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in reply to: So what do you wear? #3647
Welcome Ilyzium – no, no-one minds about old/new topics here, only that we all talk and share things!
(Thanks for your posts in the other threads too btw).
Yes Gabrielle usually wears those “boy short” things too. I remember my first class in thick shorts & a t-shirt – the t-shirt didn’t stay on long LOL!
We’ve found for men that the hardest thing on their first class is to get them to take off the t-shirt – they “huff & puff” doing their manly-best to work through it. You really just want your clothes to not be any type of distraction. Most people are super-self-conscious in their first 3 or 4 classes – but once you get a good rhythm, other people (and what they wear) does tend to fade out of your awareness.
On the subject of being “overly aware” … I’ve said this before, but now it’s a little more topical – I once had a super-model practicing behind me. I did “very good poses” that day! (Way too self-conscious for a good yoga practice!)
Now she’s even more famous because she is marrying billionaire Jim Clark: http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/10/netscape-founder-jim-clark-marrying-swimsuit-model
Welcome and great to have you here!
Robert
in reply to: Bulding abs and biceps #3617Hi Stefan,
Sorry it’s taken me so long to get to this – but now I’ve got a good reason with Gabrielle’s latest “core strength video”.
Re: Bikram Instructors “cheating” – 😀 – that may be so – I tell you this funny story though (Gabrielle refuses to tell it herself!).
When she went to Bikram training, she became notorious for her abs … some very fit MEN refused to stand behind her because apparently the sight of her six-pack in the mirror was putting them off!
I can vouch for this because I met up with her in San Francisco shortly after training and I started calling her “Iron Woman”. Her body was “cut” … and it’s tue, she did have a six-pack to envy.
So I know it is possible from yoga only as that is all she did … BUT … it was 11 classes per week! Holy Karma!
I think you are correct – actors and others such as yourself who need “the look” for commercial reasons probably need some specific supplement as there is no way they’ve got time for 11 90-minute classes per week. I imagine you don’t either.
One thing you CAN do that I know makes a difference for me is the quick technique Gabrielle shows on her latest video:
https://www.hotyogadoctor.com/index.php/site/comments/flatten-your-tummy-and-strengthen-your-back/
You could also try the no-back-strain “stomach crunch” that I’ve attached here https://www.hotyogadoctor.com/Stomach-crunch.pdf (Gabrielle doesn’t recommend too many crunches due to the shortening of the muscles and back rounding – but if you are keeping up your yoga that should be fine).
Thought you’d enjoy that story about Gabrielle’s six-pack – by the way there were 265 people at her training and only a few who did develop ripped abs …
😉
Robert
in reply to: pain in legs and feet #3556Just adding my 2c here as I had very poor quadriceps strength when I started this yoga, so I remember this struggle very well!
In my view, these huge leg muscles are always going to burn a lot of energy – these 3 poses together are taxing on anyone (energy wise). So as much as you *should* do as much as you can in each pose, I also suggest that in your first 2 months (especially with your most excellent commitment and schedule!), you go for less “depth” in the 3 parts of Utkatasana and trade this for stamina & breath, both in those poses and for the remainder of class.
They are tough, hi-stamina poses, which will feel surprisingly different after a couple of months (your experience may vary of course) – and you’ll quite possibly be shocked at how shapely your thighs become, especially when flexed. Well I know I was anyway! (After years of no definition and weakness from a broken thigh-bone, it was nice to have it back).
I also notice that, if there is going to be some wobbling and shaking for new students, then this pose will be one of those that amplifies it! And in part III (if this is the case in your studio – where you squeeze knees together and descend with a straight, vertical spine), it is pretty common for the “Golgi Tendon Organ Reflex” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golgi_tendon_organ to come into play, which causes the sudden loss of control of muscles (to protect you from excessive force) & you find yourself sitting on your heels or your bottom rather rapidly!
As Gabrielle says, refocus on the moment – in theory there are supposed to be no poses that we “love” or “hate” – but I can tell you from personal experience that this is not the case! Fortunately, they change on a regular basis (I use to HATE the double leg lift in half-locust … now I love it … I shouldn’t be doing either if I’m practicing “non-attachment”!).
ooops! My two cents turned out to be a bit long … 🙂
Robert
in reply to: Feeling Pooped #3546Hehe – nice advice from all – love the comment about Bikram eating less/sleeping less!
I remember my first 3 months with this yoga (back in 2000) … I also remember struggling to walk down a few steps into my front garden and telling Gabrielle that, as much as I love this yoga, I can’t live this “pooped” for the rest of my life! (We were practicing every day – Gabrielle sometimes 8 times a week with double classes).
It took me the best part of 5-6 months for my system to fully reset AND to get the balance of water/hydration; electrolytes; unconscious dietary adjustments; better lifestyle habits (2 bottles of wine a week prior dropped to a glass once a week – if I had more I was on the floor. Weird.).
There IS a big difference in my opinion between every other day and every day practice – the every day practice is amazingly far more beneficial AND easier – but only once you have trained for it.
I agree – cut yourself a break a little – I personally believe persistence WILL bring your energy levels up in the way others talk about – but if your experience is anything like mine, it can take a little while to build up resilience; strengthen your body; change a few habits here and there.
Then again, I hadn’t done any exercise for 15 years before hot yoga – I truly had a junk body!
Namaste
Robert
in reply to: Weights and Yoga #3459Hi folks
I have a little something to add :cheese:
The balance you decide on depends really on your goals: short, medium and long range ones. For example your goals may concern cross-training, you may be aiming to lose a lot of shape fast, or you may want to tone up and get healthier. Each of these may necessitate a different balance.
Have fun
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: How long do I stay in a pose position? #3430Welcome Mo!
Glad you’re discovering the mighty power of hot yoga … feel free to ask any questions about poses etc as you progress.
In the meantime you are in the right place – we have a hot yoga pose timing sheet for you right here:
https://www.hotyogadoctor.com/index.php/site/links/hot-yoga-pose-timings/
There’s a downloadable pdf there too, so you can easily print it out for home.
Bear in mind these are guidelines for a “normal” 90 minute class – you will find that without an instructor, your “silent class” will progress more quickly. Most regulars who have a home practice end up working to their breath – much easier than using a stop watch while practicing! Also more in line with a good yoga practice – thus you learn to slow down breathing, lengthen the pose etc.
Hope that helps!
Robert
in reply to: Problem with my meniscus #3418Hi Don – sorry for taking so long to respond! Gabrielle reminded me today that I was due to add my thoughts!
I’m 49, have a minor meniscus tear in my left knee and have never been athletic at all other than yoga), though I have raced motorcycles!
So given your aim of avoiding surgery and being able to play tennis, you’ll definitely want to work on strengthening all your leg muscles, especially the quadriceps.
So ALL the standing “locked knee” poses are good.
(See this article for a good explanation of locked knee http://hubpages.com/hub/bikram-yoga-lock-the-knee).
I’d personally recommend avoiding/modifying ANY poses that involve knee twisting – tree pose “Bikram style”; toe stand; head to knee (the final sitting one in a Bikram class).
Very helpful, but take great care in alignment and NO BOUNCING is awkward pose (Utkasana).
The lunging Triangle in a Bikram class is a wonderful all-round strengthening pose and needs care for everyone – and especially those with any knee issues – to ensure that the knee of the lunging leg remains directly vertically above the ankle. (You can see Gabrielle demonstrating Triangle here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RuUwAXdYdY). make sure that the knee NEVER goes beyond the foot (over-lunging).
The meniscus itself, as far as I am aware cannot be “helped” as such, as it isn’t a muscle, so you are correct in saying that it’s all about the strengthening of surrounding muscles and avoiding further knee stress. (You might be playing less aggressive tennis too!).
So I’d add some one-legged balancing poses to your routing – PLUS the good thing is you can practice tightening and squeezing your quads anywhere – I used to do when this standing in queues or anywhere I had to stand up for a while. A few minutes at a time works wonders.
I agree with you that one doesn’t have to be a bendy noodle to get a LOT out of yoga, good to hear it is really working for you!
Just stay focused on good alignment esp with your knees; avoid the poses aimed at 15-yr-old boys and hopefully you’ll continue to avoid surgery …
Oh – feel free to ask pose-specific questions in the forum and if you need to see any of the Bikram yoga poses then head over to our sister site here: http://www.bikram-yoga-noosa-australia.com/bikram-yoga.htm
Cheers!
Robert
in reply to: Injured my knee in Head to Knee pose #3409Hi everyone – thanks for the great replies so fast & helpful!
Tarah makes an excellent point (I was just thinking about this very thing when I read the post notification!). It is *really unlikely* that the beginner poses in the Bikram series would in and of themselves “cause” an injury.
But if there is some pre-disposition, or pre-existing condition, even if unknown/unaware, then the extra activity could “tip it over the edge”.
And given the “don’t mess with the knee” philosophy, I would also check it out at a physiotherapist rather than persist, if it doesn’t easily heal. I have a minor torn meniscus which Bikram yoga does not fix, and I just modify 3 poses to accommodate not inflaming it further (avoiding twisting the knee). If I don’t do enough yoga, it presents further issues, so hot yoga definitely moderates the symptoms, but if I try to push past it, it doesn’t fix and can get worse (and yes, early on when the injury presented itself, I thought it was the yoga and I tried to have the yoga fix it … I got more sore!).
I’d recommend, along with the excellent advice above, that you avoid any pose that seems to aggravate your knee further. All poses can be modified to accommodate injury, so ask your instructor. I’ll ask Gabrielle to prioritize replying here too, describing how to modify. Thinking about it, I’d probably rest the knee until the inflammation has gone then investigate further – but I’m NOT a physiotherapist!
Keep us informed!
Robert
in reply to: good for blood pressure? #3381Hey Tarah – this is now well off-topic, but I’m just following these posts and wanted to offer congratulations to you!
Feel free to share your teaching experiences and your journey here anytime!
If you have photos etc I’m in the process of upgrading the site to get the extra functionality, so I’d be happy to be pushed into doing that. You can always email them to me in the meantime and we’ll upload them.
Just a thought. No pressure!
Cheers,
Robert
(Webmaster, fellow yogi and spouse of The Hot Yoga Doctor)in reply to: Bikram Yoga and Philosophy #3309Hi Rebecca & Sarah – just to let you know that Gabrielle & I are loving this conversation – it touches our own world-views in so many ways (and points to why Gabrielle started this particular forum).
I know Gabrielle is super-busy the next couple of days but is keen to join in too, so I’m letting you know that!
Some gems of advice in both of your posts, so thank you for the thoughtful and positive contributions.
More soon …
Namaste
Robert
in reply to: Water during class #3278Wow!
Some excellent discussions going on here … so no reason for me to withhold my opinion huh? 🙂
1. First and foremost for me is attending to the question of physiological safety – ie sufficient hydration/electrolyte balance etc. Outside of going for specific tests, I believe this is a personal assessment and should not be overlooked. There is a possibility that a “newbie” might mis-construe a more-practiced student or teacher’s desire to “let go” of water habits as an aspirational goal. Which in my mind it should never be … even after fundamental physiological needs are attended to (see 2.)
2. The “Purist View” – Pratyahara
Pratyahara is one of the Patanjali’s 8 Limbs Of Yoga in the path to ascendance (see this lovely article by Judith Lasater http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/459?page=2) and essentially asks the student to be the observer and practice withdrawal from the senses.
Hence it is not whether I am needing water or NOT needing water that is the question.
The real question is; “What am I *attached* to?“
If I am attached to taking water at certain times; or at specific poses; or deliberately challenging myself to NOT take water; or I always need my water in a certain bottle – then none of this attends to Pratyahara.
Like I say, personally I am *still attached* to the idea of safety and physiological needs first – mainly because Bikram Yoga and Hot Yoga should be considered an exercise practice in extreme conditions, with its subsequent special needs (ref Lawrence Armstrong “Performing In Extreme Environments” http://www.amazon.com/Performing-Extreme-Environments-Lawrence-Armstrong/dp/0880118377.
There, that’s my 2c …
:cheese:
Robert
in reply to: Balance Challenge #3245Hey Dan,
You and Gabrielle inspired me to try something in yoga this morning which resulted in me falling out twice in Dandayamana Janusirasana – I was focusing on *really* engaging my abdomen. It resulted in me losing balance backwards twice until I could get breathing under control and lean forwards into my big toe.
It’s given me a new edge to work towards!
Thanks you guys.
😀
Robert
PS – glad our pose photos are still finding use all over the world! We have hundreds of super-detailed, very professional new ones done, but a secret project has to be launched before we’ll reveal them. Only a couple of months to go now …
in reply to: my studio is SMELLY! #3237Also I have to say that most classes that I go to that have all vegetarians stink less and this is a proven fact for my wife and I. So for the sake of your yogi neighbors go Vegetarian!
Umm, at the risk of offending all meat-eaters, I completely agree!
As a vegetarian for 27 years, I feel compelled to add that there are things other than sweat that also stink less for vegetarians (but that really is off-topic now …).
😀
in reply to: I am quite overweight and doing hot yoga #3234Love to know how you are all going!
Especially coachdonna who started this highly-read topic …
Anyone willing to update their journey thus far?
Robert
PS. Had a nudge to read this – been very slack the last two weeks and the tummy ain’t liking it … umm, is “expanding” actually. Time to get back into the hot room methinks.
in reply to: Problem with my meniscus #3192Hi Yogini,
Sorry it took me a while to get to this!
My meniscus issue is diagnosed as a small tear and I was advised not to have it operated on (by a sports physiotherapist knee-specialist) until/if and when it becomes more probelmatic.
Funnily enough, due to the positive effect of Bikram yoga on the surrounding muscles, the more Bikram I do, the less bothersome my knee is.
A couple of things:
1. The advice given to me of course is specific to my situation, so may not apply to you – for example, my physio asked if I did any sport/training other than my yoga. As I don’t (ie no running or other heavily knee-dependent activity) he suggested it was not reasonable to operate. He hinted that if I had been keen to do other sports requiring a strong knee, that he would investigate further (I imagine boxing fits into this!).
I also have a good friend who plays sports and she did have an operation (her knee was damaged from years of netball) and she is still active on it. Her recovery is excellent and has helped her get back into her sport, whereas before she could be simply out walking and have her knee collapse under her. Mine is mild by comparison.
2. I DO modify 3 poses (advice from the physio):- Tadasana (tree) I do not fold up my left knee and place the heel into the hip joint, but instead do the more classic tree pose with the sole of the foot against the calf of the other leg.
I do not attempt Padangustasana (toe stand) anymore
Janusirasana (floor head to knee), I leave my left leg straight out instead of tucking it in.
Arda Matsyendrasana (final spine twist) – again I leave my left leg straight out.
I have found these modifications help the knee stay fairy stable while still getting the most of the pose benefits, while minimizing the twisting of the knee (this was the physio’s concern).
My physio did tell me that I had the knees of a 25-yr old (I am 48) which I was happy to hear – and I put that down to the yoga, as I do no other physical activity. I have heard it said before that yoga was originally developed to help young men prepare for long days of meditation – and young male knees can handle a lot more pressure!
Finally, should you choose to be operated on, I can think of no better physiotherapy and rehabilitation than Bikram yoga – I broke my thighbone in 1993 and it wasn’t until I started Bikram in 2000 that all my related issues (balance; groin pains; knee pains etc etc) VANISHED 😉
I hope that helps!
Robert
in reply to: pain during stretch #3140While Gabrielle gets on with digging down into the issue, I wanted to add something as I have experienced exactly this issue in my early practice.
I was following the instructor’s commands (no, not Gabrielle’s ha ha) … and really keen to get my head to the floor (read “ego” in my case – I’m sure that’s not you Jacquie :cheese: ) – so was using a very very wide stance that simply was putting too much tension into the adductors (inner thigh muscles that pull the legs in) and hamstrings.
I realize that for you, you were already at the floor with your forehead – however, as you gain strength with your practice you have probably been able to push harder to straighten the legs; apply more effort with your (now stronger) arms etc which could be why it is only a “new thing” – the issue may have always been there in the way you are practicing the pose, but only manifesting itself as pain now.
Anyway …
Occasionally I’d get close or even touch – then what would happen is that I’d be trying harder and harder … then suddenly something would feel like it had “snapped”, I’d say “ouch” …. and then the next pose (Triangle) would be impossible because of the pain.
Occasionally I would miss one or two days practice because of the pain.
Clearly this is not yoga!
After a while, I realized my body was being pushed “beyond its design capabilities” and reverted to a less wide stance until I gained sufficient flexibility – but working even harder on the back stretch. For me this took around 9 months to then get my head to the floor “at will” with none of the previous over-stretching pain – and when I did eventually get there, my posture was soooo much more satisfying.
There is a way to mitigate this in the meantime and prevent injury – in fact Gabrielle who just walked into my office has just reminded me of a very relevant article she wrote right here:
https://www.hotyogadoctor.com/index.php/site/links/opening-up-your-hamstrings-with-hot-yoga/
In the meantime I’m guessing you may need a short break just to heal the soreness – yoga stretching should be intense to the point of “almost pain” … but real searing pain is your body telling you “ooops, too far!”. Trust me, I’ve done it that many times! (I think it’s a man-thing to try too hard in Yoga)
Hope that helps at least knowing you are not alone!
I too shall eagerly await Gabrielle’s wisdom …
Robert
in reply to: I am quite overweight and doing hot yoga #3118@coachdonna: I admire your attitude actually – I didn’t see anything “better’, only more resolve one day than the next, which is normal (hey – we’re “creatures of emotion” right?).
You have your attitude right already – you’re doing this because you want to do something for yourself and that will get you back time and time again until one day you’ll realize you can’t live the life you really want without your regular dose of Bikram / Hot Yoga of choice!
Well that’s what happened to me – and I’ve had several very long breaks from it ie 8-12+ months and it is amazing on returning just wondering why on earth I didn’t get back sooner, because the “living life” feeling is too good to pass up.
@barb: Well said and thanks for lending your support too …”these too shall pass” is a philosophy Gabrielle & I embrace too.
PS. Funny story – I once had a well-known super-model standing right behind me in class. (Her first class). Of course being a proud male … I did my very best poses that day. Had to laugh at myself 🙂 It *was* distracting though …
Cheers!
Robert
(Donna – loving your updates and insights …)
in reply to: I am quite overweight and doing hot yoga #3084Hi Donna,
What an amazing observation – goodness, I wish I’d been able to move so fast in my own practice observations … nice work!
Congratulations too for persevering – that speaks volumes for what you will achieve – lesser mortals may have had the experience in the other studio and used it as an excuse to quit. Not you – you’re well and truly on the yoga path!
I wanted to add my opinion here (as Gabrielle is likely to be diplomatic – I’m not known for holding back on my opinion hehe) … frankly it IS your practice and I’m delighted to hear your regular studio encouraging this. The only thing that should be discouraged is students adopting “their own versions” of poses without coaching or prior consultation with a teacher – other than that – it’s your body, your mind … more to the point you are the customer.
For sure there are those hot yoga studios that have instructors who frankly should get therapy themselves – I personally have no time for them and have shunned studios and instructors who teach that way (I’ve been a corporate educator for years and do not suffer poor facilitation or pseudo-psychology).
Before anyone jumps in and tries to push the “oh but that’s what you need to learn from your yoga, how not to let that bother you” barrow … I say .. “Would you accept the same philosophy if undergoing neurosurgery? Is it OK to accept lesser quality because there is ‘something for me to learn from it’? …”
Yoga always was about the journey and always will be – it’s a PRACTICE not a “perfect”, as is life.
So Donna, good for you … as for us here, I would be delighted to hear more about your observations as you continue “your practice” …
Thanks for the update – I’m sure it will inspire many other visitors!
Cheers,
Robert
in reply to: Bikram Yoga in the summertime #3051Well I have two responses (I voted “Yes! I can get deeper …”):
1. The outside temperature has nothing to do with my practice …
2. Except I love the sweat and depth of pose accessible in summer – AND where I live is humid most of the year – in summer it is crazy … 90% humidity.
So when the humidity falls below 45% I like the heat cranked up a few notches (easy to do – luckily we have our own home studio retreat) else it seems as if I’m “not working hard enough”.
Then again … I’m not supposed to be attached to anything during my practice.
Oh well.
😉
Robert
in reply to: YogaBody supplement really works #3050Yes – as Gabrielle notes, I’ve been using Lucas’ YogaBody Naturals for a few days now – and I must admit without reading any of the blurb (and I’m ashamed to say I’ve only skim-read the book so far!).
So I had no expectations and I mentioned to Gabrielle that I had not been feeling any “bendier”, but I had noticed far less discomfort in poses that normally really stretch certain muscles (adductors in my case) – and also that the “stretch pain” went away more quickly in savasana.
To which she said “But that’s exactly what it is SUPPOSED to do!”
Oh.
In which case I think this stuff really works!
And now having paid more attention to it over the last 3 classes, it IS more noticeable – I would definitely recommend trying it.
Thanks Lucas.
in reply to: blocked ear anyone ? #3049Hi guys – sorry for my delayed reply – meant to get to this but was reminded in yoga today.
I *do* sometimes get this – only when it is very humid (or the room is full) and I am pretty sure for me it is sweat collecting in the ear – same as I can have a blocked ear sometimes for a few hours after spending some time in the swimming pool.
I’ve found it does help to really try to get the ear on the towel in the floor poses (when looking one way then the other in savasana) – and I have noticed, as a result of your post here putting my attention on it, that I have had a habit of clearing out sweat collecting in my ear quite unconsciously during class!
I’m not sure why this would change according to regularity of practice, unless as one settles into routine, the body adjusts its position to avoid sweat collecting in the ear.
🙂
Robert
in reply to: Sleep after yoga class #2874Yes Eve, I surely have experienced that (and it is common for people just beginning; those on challenges; and teacher training).
Some people sleep like a log from yoga – but when you have the intention to really change; or you are working hard coming back from a break (that’s me on more than one occasion), the changes in your body, especially after a class later in the day can cause disturbed sleep patterns.
Let alone the muscles re-setting themselves!
I used to toss and turn just with the muscles not being happy to stay in one place in the bed (a little achy!).
The good news is, as far as I have observed, it does pass pretty quickly …
😉
in reply to: Calories Burned in a Hot Yoga class #2873Just FYI – I’ve put the new calorie calculator up on our sister site – you can also compare other activities such as other yoga, walking, running and swimming.
See it at:
Yoga Calories Burned Calculator
Cheers!
Robert
PS. We’re not all that preoccupied with calories ourselves, preferring to take a holistic view of a balanced diet, reducing stress levels with good lifestyle planning, regular yoga (hot of course) and an eye on the body shape. Throw away the scales and any other form of measurement, that’s what I say!
It’s how you feel on the inside that matters … that’s why we also love this yoga!
Oh yes! This is a great question!
I remember being really attached to my hand-towel – especially in Standing Head To Knee, Standing Bow … gee that brings back memories!
Gabrielle is right though, it is really freeing to lose it – and the strength *does* come. I’ve regularly practiced in well over 80% humidity and you might have noticed it’s the men who often perspire more – well my large towel would drain a great deal of water after class, so I guess what I’m saying is there was not much grip.
Yet I never once thought about using the hand-towel that I used to automatically grab many years ago – until you asked this question.
So yes, I think it really is worth doing your best to move past your immediate frustration with losing the grip – I would bet it would only take a half-dozen classes for it to stop being frustrating and start amazing you!
Keep us informed … 🙂
in reply to: So what do you wear? #2749Hey that is very funny!
As a male practicing Hot Yoga I find it important to focus on the “modesty check” – in my early days I wore shorts that were … mmm how should we say … “too loose”.
Nowadays I find lycra swimming shorts (halfway between a swimming costume and bike shorts) to be ideal.
Thanks to everyone for helping each other out on the new forum!
Robert
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