I have a minor leaky heart valve. My cardiologist told me to avoid heavy weight lifting type of exercise, but that non strenous exercise is recommended. Do you think Bikram yoga is considered strenuous or “good” heart exercise?
Posted by Dave on 01/21 at 09:27 AM
Hello Dave
Bikram Yoga could definitely be considered strenuous exercise. Although there is not the flowing movements of a vinyasa class with jump through movements etc, there is plenty of cardiovascular exercise where the heart rate can climb significantly.
There is no lifting involved, that is, this series is not characterized by holding your own body up in push up movements.
I don’t know if you are asking me whether you should attempt Bikram Yoga with a minor leaky heart valve or not. Clearly you must go on the advice of your physician. The question is, is how physically strenuous are you allowed to get? There are ways to self-regulate in Hot Yoga, but initially you would have to be under the care of a very caring, compassionate, attentive and knowledgable yoga teacher (at least while you are learning the series and working out how you have to approach it).
One advantage Bikram Yoga has over other forms of strenuous exercise is that you won’t be pushing the envelope for more than 10-20 seconds. There are a couple of exceptions. 2 poses each have 2 sets of 60 seconds and 30 seconds. In these poses you could do one of the sets or limit the time in the pose if need be. You can explain to your physician that after each set and each pose there is a brief rest period (from 5-20 seconds and sometimes longer). The 90 minute class is not sustained effort but work punctuated with rest periods specifically designed to slow the heart and calm the body and breath.
I hope that helps you
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
