The Hot Yoga Doctor – Free Bikram and Hot Yoga Resources › Hot Yoga Doctor Forum › General Hot Yoga Discussion › Weight Loss and Hot Yoga › Not losing any weight at all
The Hot Yoga Doctor – Free Bikram and Hot Yoga Resources › Hot Yoga Doctor Forum › General Hot Yoga Discussion › Weight Loss and Hot Yoga › Not losing any weight at all
-
AuthorPosts
-
I started Bikram yoga nearly three months ago. Prior to that, I had no formal exercise, just chasing after my kids, etc. For the first 6 weeks or so I went three times per week. Since then I have gone four times per week. (I missed about two weeks while out of town, but a total of 35 classes, since January 6, after this morning’s class.) I have not lost any weight AT ALL, and while that wasn’t the main reason I started, I sort of had hoped weight loss would be an added bonus.
As additional information, I am in my thirties, mother of three. I probably, ideally would like to lose 10-15 pounds. I’m 5’2″, 139lb.
Since starting yoga, I have not specifically cleaned up my diet in an effort to lose weight, but indirectly have cleaned it up to better enjoy the classes. I tend to make healthier choices and eat smaller portions because I don’t want a big greasy meal in my belly before class. Also, whereas prior to starting yoga, I would have a cocktail or two maybe three nights per week (so, maybe a total of 5 drinks per week), now I am down to 0-1 drinks per week. Again, not with a promary weightloss goal, just that I don’t want to get dehydrated or be headachy for a morning class. I would estimate I’m probably eating between 75-90% of calories I was eating before I started bikram yoga.
During class I work HARD. I have never sat down during a pose ever; I pay attention to tightening muscles as each posture dictates. Several times during each class I experience muscle shaking from the strain of my efforts.
To be honest, I have noticed some positive changes. My upper arms are far more muscular-looking, and I’ve noticed that I can climb multiple flights of stairs without feeling winded like before. But shouldn’t I be seeing some other changes? My clothes all fit the same, and really my arms are the only place I see a difference. I guess I just thought with all the exercise plus the dietary changes plus cutting out the alcohol, I’d see some movement, on the scale or in the fit of my clothes, but really, nothing.
Is there a part of the equation I’m missing?
Hi Lisa
Welcome to the forum!
Don’t despair. Let’s see where we can go with this. 😉
Can you please tell me…
>> How much water you drink…
* during the day in total
* when you drink it
* do you drink with your meals
* do you drink during class>> What is your electrolyte intake?
* what electrolytes are you taking (brand or type)
* how oftenMuscle shaking can be indicative of many things, so let’s look at the above first. You could be electrolyte deprived (which has an affect on your ‘weight’). Can you also tell me if you shake in particular poses? At the same point in the pose? Is it every time? Or is it just sometimes?
That’s enough to start with
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂I generally drink about 100oz of water per day, throughout the day. I have a 32 ounce bottle and i usually drink 3 of those plus an additional glass or two. This is since starting yoga in January. Before that my water intake was pretty shameful. I do drink during class, but not much- maybe 15 or so ounces. I find there’s either not time or else I feel gross when I drink too much during class. I guess I never paid attention but I think I probably don’t drink much during meals.
No electrolyte supplements. (is that bad?)
Shaking… Depends on the day. Sometimes during awkward (particularly second part), triangle, standing separate head to knee, and it seems like more but I can’t think of others right now. What do you think?
Hi Lisa
Your water habits seem very good. It’s not good to drink during meals as a rule. The amount of water that you should drink during class is variable. There are signs such as quickened heart rate or exhaustion… and of course if you happen to have the perception that you’re using a lot of fluid (that can be hard to gauge) then drinking is essential.
If you’re not taking any electrolyte supplement can I please ask if you consume sea salt or regular table salt, or are you one of those salt abstainers?
Let’s deal with electrolytes before we get to the poses.
In the meantime go out and get yourself some good sea salt, celtic, himalayan salt or other (there are plenty of varieties). Start adding some to your food if you don’t already or even add a pinch of salt to your water for class with a few drops of lemon juice. This could change the landscape for you.
Let me know about your salt intake up until now… 🙂
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Just regular old table salt. 🙂
Hi Lisa
Okey dokey. So I believe some changes may be in the offing.
If I may be so bold as to suggest you take a look around the forum. There is a search box to the top right here. Pop the word “Himalaya” in there and you’ll come up with a number of posts about sea salt, electrolytes and water retention. That’s not all of the of course but it’s a great place to start.
Here’s one called Electrolyte Help where you can begin.
First step is to throw away the table salt and never use it again. You could be electrolyte depleted.
Let me know how you go.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂I just ordered two pounds of himalayan sea salt. Should arrive next week. I’ll update after I’ve tried it for a few days.
Thank you so much for taking the time, and for all your quick responses!
You’re most welcome Lisa
Can’t wait to hear from you
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂So, the himalayan sea salt has arrived. I have actively tried to incorporate it into my diet, both by using it instead of table salt (which, I am finding, I really do not use very much at all), and adding the pink stuff to foods I normally wouldn’t dream of salting. For instance, a small sprinkle in my water bottle, and even on peanutbutter toast.
Still no weight loss.
Again, I know I don’t eat like a person “on a diet.” It’s not who I am and no amount of body-pride is worth (to me) the effort of counting calories, etc. I am a busy woman (work in a mentally challenging profession, mother of three small children, plus 4 days per week of yoga). But I DO make an effort to eat lots of fruits and veggies, and minimal amounts of junk food. I don’t drink soda, I don’t eat packaged cookies or chips. Any sandwich bread is whole wheat, 4g of fiber per slice, no HFCS. But, for example, I don’t hesitate to eat a big helping of homemade roasted potatoes with olive oil (and now sea salt). I can’t tell you the last time I had a hamburger, french fries, donut or any fast food. And, regardless of what I’m eating, I think it is a safe estimate that I have dropped my calorie intake by at least 10-25% since I started my yoga journey, and I just don’t get why the weight isn’t budging.
I am seeing some subtle differences in my body shape, but not enough to make my clothes fit differently. My calves seem smaller (but thighs, backside, and belly all seem the same). My upper arms are about the same size, but have gone from squishy to muscle-y. But still; last night was my 45th Bikram class since I started on January 6. 67.5 hours of active participation in the hot room, and no weight loss? No clothing size change? It seems unfathomable.
I had an appointment with my gyne a few weeks ago. He ordered labs, but wants me to have them drawn at a specific point in my cycle, so I haven’t had them done yet. CBC, CMP, LH, TSH, FSH, vitamin D. I had all these things done last year, and everything was normal.
Other possible clues, or odd things I have noticed about myself: my sweat during class REEKS of ammonia. Terribly strong. Which I’ve read can be a result of high protein and low carb diet. That is NOT me. I’m not a big believer in all the protein that a lot of people seem to think is necessary, and again: wheat bread ( a slice or two for breakfast), potatoes (just had a dish of roasted potatoes for lunch. I make no effort to specifically limit carbs.
Lots of medical info in here, and certainly not looking to an online forum for a diagnosis. 😉 I am following up with my doc for this…. Just curious if all of these pieces start to form any sort of coherent picture in anyone’s mind. I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on this.
Thanks!
Hi Lisa
Frustrating isn’t it?
You seem to be eating well. No issues with food-guilt. No issues with counting calories (which I personally don’t ascribe to but it works for some). You do seem to be moving in the right direction. Firming up of your tone and a small shape change.
My nephew lost a few pounds in 2 weeks by not drinking during meals at all. It’s worth a try.
For the moment I am not struck by anything else conscious that you may have to do. Except of course to go minimum 4 times per week (cos I know it’s varied a bit and you missed 2 weeks).
4 times per week min seems to be the way to go when you want to see change. Of course upwards of that is a great thing to do but with 3 kids you may not be able to swing that.
Sometimes letting go of the attachment to losing it is the key to making it happen. Oh, that and 4 times per week :cheese:
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Lisa,
I realize this an older thread but I hope you’ll be able to see my post as I had the same problem.
I had been practicing for 3-4 times/week during the summer and also did not lose weight. I knew there was something wrong as at the time I was 20 and should be able to quickly drop weight. I went to a natural physician and got allergy tested 2 months after I started practicing. I am allergic to gluten, soy, and dairy. Once I gave these up, the weight fell off. I’m now a size 6, down from a 12. Perhaps you should also explore what you eat- I was eating very healthy, but still putting things in my body that my body couldn’t handle.
Hope this helps!
KelseyHi Kelsey
Wow! What a difference. Thanks for your input. Happy Holiday
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂So, the himalayan sea salt has arrived. I have actively tried to incorporate it into my diet, both by using it instead of table salt (which, I am finding, I really do not use very much at all), and adding the pink stuff to foods I normally wouldn’t dream of salting. For instance, a small sprinkle in my water bottle, and even on peanutbutter toast.
Still no weight loss.
Again, I know I don’t eat like a person “on a diet.” It’s not who I am and no amount of body-pride is worth (to me) the effort of counting calories, etc. I am a busy woman (work in a mentally challenging profession, mother of three small children, plus 4 days per week of yoga). But I DO make an effort to eat lots of fruits and veggies, and minimal amounts of junk food. I don’t drink soda, I don’t eat packaged cookies or chips. Any sandwich bread is whole wheat, 4g of fiber per slice, no HFCS. But, for example, I don’t hesitate to eat a big helping of homemade roasted potatoes with olive oil (and now sea salt). I can’t tell you the last time I had a hamburger, french fries, donut or any fast food. And, regardless of what I’m eating, I think it is a safe estimate that I have dropped my calorie intake by at least 10-25% since I started my yoga journey, and I just don’t get why the weight isn’t budging.
I am seeing some subtle differences in my body shape, but not enough to make my clothes fit differently. My calves seem smaller (but thighs, backside, and belly all seem the same). My upper arms are about the same size, but have gone from squishy to muscle-y. But still; last night was my 45th Bikram class since I started on January 6. 67.5 hours of active participation in the hot room, and no weight loss? No clothing size change? It seems unfathomable.
I had an appointment with my gyne a few weeks ago. He ordered labs, but wants me to have them drawn at a specific point in my cycle, so I haven’t had them done yet. CBC, CMP, LH, TSH, FSH, vitamin D. I had all these things done last year, and everything was normal.
Other possible clues, or odd things I have noticed about myself: my sweat during class REEKS of ammonia. Terribly strong. Which I’ve read can be a result of high protein and low carb diet. That is NOT me. I’m not a big believer in all the protein that a lot of people seem to think is necessary, and again: wheat bread ( a slice or two for breakfast), potatoes (just had a dish of roasted potatoes for lunch. I make no effort to specifically limit carbs.
Lots of medical info in here, and certainly not looking to an online forum for a diagnosis. 😉 I am following up with my doc for this…. Just curious if all of these pieces start to form any sort of coherent picture in anyone’s mind. I would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on this.
Thanks!
There are 90 different ways to answer your post: my advice is….see a licensed and registered dietician who has an actual medical license and training in this field before you go tinkering with body and Brian’s chemistry.I practice Bikram Yoga 4 times a week. I drink a ton of water before and after class, I drink carrot and beet and orange and grapefruit and other juices I make at home for the sugar boosts and the restoration of electrolytes.
This business of “I have heard” and the “Wikipedia posting says”…is absurd. Statements of fact always have a source…
To answer some of the items in this forum:
A) Table salt isn’t bad for you because it is “super-heated”…heating NaCl doesn’t change it’s ion structure. That is basic high school chemistry. Table salt is bad for you in large amounts because it is iodized…which DOES provide iodine; t While iodine in small amounts is good for you, the amount we take in on a daily basis as Americans is not healthy.
B). Adding salt to your drinking water. YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL. This can be exceptionally dangerous to your body, immune system, and your electrolyte balance…which directly affects the first three. Did you notice that no one gave an exact amount? IF YOU ADD TOO MICH SALT TO THAT WATER, it brings the specific gravity of the water to a point where your body will not absorb it. The water then goes straight through your system. google the term “salt water flush”….
C) Your body is changing…you have stated you see toning of the muscles, you have increased flexibility…and you are eating healthier. Why do you need to get to a specific numbered weight?
You want to lose the weight? Go to a Bikram studio and practice for 60 days straight. It changed my life. I went from 480 pounds to 260 pounds over the course of the last year since that 60 day challenge. I feel healthier and maybe I will live a little longer because I AM healthier.
(Also, I’d check references in this forum with my doctor. Loads of inaccurate information here based on the “I have read” and “I once saw a documentary” methods of scientific study.)
Hello Daniel Tamayo
Thank you for your contribution to the forum. Your weight loss is absolutely astounding. You must feel fantastic as a result of your regained health! 🙂
Regarding your other comments:
I would like to point out that it would be unwise of anyone to be giving advice that is not couched in terms that puts the onus on the reader to do their own research and make their own decisions.
I am OK with the fact that it is your belief that absurd statements exist on this forum. It is based on your model of the world. You are entitled to your opinion. I would have a 24/7 much-more-than-full-time job if I made every answer a scientific treatise backed up with evidence that was actually cited! Hahaha. I would need to employ people.
The ionic structure comment I will have to agree is something that I find hard to believe. I had heard this from reliable sources and found it online! Ah, the legitimacy of information really does have to be checked and rechecked eh? 😉 Just because it’s online (or you’ve heard it) doesn’t make it true … or true in all cases. Take for example the commonly held belief that sweating detoxes the body… Do you believe that? I don’t. But the majority of people you will talk to (and especially hot yogis) believe that they are sweating out toxins (unless there’s been a shift in sweat-consciousness lately ;)).
However, back to salt: The comment re structure of NaCl does not alter the message (in the words surrounding that comment) which is something I will stand behind… [strong]”That table salt that people use in processed food and on tables in hundreds of millions of households across the world is ‘poison’. It is sea salt with ALL the goodness taken out of it”.[/strong]
B). Adding salt to your drinking water. YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL. This can be exceptionally dangerous to your body, immune system, and your electrolyte balance…which directly affects the first three. Did you notice that no one gave an exact amount? IF YOU ADD TOO MICH SALT TO THAT WATER, it brings the specific gravity of the water to a point where your body will not absorb it. The water then goes straight through your system. google the term “salt water flush”….
Daniel, I have done my research on hypernatremia. There is an almost negligible problem with taking too much salt. However hyponatremia (insufficient sodium) is a potentially LETHAL – and fairly commonly so – situation. That is not the case for hypernatremia. Check ‘hypernatremia’ on this forum for that verification. I will not qualify that comment right here because the parameters are not clear. So, sorry, not citations! 😆 That comment re risk of too much salt, could be contentious for some to believe especially if it is not clear what type of salt is used in the studies that are referenced. Again, I extend an ‘invitation’ to do your research. Read on however for more …
The point you make about adding too much salt to water is honestly NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Why? Because, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe you are referring to highly saturated or supersaturated solutions of salt. Some people take a very small amount of that solution as therapy, or a daily dose of electrolytes.
Nobody would be able to stomach large amount of high concentrations or supersaturated salt in say, their drinking water and water they sip on during class.
[strong]
Salt water flushes really could not, in any sense of the word, be confused with the recommendation that one COULD think about putting a pinch of salt in their drinking water or sprinkling a little sea salt on their food.[/strong]You will notice that I mention in my posts to add a few grains or a pinch of salt! 😉
May I ask you if, in your post, you are suggesting that one is OK if they use NaCl as table salt? I would be interested to know.
C) Your body is changing…you have stated you see toning of the muscles, you have increased flexibility…and you are eating healthier. Why do you need to get to a specific numbered weight?
Agreed! There is way too much reliance on the numbers on the scales. I always encourage people to monitor how they feel. Sometimes working through all the issues helps too. Then they make up their own minds. I also don’t advocate counting calories. But guess what? There are people for whom that works. It is my experience that a yoga practice can change their whole relationship to food (consciously and unconsciously) and so the calories SHOULD eventually not figure into the equation. But as I say, some people … What was it like for you and your relationship with food?
Finally I would like to make a request of you: And that is that you contribute to this forum with politesse. Please respect the time that everyone gives freely to come here and comment. You seem annoyed and a tad aggressive, perhaps one could say, ‘on the attack’ (that’s how it landed for this reader). Keep it nice, get curious, ask questions, feel free to clarify things. Behave respectfully. If you don’t agree with somebody then let them know. Please be courteous! See you soon!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂 -
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.