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Bikram joints concern   christine wrote on 08 June 2010   I have been practicing Bikram three times a week for the last eight months, and I am considering switching to yoga held in an unheated room. I am not seeking to open up a round of Bikram bashing and would ask for sensible balanced replys. I went onto an American BIKRAM forum and it was filled with post after post of students leaving Bikram,many of whom complained that their knee and joint conditions have actually got worse since practicing Bikram.Apparently there has also been a study which suggests that practicing in extreem heat conditions can speed up arthritic conditions. This has made me quite worried as I have joint conditions and one of the Reasons I took up Bikram was because I thought practicing in heat would help.I tried asking fellow students but most seem to be trying out bikram on a ten class card ,others do not seem to have been practicing for a great length of time,in fact long term students seem to be scarce.I know if I approach an instructor they will tell me how good bikram is. I would be gratefull to hear from anybody with medical knowledge or ex students.Also any opinions on locking knees in standing postures. Thanks.   1   RESPOND    EDIT   Bikram joints concern   SueF responded on 09 June 2010   OK this time I won't bash bikram. I recall that locking the knees is very bad news, in Ashtanga (some strong similarites to bikram but less extreem). The rule is NOT to lock the knees as this causes joint damage - almost lock but not quite. Just my tuppence worth. S   2   RESPOND    EDIT   Bikram joints concern   Catherine responded on 25 June 2010   Hi Joints Concern I am a vinyasa flow/power yoga teacher. Throughout all my trainings I was taught NOT to lock/hyperextend the knee joint, which is done in some Bikram poses, as it can cause future problems. My teacher who has practiced for over 35 years has had small cysts removed from the backs of her knees and now is adamant that locking the knee is not correct. One must be cautious doing yoga in hot rooms as there is the possibilty of over stretching the ligaments and applying too much pressure on joints as they warm up so fast. Power yoga uses the bodies own internal heat to warm up slowly and safely.Listening to your body is vital to your safety and hot rooms can remove a little of the control you have over this. If you are worried try different styles. Eventually you will find one that makes you feel strong and safe.   3   RESPOND    EDIT   Bikram joints concern   LAMAR responded on 28 June 2010   Cathrine, how come your teacher had cysts removed after thirty five years of practice? had she always locked her knees during this time and was it fellow astanga yogis who encouraged her to do so. I thought locking the knees was a no no in astanga.   4   RESPOND    EDIT   Bikram joints concern   Olga responded on 29 June 2010   Hi! I am going to take some yoga exercises and I read about Bikram, but unfortunately I dont anything know about it. Please tell me what kind of yoga Bikram is. To be honest, I am afraid of cold. If it is exercises on open air, how about winter or autumn.   5   RESPOND    EDIT   Bikram joints concern   christine responded on 24 July 2010   Just wondered if anybody else out there has experienced any negative side effects from practicing Bikram .Thank you to those that replyed.   6   RESPOND    EDIT

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