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2014-06-27 3:45 PM

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Subject: Bikram / Yoga or Pilates ?
Hi All

What do you see is best for people training for triathlons Bikram Yoga or Pilates ? i just thought i would try one of these as both have relaxation benefits which would be great as well

any thoughts ? in which helps you with your overall fitness and performance in tri`s ?


2014-06-28 8:07 AM
in reply to: Bigdave001


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Subject: RE: Bikram / Yoga or Pilates ?
I would go with Ashtanga Yoga if the choice were available.

Disclosure: I have never done Bikram, but there are other forms of yoga that I think might be better suited to athletes.
I can get good workouts in without the room being heated. I could be completely wrong about this, but I've done just fine at normal temperatures.

Pilates is good also. Lots of core and hip work, but I tend to get injured when I do hip work.
2014-07-01 2:06 PM
in reply to: Bigdave001

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Subject: RE: Bikram / Yoga or Pilates ?

I wouldn't call Bikram Yoga relaxing, though there is some definite mental benefit from it.

It's really hard if you go at it.  I've been doing it 1-2 times/week for about 2 years and have seen some benefits.  I don't know if they directly translate to triathlon but I think it helps keep my 45 YO body from falling apart (more than it is already, that is  ).

2014-07-01 3:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Bikram / Yoga or Pilates ?
Originally posted by jmhpsu93

I wouldn't call Bikram Yoga relaxing, though there is some definite mental benefit from it.

It's really hard if you go at it.  I've been doing it 1-2 times/week for about 2 years and have seen some benefits.  I don't know if they directly translate to triathlon but I think it helps keep my 45 YO body from falling apart (more than it is already, that is  ).




This.

I enjoyed Bikram but not so much because it was relaxing. It was actually pretty challenging, physically.

As with most of these kinds of inquiries, doing Bikram Yoga (or Crossfit, or Zumba or spin classes or powerlifting or playing soccer or whatever) won't improve your triathlons as much as using that same time time to run, bike, or swim more, but if your goal is to become more rounded as an athlete, then almost any kind of cross-training is helpful.

Edited by jmk-brooklyn 2014-07-01 3:04 PM
2014-07-01 3:34 PM
in reply to: jmk-brooklyn

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Subject: RE: Bikram / Yoga or Pilates ?

Yoga over pilates, for sure.  Good for stretching and strengthening.   I have only gone to one pilates instructor, so maybe there are other types.

I also am not a bikram fan, personally.  I get sweaty enough on my own.  I'm prefer Vinyasa.

2014-07-02 11:44 AM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Subject: RE: Bikram / Yoga or Pilates ?

I did tons of Bikrams, but it get's boring.  I guess that's where the mental aspect comes in.

Gave it up for heated Ashtanga/Vinyasa Flow/Power yoga.  If you could only do ONE physical thing for some reason, then this would be it.  Cardio, strength, flexibility, core...  It's amazing.

However, it's not something you should do in addition to your regular training, per say.  It's a workout and should probably replace one of your other workouts.  For example, it might be tough to do a 60 minute power yoga class (75 for Bikrams if I recall) in the morning then have a long run session later that day.  OR, add a Bikrams/Power to your day off.  That should be your recovery/rest day and those forms are NOT rest.

 There so many forms of yoga, and several of the "Hatha" forms are more for relaxation/meditation/stretching that could be incorporated with tri training and even done on your rest days, IMO.

 



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