skin infections. Bikram yoga is also said to help boost the immune system by raising the body's core temperature during the exercises raising T-cell levels (which is an added benefit to people who suffer from HIV/AIDS). This practice is also said to have mental health benefits. It is said to increase concentration, and lift mood through relieving stress.

The temperature can, however, be a problem. With increased sweating comes the potential for dehydration. Loading up on water prior to the exercises doesn't help, as stomach full of fluids would make practicing yoga very uncomfortable. Also, with the added flexibility comes, at times, to push yourself a little more, resulting in injuries ranging from minor to severe. This can also occur because some of the poses are rather difficult to perform. When stretching, ligaments sometimes have difficult in returning to their original shape and size, leading to looses joints. Some common short-term side-effects include dizziness, nausea, muscle weakness and cramping. Due to the heat and sometimes competitive nature of Bikram Yoga, some of the spiritual benefits and calmness the can come from practicing yoga are lost here, since the goal is simply to exercise.

Bikram Yoga is an extremely effective workout for weight loss or just staying in shape. However the decision to begin Bikram Yoga should not be entered into lightly. The poses are difficult, and the heat is intense. While the heat helps prevent injuries by making muscles and joints more flexible, pushing yourself too far can still result in severe injuries. If you think you can handle it, Bikram Yoga is highly recommended, as the health benefits are too good to ignore, but know your limits and walk away if the workouts become too much.

Lorraine Kreahling, "When does Flexible Start to Mean Harmful? 'Hot' Yoga Draws Fire." New York Times
"Bikram Yoga." Wikipedia
"Sweat=Healthy Skin." Alive Magazine
Lacy Langley, "Bikram Yoga: The Pros and Cons Explained." Googobits.com