I know each person responds differently, but I found that I always feel better and have a decrease in symptoms after doing Bikram yoga (a form of hot yoga). I love it because it is the only form of exercise I can do without aggravating the joint pain and fatigue (but AVOID if you have cardiac problems!)
I think the reason it helps is because the heat and yoga positions cause an increase in blood flow which may help flush the toxins out of your blood. Also, the intense sweating probably does the same thing.
What do others think about this type of yoga/exercise?
p.s. I am an ex-ballet and ballroom dancer (hence the name) and this is the closest thing to dance that I can do while I am sick Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- If you can do this, great. Really. You are very lucky and I'm glad you found this activity that you enjoy. You've probably been doing this for a while so you've got your own personal schedule down regarding days off - or just doing what you can during any one session and sitting out for a bit if your body needs that flexibility.
Many with lyme have severe reactions to heat - even of just one or two degrees hotter than comfortable.
So, as you said, it's individual. There are a couple others here who have done well with Bikram.
For anyone new to the idea, don't jump in but ease up gently and see how you tolerate a warm bath - even the day afterward. Gently increase the bath temp over time and if the days following are fine, Bikram may be okay, still starting gently.
For most, a warm bath, just warm enough to be cozy will still have us sweating enough. Twenty minutes is the suggested max - until we see how we do the rest of that day and the next day, too.
For some, even warm baths are just too exhausting. Listen you your body all along the way. For those who need to stay on the cooler side, remember that even slight warmth will help increase circulation and oxygen and move out toxins. Work within your comfort zone and enjoy whatever activity as that's really important, too.
A gentle kind of yoga for those just starting out is called "Restorative Yoga" - and there are also similar names/types.
Pilates is a different form of stretching and strengthening that may enjoy and do well with as it can be tailored to individual needs, too. -
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
i do well with heat, i sleep with heat pad, hot baths as much as possible, fir sauna, etc.
but, i'm in the frozen midwest, and we don't have bikram yoga here. i could easily buy a yoga dvd, but i dont think i could crank up the temp in the house that high.
What is the temp bikram recommends? and do you have any dvd's you could recommend?
I'm only able to do yoga once a week, i used to be much stronger.
Posted by exdancer (Member # 30218) on :
Also, I found that Bikram helped me before starting abx. I don't know what the effect will be now.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- dancer,
If you did well with heat relatively recently, then you will likely still do better than most. But, start slow and low, so to speak. Listen to your body and never try to just "suck it up" where heat or exertion is concerned.
Enjoy what you can. -
Posted by PTrain (Member # 28773) on :
Exdancer, I live near the Canadian border - very cold winters. Have an airtight woodstove in my bedroom.
I noticed I sleep so much better when I have a nice fire going in the evening. If I am lazy and don't get a fire going, the forced air furnace kicks in and I don't sleep as well. May be because it's uneven heat, or not warm enough.
Exdancer, thanks for the post. Got me thinking about this. Yoga classes not far from where I live. I've never done yoga but willing to give it a try now.
I'm a guy and have been frustrated because around here there are a lot of Zumba classes. We are a little backwards up here maybe, but not a lot of dudes will go to those classes But I think Zumba would be too strenuous anyway from what I read.
Maybe I will be the only man in my yoga class but I don't care anymore about that. Turning 50 this year and after having been sick for a decade I am finding my thought patterns and attitudes are changing (for the better!). Just diagnosed in November and have a great LLMD.
Thanks again and hope you keep feeling better.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- PTrain,
Hey, go for it. I may not be able to speak for all women but having a guy in the class would be just fine and enhance the range of personalities. All the yoga classes I've been to have been a very inviting place for everyone.
Not sure if yours would be one of the Bikram style or not (those are very hot and they can't adjust the heat for one person), but other than that consideration, at most yoga classes you can go your OWN speed and adapt stretches, for what's comfortable for you at every step along the way. A good instructor should never push. "Restorative" style of yoga would certainly be a good style.
I'd avoid any "power yoga" classes and you may want to talk with the instructor first to get their mindset but, remember that at most classes you can adapt for your needs at all times.
Some instructors may teach one style but might also be able to teach other styles, so ask if the style offered at a place is not the one you think would work.
You might also see if there are any Tai Chi or Qi Gong classes, too. Again, inquire as to the style and where it lands on the scale from militaristic to healing. There are many different styles.
PILATES is also an excellent choice. Again, that can adapt to your needs.
Enjoy what you can, wherever you can, whenever you can. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I've always enjoyed the shared experience and special ambience of a class, however, that is not always possible or if you want to check out a gentle but powerful style:
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