Bikram Yoga: Who Should NOT Practice

Bikram yoga is a popular style of yoga that’s perform in a room heated to about 105 degrees F and kept at about 40% humidity. While Bikram yoga has many therapeutic benefits, it’s a strenuous workout and isn’t suited for everyone. Here are some of the people who should consult their doctor before attempting this vigorous practice, or who should not practice at all.

Those with Chronic Medical Conditions Like Diabetes

People suffering from chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease shouldn’t practice Bikram yoga. These conditions increase your sensitivity to heat and make it more likely that you could suffer from a heat related illness as a result of Bikram yoga practice.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should not practice Bikram yoga. The series of 26 postures is too strenuous and the sauna-like conditions could be dangerous for pregnant women. Pregnant women can experiment with pre-natal yoga instead.

Insomniacs

Insomniacs may want to exercise caution when attempting a Bikram yoga practice, especially if they’ve not been sleeping well in the days immediately before the practice. Sleep deprivation increases your risk of developing heat related illness.

Those with a History of Heat Related Illness

Those with a history of heat stroke or other heat related illness should not practice Bikram yoga. Having a history of heat related illness means you’re more likely to succumb to the heat.

Anyone on Medications

Anyone on medications should refrain from Bikram yoga practice, or at least consult their doctor before beginning the practice. Some medications may change the way your body responds to heat, making the practice dangerous.

Related posts:

• Why People Think Bikram Yoga is Harmful
• Bikram Yoga: Safety Precautions
• Finding Inner Peace with Bikram Yoga
• Bikram Yoga as Physical Therapy
• Is Bikram Yoga Safe during Pregnancy?