The Hot Yoga Doctor – Free Bikram and Hot Yoga Resources › Hot Yoga Doctor Forum › Busting Some Big-A$$ Hot Yoga Myths

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  • Stefan
    Participant
    May 26, 2009 at 11:52 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Advanced Class!!! #4874

    The body usually responds like that when doing something it is not used to.

    But Yoga should give energy and not take energy. But of course when doing the poses it can be some strain, but it is important to not take it too far, just up to the point of strain and then hold back. Just like if you cook water and remove the pan when the water starts to boil, and then when it stops boiling you put it back.

    John Doulliards book “Body, Mind and Sports” changed my life and helped me excel in my sport. he teaches “do less and accomplish more”.

    Stefan
    Participant
    May 25, 2009 at 11:53 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Advanced Class!!! #4865

    Exhausted? I would suggest using ayurvedic principles for exercise. If you exhaust yourself you will build up stress and tensions in the body, and the goal of yoga, and all kinds of exercise according to ayurveda, is to release stress and tensions and unfold your true potential.

    I know it is easy to push yourself in Bikram Yoga, but due to a very problematic lower back pain and stiffness I need to take it very easy now, and my Yoga has been taken to new levels from the point of inner awareness!

    Some strengthening poses may feel a bit painful when one is not very fit, but then nasal breathing is the key.

    Do less – accomplish more, and No pain – most gain is good keypoints.

    I beleive Bikram’s phrases like “Kill yourself” and “Push, push, push” is for those very new to yoga and not yet very fit. For them it is a tortyre even just lifting arms up over the head…

    Stefan
    Participant
    April 20, 2009 at 12:40 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Pose for the Iliopsoas? #4680

    Gabrielle,

    Thanks for the pics.

    The first one seem to have the same effect as standing bow and fixed firm.

    The other pic is a stretch I sometimes have tried. It is for example part of Svaroopa Yoga, I have a video “Yoga for your back”. And also a regular stretch.

    But for some reason I always go back to Bikram Yoga…

    Right now I I am reading http://bikramyoga.com/testimonials/HerniatedDiscs.htm and do the modifiations of the postures there.

    As I do my yoga at home and don’t have the heat, my practice is maybe as effective as it could had been.

    Which Bikram YOga pose stretches the “butt muscles?” Maybe the final twist if holding before twisting?

    The yin yoga, yes please let me know more.

    Stefan
    Participant
    April 3, 2009 at 1:53 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Results by practicing at home? Please share #4588

    What about those sit-ups between floor poses? Do you still lay on your back between poses and do the sit-up?

    Stefan
    Participant
    April 1, 2009 at 1:39 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Results by practicing at home? Please share #4560

    Advanced series no Savasana in floor poses? What I know the advanced series is pretty much the same exept a lotus series?

    For the standing postures, Bikram says the set up is enough rest.

    So, one can do a full class with no Savasana?

    Stefan
    Participant
    April 1, 2009 at 12:12 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Results by practicing at home? Please share #4558

    That was a very interestering post! Thank you!

    Do you mena no Savanas between floor poses?

    I tried yesterday to not do Savasana between floor poses in my pick-me-up-set I do before skateboarding (I also do 5 min Sun Salutatation after the half moon series) and it felt good. I saved a few minutes that I can use on my skateboard instead. And, people will not wonder why I am laying like dead on the floor… and the risk of getting a skateboard in my head is less.

    Stefan
    Participant
    March 27, 2009 at 12:25 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Pelvic Tilt made ALL the difference! #4502

    It’s really inspiring to read that you also found out about this.

    Does Gab teach this?

    I came up with this myself with the pelvic tilt with straight legs, and also hearing bikram saying “tighten”.

    I also get help from a chiropractor.

    Stefan
    Participant
    March 22, 2009 at 2:18 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Yoga mat question #4469

    The Nike mats are perfect for home practice withour heat.

    I read somewhere that with time you will create inner heat, so the outer heat gets less important.

    Stefan
    Participant
    March 22, 2009 at 2:14 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Pelvic Tilt made ALL the difference! #4468

    I have missed Gabs instruction about the pelvic tilt, but I came up with it myself in attemprs of releiving my back bak problem (disc-compression and too litte s-curv in spine.

    I also do the pelvic tilt with straight legs in savasana. I can’t be in savasana without the pelvic tilt, it hurts too much.

    I am going to the chiropractor now and I see some improvements in my back.

    Gab’s insruction on walking with ahnds on legs in forwarda bends really help.

    Stefan
    Participant
    March 6, 2009 at 12:35 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Results by practicing at home? Please share #4372

    5. You can take a silent class (yes, memorize the series!) – which will be much faster.

    It only takes me 10 minutes faster… Do you hold poses shorter time?

    6. You can take an advanced style class – ie no savasanas, just flow from one pose to the next

    Can one really do that? I have heard Bikram say the savanasas is very, very important.

    …anyone else reading this, there is a neat – and free – pose-flow and timings guide here (also downloadable as a pdf) that could help you not have to refer to the book as often.

    The timings are so strange. In the the Bikram Yoga beginning class book it says 10-20 seconds, but in a class more than 1 minute, and in this guide also 1 minute is certain poses.

    Is it OK to do it shorter time? I am a great fan of ayurveda, and according to ayurveda you only work up to discomfort and hold back. If you need to mouth breath, hold back, if you feel pain or discomfort, hold back, if you loose form, hold back.

    For examle, the standing head to knee, I have a problem standing 1 minute, and it feels bad for my back problem. Maybe only hold it as long as it is comfortable, even if only 1 sec from start to finish? And aim for holding longer, and it may differ from day to day.

    Stefan
    Participant
    February 25, 2009 at 11:29 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #4316

    I looked at the website about SLM, but got directed to one of those standard buy an e-book websites, that contains way too much information and repeated information on one page. So I left… but thanks anyway.

    Stefan
    Participant
    February 5, 2009 at 1:03 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #4185

    A frend of mine he an inversion table. I will try it out. Thanks!

    I am now making sure to stretch my back up as mush as I can in all postures, making it a natural traction. bending backwrds, i make sure to on inhale strech up.

    Stefan
    Participant
    February 1, 2009 at 1:38 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Bad grip in Standing Head to Knee #4163

    I can interlock fingers, and that feels as OK as your suggestion, which is a very, very good suggestion.

    But I want to interlock… it feels better. or maybe just

    But in forward ben, I onöy grab right heel, but only sometimes. Due to my back problem (disc compression) I M a stiff bending forward, and can not really grab from behind.

    Maye in head to knee hold the way Bikram himself used to hold…? page 199 in his new book.

    Stefan
    Participant
    January 31, 2009 at 1:45 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Bad grip in Standing Head to Knee #4158

    I am so sorr, but what does “getting in the webbing of the fingers” mean? (My main language is Swedish)

    My thumbs are under the foot.

    I had this problem too…. I found getting in the webbing of the fingers was the trick for me!!! also….. what are your thumbs doing?

    Stefan
    Participant
    January 20, 2009 at 11:48 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Washing Yoga clothing everyday? #4089

    I noticed that when doing my Bikram Yoga at home, I only turn into a light sweat, my clothing doesn’t always get sweaty at all. It is different when you go to a studio and only need trunks and a tank top.

    Snow here now…

    Stefan
    Participant
    January 4, 2009 at 12:36 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3991

    Update: I finally got my back x-rayed. No Spondylarthropathy.

    My doctor told me disc L5-S1, ahs “slipped down”, or being compressed. Something that happens to everyone as we age ha said.

    My lower back is also too straight, not the curve (but it does look very curved if you ask me…), but he knows not why, maybe due to tight muscles.

    Good thing is that my doctor told me my back is in a very good condition considering my 44 years (hey, I AM ageless!;-) except for this.

    But still, even though most of the back is in good condition, this disc problem and straight lower back causes pain and stiffness so i can hardly skateboard.

    Any tips and advices?

    I still nedd to do the pelvic tilts with straight legs to be able to stand straingt when doing my yoga, and also in the savasana. Even when laying on my stomach.

    I have experinted myself with these things, and am open for all suggestions and help.

    Laying on my stomach, i thin having a pillow under my stomach helps a bit.

    Floor bow is impossible.

    Bending forward when I have done the half moon backwards is very difficult.

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 24, 2008 at 12:49 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3949

    I skated a bit yesterday and did some yoga.

    As I have pain when I stand up doing yoga, I tried the pelvic tilt when standing straight, with straight legs a bit relaxed. It felt better.

    Gabrielle, any feedback on this?

    I also have pain laying on my back: In the savasana I tried 2 versions:

    1. Straigth legs doing a pelvic tilt.
    2. Laying on my side with bent knees.

    Version 2 felt most relaxing.

    Any feedback and suggestions?

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 21, 2008 at 2:05 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3940

    Is less more? No pain, most gain?

    It is late at night, i have watched a saturday night movie. just did the half moon and forward bend before going to bed. I haven’t done any yoga for a week.

    I took it very easy, I only took each stretch to a very slight little stretch. I didn’t even stretch my arm sup so they touched the ears, but only to a very little comfortable stretch. The same with bending to the sides, backwards and forward. i kind of let my body just “fall” easily into the poses. No forcing at all. Just trying to do as little as possible… well, hrmmm, the opposite of what Bikram says…

    Something happened… I felt so much bliss. It was like a very high degree of mind-body coordination, like during deep meditation.

    Can this be the way to go?

    The Ayurvedic expert John Douillard (lifespa.com) do teach that the more you push your body during exercice the LESS fat you burn.

    Tomorrow I think I’ll try the full class at home with doing as little as possible.

    It would be great of more here would try that and see how you feel. But maybe check with a Bikram Yoga teacher like Gabrielle first…

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 20, 2008 at 8:53 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3939

    Than you Gabrielle.

    You are try about benefits. From 1982-2000 I had lower backpain problems that came, disappeared with the help of a chiropractor, came back, disappeared with the help of a chiropractor etc. I did yoga a lot, even yoga specialiced for back problems but it did not help. Some told me I shold stop skating and one yoga teacher told me to try something like Bikram Yoga. My chirpractor told me to go to the gym.

    Going to a gym was out of the question as there is no gym close where I live, and it takes too much time from my skateboarding (and watching Syar Trek… ;-). I asked John Douillard, expert in ayurveda and author of Body, Mind and Sports, to help me with yoga, and he told me to check out Bikrams book. So I bought and it looked in it while going through the series, but truing to do it and looking in the book got so frustrating I picked it up and threw it a way a few meters… Then went to the net and read somewhere to read one chapter, do that pose and next day add a pose. So I did that and in 26 days or so I had learned the series. My back felt better, I went to the chiropractor and he asked what I had done, as he saw positive changes with my body – my core was stronger. He did some corrections, went home and continuned with Bikram Yoga and skateboarding and didn’t need to go back to the chiropractor until now, 7 years later… not bad!

    I have had some small problems in my back during these 7 years, like many athletes, but it disappeared within 3 days of Bikram Yoga.

    Then this june I woke up one morning with stiffness and pain.

    I have tried some other yoga, targeting back problems, but it does not help. So Bikram YOga is my choice again. And I think I will be areful with he floor bow, and only lift the legs and not twist and try to grab them. It seems to create some kind of pressure in my back that is not good. Or try a towel or something to grab on as you suggested before.

    I guess I should be very careful with all poses, and don’t go too deep, but to a light stretch.

    I am not giving up…

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 15, 2008 at 3:07 am
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3915

    Finally!

    What I have is called Spondylarthropathy.

    Now, as Bikram Yoga ahs not helped so far, any ideas how to chnage and adapt my Bikram Yoga practice so that it will help heal my condition?

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 13, 2008 at 8:52 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3911

    I still have not found out the english name og my condition. the latin name the use is Sweden is Spondylartros.

    Researching the the internet I am quite sure it i Osteoarthritis.

    noone here that knows the english name for Spondylartros?

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 13, 2008 at 5:03 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3909

    5 days (out of 10) on anti-inflammatiry drugs. Does not help.

    Maybe it is the Bikram Yoga itself that creates this wear and tear and inflammation? I hope not, as it is so good for my whole body, but maybe not for my back… 9 months of pain and stiffness and struggle with the yoga. I seem to be worse in the back from the Bikram Yoga, especially the backbends aggravate stiffness and pain.

    After the backbend in the half moom I can hardly bend forward at all as my back gets so stiff from this backbending. Anf the bow on the floor is so very painful, just by lifting legs 1 cm.

    This summer I rested on full week wth no Yoga and no skateboarding, but it did not make any difference at all.

    The only time I really feel good is 30 minutes of skateboarding and just by sitting on a chair or in a sofa.

    Will the rest of my life be in a chair and sofa and I will become a couchpotato? 🙁

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 12, 2008 at 4:59 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3906

    I still only know that it is called Spondylartros in latin.

    I think it IS degenerative… as it is smething that get worse by age.

    The wear and tear makes something on the spine grow more, or change, and thus put more stess on the muscles and then it gets inflammed.

    My condistion is mld, but very painful.

    Bikram Yoga has not so far helped, but maybe is the reason I can still skate, but if I stop for 5 minutes I get so much pain and stiff.

    So, Bikram Yoga do not help cure me. As I skate I can not do Bikram Yoga everyday, but do 2-3 full classes and 3 hald classes and a few pick-me-up. Some say the only get releif when doing 2 or 3 full classes a day, but that is impossible for me.

    Now, maybe there are ways to change my practice in order to heal from this condition?

    When I have done a backbending, it is diffuclt to do a forward bend.

    The bow on the floor is really bad and painful…

    Should I rest a few days from the Yoga now when I am taking anti-inflammatory drugs?

    Can Bikram Yoga be bad for the inflammation?

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 11, 2008 at 4:46 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: Lower back pain do not heal and I am strange… #3896

    Talked to a nurse today and Spondylartros is latin, and simply means inflammation due to wear and tear. Everyone gets it in time, more or less, some with symtoms, some not. Comes with age my doctor said.

    Stefan
    Participant
    December 11, 2008 at 3:24 pm
    Post count: 93
    in reply to: benefits of DVDs? #3893

    In Bikram’s Beginnig Yoga Class he lays out a short set that takes me 10-15 minutes. Only to do when you are flexible and strog enough. In the end of the book.

    In the Hot Yoga Master Class that you can buy here, there are several different sets, apart from the full set.

    I haven’t got it yet, but I will as it seem to be the best manuals and DVD’s about Bikram Yoga and Hot Yoga ever! Just look at the free vidoes here, and the reports and you know what I mean…

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