Bikram yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury and it consists of a series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises that are performed in a room that is heated to approximately 37 degrees. The poses are demanding but performing them in a heated room means that muscles become more pliant and the heat encourages sweating, which purifies the body.
Heating the Room
The reasons for heating the room include:
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greater flexibility
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less chance of muscle strains
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less chance of injuries
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promotes cleansing and purification of the body
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builds endurance and stamina
Benefits of Bikram Yoga
There are many benefits to Bikram yoga. It can:
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assist in detoxification of the body
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improve the circulatory system
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help the body burn fat more effectively
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speed up the metabolism
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improve a person’s willpower, self-control and determination
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strengthen the cardiovascular system
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reshape the body
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reduce injuries
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reduce stress
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increase energy levels
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strengthens the back, reducing back pain
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improve breathing
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help with chronic illnesses or injuries
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assist weight loss
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improve the posture
Bikram Yoga Classes
Classes run for ninety minutes and start with a breathing exercise before going through the series of poses, which work the entire body. Every pose works the specific muscles, ligaments and joints that are needed for the next pose, and in this way, the class flows. The class ends with another breathing exercise that helps the body to eliminate toxins. The poses in Bikram yoga are designed to act as a tourniquet – massaging the internal organs while cleansing the cardiovascular system and stimulating the nervous system. In fact, Bikram yoga works every system within the body – the endocrine, lymphatic, immune, muscular, digestive and skeletal, making it a low-impact, whole-body workout.
Who Can Do Bikram Yoga?
Bikram yoga is suitable for people of all ages and abilities and classes are held with a teacher acting as a guide. No special equipment is needed, except for a yoga mat and suitable clothing.
Originally published on May 15, 2007
