Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is also sometimes referred to as ‘hot yoga’. It is a form of Hatha yoga, a school of yoga that focuses on energizing the body. Bikram yoga is performed in a room heated to 105 °F and with a humidity level of 40%. Bikram yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhary and one of the few forms of yoga that is patented. It requires a certain level of fitness and stamina and thus, may not be the best place to start for a beginner to yoga. Although, with your first look at a Bikram class, you would automatically think that this is only for people who have a high level of fitness such as top athletes and for people who have been practicing yoga for years, but Bikram Yoga is designed for people of all levels of athletics.

Understanding Bikram Yoga

• Bikram yoga essentially involves 26 ‘asanas’ and 2 ‘pranayama’ or breathing exercises. Both the postures as well as the breathing styles are important in Bikram yoga. This form of yoga believes that most people use less than 50% of their lung capacity and by strengthening the lungs and increasing their usage the body can become healthier, strong and fit.

• Bikram yoga is done in a hot room with a high level of humidity as these conditions are believed to be ideal to help the body sweat as the yoga is performed and free itself of toxins.

• The set temperature and humidity are also believed to help avoid injuries while students perform ‘asanas’. While the Bikram yoga studio may seem uncomfortable to beginners, students say that they come to enjoy doing yoga in these physical settings.

• This form of yoga focuses on ‘extension’ and ‘compression’. When an ‘asana’ is held, the part of the body that is stretched or compressed experiences a loss of blood circulation. This in turn motivates the heart to pump fresh blood towards that part of the body to rejuvenate it. This is also called ‘extension’.

• It is due to this ‘extension’ that different parts of the body receive fresh blood and are capable of functioning healthily and dealing with any infection that may be present. Using the lungs in an effective manner ensures that they work optimally and are able to provide the body the oxygen it requires. Thus, Bikram yoga aims to ensure that oxygen filled blood runs through the student and energizes them after every class.

• Bikram yoga stretches and exercises every part of the body and provides a complete workout.

• Students are also given complete explanations of how each ‘asana’ helps exercise the body and keep it healthy.

Bikram yoga students are usually warned that they may feel dizzy and light headed in the beginning. They are therefore asked to take short breaks if they feel faint. Bikram yoga is ideal for students who already possess a good level of fitness and health. As always it is important that you consult your doctor and the yoga instructor before you begin Bikram yoga classes.