How to Prevent Bikram Yoga Injuries

Protect your bare feet from fungus in Yoga Class

Avoiding injury in yoga class is a combination of common sense and self-awareness. In Bikram yoga classes, the heat in the room creates additional cause for concern.

Things You'll Need

• Yoga mat
• Non-slip towel
• Water
• Optional: Mat wipes, Yoga-toe socks

Instructions

Prevent Injuries in Bikram Yoga Class

1. Use your own yoga mat. Experts are finding increasing evidence linking communal yoga mats with fungal infections. While all reputable studios regularly clean their shared mat supply, the heat and moisture in a Bikram yoga setting is more likely to create a hospitable environment for infectious bacteria, fungi and viruses.

2. If you do not own a yoga mat, or cannot realistically carry one with you to and from the studio, there are a few other options: a non-slip towel can be laid over a shared mat. At some additional expense, anti-microbial wipes or yoga-toe (non-slip) socks can also be used.

3. Use a non-slip towel on your mat. A slippery mat is an unsafe environment. If you are prone to sweating a lot, you will want to take steps to ensure you don't slide around during class.

4. Ensure that you are hydrated prior to class, but do not eat a heavy meal for about two hours beforehand. You do not want your body to be spending it's energy digesting while you're trying to work out. On the other hand, if a light snack keeps you from being light-headed, it certainly won't hurt you.

5. Dress comfortably. In the hot yoga rooms of Bikram, it seems that less is more. Many people aren't comfortable showing that much skin. Try to find clothing that will "wick" moisture away from your body. To prevent yeast infections, look for clothes that are made of at least 60 percent cotton materials.

6. Practice "ahimsa" with yourself. Yoga is not a competition. Do not try to compete with your neighbor, or with yourself. One leg may not be as flexible as the other, or you may not be able to bend as far today as you could yesterday. If anything you try to do hurts you, stop.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to your body!

• Pregnant women should not practice Bikram "hot" yoga. Prenatal yoga classes are a great way to prepare for childbirth, but they should be done in a room-temperature space and under the guidance of a qualified prenatal instructor.

Resources

• More information on Common Yoga Injuries