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Bikram Yoga-An Overview
Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, is a rather unusual name for an ancient
Indian spiritual practice, Yoga! It is the demand of the market to build the
curiosity quotient and lure prospective customers. Maharishi Patanjali compiled
yoga in a generous framework to experiment with truth, to grow and initiate
progressive spiritual awakening in an individual. Yoga stresses a
self-emancipation rather than self-acceptance in relation to societal norms.
As an offshoot of Yoga, Mr. Bikram Choudhary developed Bikram or hot yoga with
the help of the University of Tokyo hospital, after a crippling weight lifting
accident. It is been more than three decades since this form of yoga hit the
booming yoga industry in the USA.
Hot Yoga is so named because this form of yoga is practiced in a hot climate
with temperatures up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat helps in healing and is
therapeutically beneficial. Bikram yoga also helps in reducing weight faster due
to the sauna effect on the body. Bikram yoga involves a scientifically designed
series of 26 exercise postures. Combining eastern discipline with western
medicine, Mr. Bikram Chaudhary has perfected this comprehensive system of
postures. These postures are suitable for persons of all ages and all levels of
fitness.
In Bikram Yoga, a series of 26 postures is covered in 90 minutes in 115 degree
Fahrenheit temperature. Each of these positions is done twice in opposite
directions. The participant has to stay in a certain position for a period.
Ideally, Bikram yoga should be done daily. Since it is very demanding, one
should do as the body allows for avoiding any injury.
Some benefits of exercising in a hot environment are:
1. The hot environment leads to heavy sweating, thus flushing out toxins from
the body.
2. It enhances the circulatory system for better distribution of oxygen and
nutrients to the cells and detoxification of impurities from the cells. It is a
good cardiovascular workout in warm temperature.
3. It builds muscle strength by allowing deep stretches in a hot room.
4. It helps a person to lose weight without exercising vigorously. The body fat
becomes more fluid because of the heat and is burned faster.
5. It prevents the body from over heating.
Conditions and Equipment for Hot Yoga
A person should drink a lot of water before the Bikarm Yoga session and carry
extra water since the exercises are done in a hot climate. One should wear loose
fitting, light comfortable, cotton clothes for easy breathing and movements.
Practice this yoga bare foot because it helps with traction and better contact
with the floor. Use a rubber backed mat or rug to cushion your body and prevent
slipping. The room where you perform Hot Yoga should be well ventilated. A
full-length mirror on the wall is an additional help to check the correctness of
the posture and body alignment from all sides. Not all gyms are certified to
conduct Hot Yoga. Check the Bikram certification of the gym and or the
instructors to ensure your safety during this form of yoga.
Benefits of Bikram yoga
A Bikram or hot yoga course covers asanas, anatomy, nutrition, therapeutic
application, philosophy and the health benefits. Laughter and humor are integral
part of this form of yoga to make the hot, sweaty and vigorous poses look light.
It stretches muscles, ligaments and tendons, giving each a thorough work over.
Hot Yoga accelerates and oxygenates the circulatory system. The immune system of
the body is strengthened to help fight diseases. The damaged tissues are
repaired faster with the help of Bikram Yoga.
Hot yoga tones the muscles, aids in weight management, relaxes and reshapes the
body. It achieves the basic aim of yoga, i.e. joining the mind, body and spirit
for cosmic unification.
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