Many yoga practitioners and teachers believe that yoga is all you need in terms of exercise. While this may be true for some people, it entirely depends on what your goals are and why you are considering one over the other instead of doing both together. If you are looking to build muscle mass, then Bikram yoga will not be enough. If you are simply looking to stay toned and lean, then doing just yoga will be sufficient.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is a yoga practice consisting of 26 different poses, or asanas, that are practiced in the same, unvaried sequence each time you go. The room is heated between 95 to 108 degrees, and you will leave class feeling twisted, heated, wrung out and rejuvenated. The classes challenge your balance, strength, flexibility and coordination, all while toning your body, detoxifying your internal organs and encouraging a quieter peace of mind.
Strength Training
Strength training challenges your muscles in a variety of ways, from dumbbells and kettle bells to cable machines and plyometrics. Strength training improves bone density, increases muscle mass and tone, improves strength and lowers blood pressure. Weightlifting is generally done to improve appearance and overall health.
Bikram vs. Weights
Bikram yoga can replace weightlifting. But only if you want it to. If you enjoy lifting weights and you want to get stronger or build muscle mass, then you should continue to lift weights. If you hate lifting and you only do it to stay in shape, then you will reap the weight-bearing benefits that Bikram has to offer without losing the benefits that strength training offers. Bikram uses your own body weight to increase strength and endurance. While it won't give you bulging biceps and perfect pectorals, you will still be protecting bone density and improving muscle tone.
Losing the Weights
Bikram yoga has more benefits on its side than just strength training alone. While lifting weights is great for physique and burning calories, it doesn't offer the benefits of flexibility or the detoxification of your body. Nor does it provide a meditative quality that yoga can. Determine what your fitness goals are and then play trial and error between the two. Practice just Bikram for a month straight. If you find it feeds your desire for strength training, then continue doing what feels good. If you find you miss weights or your body is taking on a different physique than you like, then begin to incorporate weights again. It doesn't have to be one or the other. Yoga and strength training can live together peacefully in your fitness routine.
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