Bikram Yoga and Aerobic Exercise for the Treatment of Major Depression

Participants in the Bikram yoga group were asked to attend two classes per week for 8 weeks (16 classes in total) at a local affiliated Bikram yoga studio. Certified Bikram yoga teachers instructed all classes using a scripted instructional dialogue. Each 90-min class was held in a temperature-controlled room (40.6C, 40% humidity). The yoga studio regularly offered 22 class times per week, all of which were accessible to participants.

Participants in the aerobic exercise group were asked to attend two group aerobic exercise classes per week for 8 weeks (16 classes in total) at the Kingston Family YMCA. They were provided with a modified schedule of the YMCA group classes, which included only classes with a strong aerobic component and excluded those involving yoga, pilates, or cycling. Classes involving the following components were available to participants: choreography-based cardio, aerobics, light muscular conditioning, and stretching; cardio, plyometric, and strength training exercises; high intensity aerobic exercise with intermittent rest periods; circuit-based cardio and strength training exercises; stepper-based exercises; and Latin-inspired dance/fitness. Classes were 50-60 minutes in duration. Participants were able to attend any of the offered classes each week. Participants had approximately 18-22 classes in total to choose from each week.