Just started bikram yoga 1 week ago. Any tips on what to expect in the first weeks of workout?

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herman2725
Participant

March 12, 2011 at 5:47 pm

Post count: 2

#2075

Hi,

I am a 55 year old male, practicing Hatha yoga since 1 year, 3/4 times a week.
Started Bikram a week ago, Saturday and Sunday. And the third class today, Saturday.

After my second class I experienced a crankiness in my behaviour and an extreme fatigue, unknown to me previously.It lasted for two days.

I am actually curious as what to expect and of course looking for beginners tips.
The second workout was killing me, but I managed all the poses. Today I took everything a bit more relaxed. I still feel exhausted though.

Thanks for your replies.

grtz

Herman

bunni
Participant

March 12, 2011 at 7:51 pm

Post count: 60

#8443

Hi Herman,

Reading this forum I have seen that everyone has really different experiences, especially in the first week/month! And beyond that the practice continues to evolve over time. For me, I noticed that it got easier to complete the postures without sitting down as much after about my 3rd class, but it never became easy. I still have tough weeks occasionally after 11 months. The best tip I have for beating fatigue is to do a class at 25-50% of your maximum effort. You will stretch all the lactic acid out of your muscles without working them too much more, and the next morning should feel sublime!

Re emotions in the first week/month, I don’t remember feeling cranky, but certainly I felt exhausted, elated, sore, hopeful, and relieved. And so, so grateful that I had found the yoga. I think it stirs up different things for different people. Stick with it and let us know how it goes 🙂

Robert Scanlon (Webmaster)
Forum Owner

March 13, 2011 at 12:54 am

Post count: 266

#8444

Hi there Herman and welcome – and congratulations on getting through what will probably be your hardest classes ever …

As bunni says, a lot of people have these types of issues when they are just beginning – not always down to a level of fitness either, even super-fit people can get wiped out by hot yoga.

I have definitely had the “crankiness” you refer to and for me it has ALWAYS been related to hydration and my level of “hot yoga stamina”. Once I had had enough rest and drank more water (over time, not to excess) then it went away. For me it’s also only happened if I’ve had a break and it happens when I return to my practice but goes away once I’m back into my rhythm.

Hope that helps!

Namaste

herman2725
Participant

March 14, 2011 at 1:08 am

Post count: 2

#8445

@bunni

Thnx for the kind words. Especially the 25 to 50% workout sound really helpfull. I will keep you updated.

@Robert

Good to hear you experienced a similar pattern. My third class seemed a tiny bit easier, so I hope I will find the right rythm soon… and I will remind myself of hydration and add some minerals and salt to my water.

I think I got a clearer view on what to expect … thnx

grtz

Herman
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