Hi Lance! I take yoga classes irregularly to supplement my workouts but tried out Bikram after advice from a massage therapist about how to loosen up the knots in my back.
About ten minutes into the class I got nauseous and dizzy and was about to faint before I finally displaced myself to the bathroom floor.
Is the environment something I would get used to or is there is some other activity to flex my back without the dizzies?
Thanks, Bonnie
A: Four things, Bonnie:
You should be doing the 'downward dog' in yoga class not the 'downward facing toilet'
As far as I know, hot environments do not break up muscle knots. The increased temperature may make the muscle tissue more pliable for stretching though.What does is stimulating a neural receptor ( golgi tendon organ) located in skeletal muscle tissue with pressure (like the massage therapist's hand). A great way to keep the benefits of your massage and break up muscle knots is through self- myofacial release with a foam roller.
A Bikram class room is heated to 105 degrees! Hot stuff. There is no way you best prepared yourself or are accustom to that type of environment. Bikramyoga.com recommends drinking 128-160 ounces (4+ liters) of water for several days before your first class. Other nutritionists also recommend sodium and potassium supplements to take as well. (clear with your doc first).
The body can adapt to extreme environments and temperatures (many people practice Bikram ), but every person is different. Always listen to your body to prevent being caught doing Savasana on the bathroom floor again.
Bonnie