Bikram yoga is a practice developed by Bikram Choudhury. One of the features that sets Bikram yoga apart from other forms is the use of a hot, humid room to improve flexibility and flush toxins through sweating. According to Bikram Yoga, the minimum temperature recommended is 105 degrees, with about 40 percent humidity. While Bikram yoga is intended to be healthy, the hot room can raise the risk of heat exhaustion. Common symptoms can serve as a warning sign that your health may be at risk.
Rapid Pulse
While Bikram yoga can be a difficult practice, it should not cause a racing heart rate in the same manner that high-intensity cardiovascular exercise would. A rapid pulse is an indication that your body is having difficulty supplying enough oxygen to working muscles, and it may be an indication of the onset of heat illness.
Profuse or Limited Sweating
Perspiration is one of the mechanisms your body uses to cool itself. Sweating more than normal can be an indication that your body is unable to cool itself sufficiently. This symptom may be difficult to spot in a Bikram yoga class due to the fact heavy sweating is so common. Another indicator of heat exhaustion is sweating too little. If you are not sweating despite high temperature and exertion, you may be dehydrated, significantly increasing your risk of heat exhaustion.
Dizziness
The Mayo Clinic recognizes muscle cramps as another symptom of heat exhaustion. A muscle cramp results from an electrolyte imbalance that allows muscle fibers to contract but not relax. This electrolyte imbalance is often the result of profuse sweating without sufficient rehydration.
Prevention
The risk of heat exhaustion can be lowered by taking several precautions. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking plenty of fluids to avoid cramps and allow your body to cool itself through sweating. Take a water bottle into class so you can drink frequently throughout the session. Light, nonrestrictive clothing is also recommended to stay cool and avoid overheating. If you begin to notice the onset of any of these symptoms during a Bikram class, stop immediately and move to a cooler room.
