Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga: Most Suitable climate?

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Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga:
Most Suitable climate?

dana_w
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Mar 13, 2004, 3:39 PM

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I am currently looking into which Yoga Centre I am going to persue my long term studies at I am finding that there is a lot to consider beside the obvious. I have recently come across a place that offers Yoga sessions in a heated studio...(105 degrees) with the theory that it helps to ease muscles while practicing asans and helps remove toxins from your body more efficiently. I was wondering if there are any other benefits to this? are there any dangers to practicing at higher temperatures?

Any recommendations or opinions on how to find a teacher and place of study would be greatly appreciated :)

Thank you
Dana

Tom
Novice

Mar 15, 2004, 8:02 AM

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Greetings Dana,

Here is an article provided by the International Association of Yoga Therapist that may assist you in making an informed decision.

Tom

http://www.iayt.org/hotyoga.html

dwilson
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Jan 13, 2005, 6:44 PM

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Tom, that link you provided does not seem to work is there another way to access that article?

Thanks,
Dana

Nadia
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Jan 13, 2005, 11:47 PM

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I am certainly not qualified in yoga or scientifically to tell you the right answer, but my opinion is that it doesn't make a difference. I don't see the point in making the room hot to ease your muscles is better, as the aim is to stretch your muscles in an "easing" way anyway. It seems as though that kind of approach means that all yoga is about is becoming more flexible. Also, I would've thought that it could be dangerous for some people to do physical activty in such hot temperatures.

Also, I once saw a show about detox, and it said that in a sauna you perspire about as many toxins as you would passing urine. So I don't know about that one. But then these are just my opinions anyway, nobody's ever really offered me another one, if anyone can tell me any arguments against what I've said I'd be happy to hear them Smile

nobodhi
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Jan 21, 2005, 3:32 AM

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I have practised Yoga in cold environments in the northern Europe and the tropics of Asia. Whilst it seems much easier to motivate myself in the warm tropical mornings I do have keep a close watch on fluid intake. Our instructor leads quite vigorous classes in an open pavilion and I find I can easily go through one litre of water in a 1.5 hour class durring the summer when even evening temperatures stay at 32 degrees celcius and humidity 98%.

DamienL
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Jan 26, 2005, 3:41 AM

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In Reply To

I don't see the point in making the room hot to ease your muscles is better, as the aim is to stretch your muscles in an "easing" way anyway. It seems as though that kind of approach means that all yoga is about is becoming more flexible.

I agree with Nadia here. Yoga should be able to be practised regardless of the temperature. The aim is not for an easier stretch (or else one wouldn't be encouraged to yoga in the early morning) it is to spread conciousness throughout the body. Alignment and quality of consciousness is what to look for in asana.
Is this Bikram Yoga that you enquire about?

dwilson
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Jan 27, 2005, 11:08 AM

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Yes, it was Bikram yoga that I was originally asking about, although after viewing a couple of their web sites I was put off of the idea of practicing there. Mostly because I felt as though they have lost what Yoga really is, it�s not just a physical exercise or stretching it�s a way of life and if you have any real interest in yoga I think you would feel it�s a personal goal of enlightenment when you follow the yamas and niyamas as out lined in the Yoga Sutras. Bikrams has turned it into a competitive sport and are trying to get Yoga into the Olympics....this kind of upsets me I think it really goes against everything that yoga is about and its not yoga that they are practicing its contortionism, how can you find enlightenment and free your ego when you are competing to beat other so-called yogis? You can�t; well that�s my opinion anyway. I�d like to hear what others have to say as well.

Namaste

DamienL
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Jan 27, 2005, 8:17 PM

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I never knew that they were aiming to have it registered as an olympic sport. One of those articles goes on to compare it to gymnastics! Its a shame because when this viewpoint is adopted I feel that the spirit of yoga is lost and yogasanas become bhogasanas(done for enjoyment). Making yoga a sport encourages egotism while the purpose is release of the ego. I've also heard that training to be an instructor can be completed within 3 months, compared to at least 3 years for Iyengar. I know I wouldn't be ready to teach after 3 months of personal practice. I recommend finding an Iyengar Yoga instructor that will train you. I'm about to begin my training next week Smile

Namaste.

mitra
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Jan 31, 2005, 4:46 PM

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Hello Dana

I have Practiced Yoga in heated studios (Last year in Toronto... really cold, being winter and all); it was a bit of a shock to my system as my teacher here in Australia turns the A/C on when it get too hot Smile

Although it was rather overbearing at first, I found it did help with some poses... do take your bottle of water with you Wink

I am not sure if it is the right approach but I think it is always good to try different styles of Yoga before committing to one... Best of luck to you Smile

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