The
Demanding Intensity of Bikram Yoga Tips
Bikram Yoga Tips
What is Bikram Yoga?
Living yoga master Bikram Choudhury is a Hot Yoga innovator. His method of Hot Yoga is a set series of 26 yoga
poses, including two pranayama exercises, each of which is performed twice in a single 90 minute class. Choudhury,
who was born in Calcutta, India in 1946, founded the Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills in 1974.
Bikram yoga consists of 26 postures and 22 breathing exercises. The movements stretch every part of the body
including joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It was developed in California and then brought to Los Angeles,
and this then gave it the nickname of ‘hot yoga’ as the postures were performed in a minimum temperature of 40
degrees.
Recently, Choudhury was involved in a lawsuit over his attempt to copyright his series of 26 poses done in a hot
room. At the heart of the controversy is Choudhury's desire to prevent anyone teaching yoga in a heated room from
calling their class "Bikram Yoga." He would like to reserve this title only for those teachers who are certified by
his Yoga College of India and who stick to his prescribed method exactly (including not only the temperature of the
room and order of poses, but also the carpet and mirrors in the room, and his approved text).
It is fair to say that Bikram yoga differs to the other styles in that it is probably the most demanding and
intense style of hatha yoga, however the benefits of studying this style are great. The heat ensures that the body
is warmer and more flexible even at the start of the class; this is beneficial as there is less chance of injuries
such as pulled muscles. As the body is more flexible, the stretches become more pronounced and so the rewards are
greater.
Understandably, when students perform demanding postures in a hot environment, it would be very easy to become
dehydrated so it is necessary for students to drink copious amounts of water before and after the session to
prevent this from occurring.
What is Hot Yoga?
Hot Yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95-100
degrees. As you can imagine, a vigorous yoga session at this temperature promotes profuse sweating which rids the
body of toxins. It also makes the body very warm, and therefore more flexible.
Bikram yoga is considered to help correct and improve sleep patterns, promote better digestion, improve
cardiovascular functions and metabolism, so it is no wonder that there are dedicated followers to this style.
Having a qualified Bikram yoga teacher on hand to guide and to encourage is always beneficial. As with any other
form of yoga, ensuring that the postures are correct is vital. In a class there is usually a mirror so that
students can self-correct and perhaps it can be said that correct alignment is more important than reaching
advanced positions.
Other benefits include a feeling of walking tall, improved posture, clarity of mind and increased confidence.
Attending a class several times a week and then supporting this with yoga practice at home, will enable the
student’s progress to be vastly accelerated.
The sequence of movements in Bikram yoga tend to flow and are perfectly balanced to compliment each other, it is
then finished with a cleansing and energizing breath called Kapalbhati
The breath is very important in any yoga style but an important tip is to breathe through any difficult postures
and learning to recognize negative thoughts, which may also impact your yoga session. The mind can sometimes
tighten up at the thought of a difficult or less favorite posture, so by recognizing that this happens and using
the breath, the mind can be controlled and the body will then open up to the demands of the posture.
Bikram yoga adds additional dimensions to a usual yoga practice and the feeling is much more intense than in any
other style. Some people find the heat and the intensity a problem but others revel in the style and their progress
may be much greater than within a usual class and there is always a new challenge for them to strive towards.
Hot Yoga Tips and Cautions
It is essential to have your own yoga mat and towel when doing Hot Yoga since you will be sweating so much.
Students tend to wear very little clothing for the same reason.
Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after class so you don't get dehydrated. It is not advisable to eat
during the two hours before class.
If you want to try Bikram's method, make sure the Hot Yoga studio you choose has been certified to teach Bikram
Yoga.
Hot Yoga is not advised for pregnant women, since it can raise the core body temperature.
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