It's a Stretch: A Safe Bikram Yoga Practice
While most beginners of Bikram are more concerned with not drowning in a pool of their own perspiration than anything else, there are a plethora of other more practical, serious concerns when it comes to this scorching style of yoga. For example, can Bikram yoga cause your muscles to overstretch because of the heat, and how can this be avoided?
New York City's own Bikram Yoga guru Denise Nann says, no sweat! Here's what you need to know.
Overstretching is a possibility in many different forms of exercise, and Bikram yoga is no exception. To avoid this, it is important first to not compete in class. Many yoga students get hurt while trying to keep up with the instructor or other students.
Yoga is not a competition so don't let yourself get pressured to compete with anyone else. It is better to practice a partial pose with good form than a full pose with poor form.
Try to focus on your breathing rather than how far you stretch. Listen to your own body and set personal goals. Pain is your body's way to let you know something is wrong. Listen to it and back off. Your strength, flexibility and mental attention can vary slightly from day to day, so allow for some variation without getting concerned.
For in-depth advice, or to book an appointment, read more about Denise here.
