Common FAQs Regarding Bikram Yoga

Can you do Bikram yoga during pregnancy? 

Yoga can be highly beneficial during pregnancy. Yoga increases one’s quality of life while also reducing stress and depression associated with pregnancy. Bikram yoga, on the other hand, is an aggressive style of yoga for expectant mothers. 

Usually, you can do this yoga in a setting with a temperature of 90 to 105 degrees. The humidity level is over 60%. 

Pregnant ladies should avoid this yoga exercise. It’s hazardous to do this throughout your first trimester. Excessive heat is thought to be damaging to the fetus in your womb as it develops. 

Some individuals claim that this yoga's incredible heat and humidity is hazardous to the unborn child. It has the potential to harm the mother as well. 

This sort of yoga is strenuous and could cause physical injury to both the mother and the baby. 

Risks involved in Bikram yoga during pregnancy

Here are the dangers that you may encounter while practising this style of yoga:

• Pregnancy-associated breathing disorders (e.g., hypoxia, hypercapnia, and acidosis) can happen to a woman who does this yoga.

• Preeclampsia – a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine – may be induced by this yoga style. This kind of yoga could also trigger the onset of preterm labour.

• Hyperthermia or abnormally increased body temperature can also happen to women who practice Bikram yoga during pregnancy.

• Placenta previa – a condition that makes the placenta cover or press against the cervix before delivery – may happen to expectant mothers who engage in this kind of yoga.

• Miscarriage-causing uterine contractions are also associated with Bikram yoga during pregnancy.

• Constipation can also happen to women who engage in this kind of yoga throughout their pregnancy, especially if they do it frequently.

Hot yoga can be dangerous during pregnancy, even though it is not medically proven. The excessive heat generated by this style of yoga may have an impact on the baby's growth. It can also result in lasting birth abnormalities. 

As a result, it’s best to err on the side of caution. You should Bikram yoga during pregnancy, but if you still want to try it, make sure you get permission from your doctor beforehand.

Can you do Bikram yoga with heart issues?

Well, the short answer is no. Here’s a look at the risks of Bikram yoga for individuals who suffer from heart problems:

• This kind of yoga could lead to an extreme increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also induce a feeling of dizziness. If a person’s heart is weak, it could cause serious repercussions, feeble circulation, diabetes or high cholesterol.

• Women who have been diagnosed with cardiac issues should avoid this style of yoga. It’s best to ask your doctor first before attempting it.

• Bikram yoga could also lead to a heart attack for people who have a history of coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, stroke, coronary artery aneurysm, angina or uncorrected high blood pressure. 

Additionally, people with cardio-pulmonary disease or heart failure should also avoid Bikram yoga because of the increased heat and humidity it inflicts on the body.

• People who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter should avoid Bikram yoga. It has the potential to initiate a heart attack in these people.

• The heat in Bikram yoga may aggravate a heart condition called cardiomyopathy in the form of irregular heartbeat and chest pain. 

Can you do Bikram yoga while on your period?

The short answer is yes. But you should be aware of the risks involved in doing this style of yoga while you are menstruating. So first, let’s see why you should practice it during menstruation:

Bikram yoga can aid with stress relief, and the warm room can also help with menstruation cramps and body aches. 

Here are the risks involved in doing this style of yoga during menstruation:

When you’re on your period, your body becomes more sensitive to temperature variations. As a result, Bikram yoga is practised in a hot and humid atmosphere. 

Usually, 105 degrees F and 40% humidity aggravate common menstruation symptoms, including headaches and nausea. In addition, hormonal fluctuations during your menstruation can throw your equilibrium off. 

This discomfort can be amplified in a Bikram yoga session because the heat combined with the activity might make you dizzy.

Can you do Bikram yoga when sick? 

Yes. But here are some risks you should be aware of:

When you're ill, your immune system may be compromised. It means that you're more susceptible to getting sick due to exposure to pathogens or viruses that can enter your body through direct contact with your skin or through the air. 

If the body is weakened, it could leave you vulnerable to bacterial infections. 

Some people believe that Bikram yoga is a "healing therapy" and is comparable to acupuncture. However, yoga practitioners will tell you that this kind of yoga causes more harm than good if you're sick. 

You may experience an increase in your fever and possibly a headache if you practice this style of yoga during your illness. As a result, it’s best to let your doctor decide whether or not you can do this kind of yoga.