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When should I avoid Bikram Yoga?

You may want to avoid Bikram Yoga if:

You're newly pregnant

You've had a serious injury, or major operation

You're suffering from the early stages of a cold or flu

You're fasting or undertaking a strong detoxing regime

You've given blood today

You've had a colonic, acupuncture or other strong healing session today

You're dealing with an eating disorder

You're hung over

You're under the influence of recreational drugs

You're newly pregnant: In Bikram yoga we recommend that if you are newly pregnant it is better to avoid any NEW form of exercise. If however, you have already been regularly practicing Bikram Yoga for at least a year and have an established practice, we recommend you take a break from Bikram hot yoga during the 1st trimester. See our Pregnancy FAQ for more information.

You've had a serious injury, or major operation: Bikram Yoga is great for healing, but if the injury is recent, or you've just come out of major surgery, you may want to wait until your condition has stabilized before coming into class. If in doubt ask your doctor.

You're suffering from the early stages of a cold or flu: If you're in the early phases of a cold or flu you may want to rest at home, come back to yoga when you are feeling better. You also lessen the chances of infecting others. When you are sick, nothing works better than rest. When you are feeling better, in the latter stages of a cold or flu, Bikram yoga can be a great way to clean out the last traces of the illness.

You're fasting or undertaking a strong detoxing regime: If you're fasting for religious reasons (e.g. for Ramadan), or detoxing with a low calorie intake you may want to avoid Bikram Yoga during this time. Your body is already under stress and you may not have the 'fuel' for a Bikram Yoga class.

You've given blood today: If you've given blood today considering resting up and coming to Bikram Yoga the next day. Often giving blood can make people feel a bit weak or lightheaded, and it is best to rest.

You've had a colonic, acupuncture or other strong healing session today: on the day you have a colonic, strong massage or other body work, you may want to skip your Bikram class and come back the next day. The body sometimes needs time to assimilate a healing session without extra exertion.

You're dealing with an eating disorder: Bikram Yoga is a vigorous yoga practice. If you're not eating enough you may have difficulty. Please consult your doctor or healthcare professional before coming to class.

You're hung over: Drink a bit too much alcohol the night before? It is best to avoid Bikram Yoga if you are hung over because you may be severely dehydrated. Bikram is great for detoxing, but if you are too hung over, or even still under the effects of alcohol from the night before, your yoga experience may be quite stressful. Better to wait until the next day - yoga and alcohol don't mix!

You're under the influence of recreational drugs: Yoga is a form of meditation, and as such it should never be mixed with any form of recreational drug use, to do so may have serious repercussions. That being said, Bikram Yoga can be of great assistance for those who are in the recovery phase of drug addiction.

For more information about how yoga can help those in drug recovery, please go to: The Raymond Hader Clinic site.

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