Points To Remeber Before Start Practicing Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga)

By Patricia | April 30, 2009
Bikram Yoga: Hot Yoga

Point to remember before doing Bikram Yoga

It is important to note that Bikram yoga is practiced in a heated studio.  It is a hot yoga therapy.  It has 26 set poses which are practiced sequentially without any variation.  It can be practiced by all, irrespective of age and is especially effective for people suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis and thyroid.  It also helps you in recovering completely from any kind of injury.

Bikram yoga has been scientifically designed by Bikram Chaudhury. It is also known as ‘Hot Yoga’, as it is performed in a room having a temperature anywhere between 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.  It comprises of 26 yoga poses and 22 breathing exercises. The total duration is of 90 minutes.  Each yoga pose is performed twice and is held for sometime. It starts with standing poses, moving on to backbends, then forward bends and thereafter twists. It is followed by Kapalbhati, the breathing exercise.

The reason for practicing yoga in a heated studio is –

  • it is safer to go deeper into a yoga pose as you stretch yourself
  • most of these poses being physically demanding, practicing them in the heat becomes  easier as the body becomes more flexible.
  • there is a significantly reduced risk of injury while stretching and practicing yoga poses.
  • the heat makes you perspire profusely which cleanses the body flushing out toxins.
  • it also promotes physical and mental endurance.

The yoga poses are so designed that they stretch each and every joint, muscle, ligament, tendon, vertebrae and organ of the body.

It is important to remember that Bikram Yoga can be performed by anybody including those suffering from past bone injuries.  Hot yoga is especially effective as post recovery rehabilitation for bone injuries as well as for patients of arthritis.

The physical benefits are that it–

  • increases flexibility and stamina
  • strengthens the muscles
  • improves balance and coordination
  • improves posture
  • makes the spine flexible
  • improves immune function
  • eliminates unwanted toxins
  • relieves pain and helps in recovery from injury
  • cures chronic ailments
  • improves nervous system
  • cures thyroid, arthritis, rheumatism and osteoporosis
  • controls weight
  • promotes a positive outlook
  • makes the skin radiant
  • induces good sleep
  • balances the body and mind

The above can only be achieved with dedicated practice. If you know what you are trying to achieve and if you are prepared to practice sincerely, Bikram yoga helps in developing a healthy body and mind with renewed energy and vigor. For each and every pose, clear instructions are given. Bikram yoga classes involve explanations of every pose in detail, with slides, including what problems you may face while practicing them. The fact that you may have an urge to “cheat’ in your practice, which will only act as deterrent to what you have come to achieve, is also addressed.

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