Bikram Yoga is a specific type of hatha yoga. The term ‘hatha’ is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘ha’ meaning the sun, and ‘tha’ – the moon. It is the most commonly practiced of Yoga in the west and its aim is to unite the yin and yang (masculine and feminine energies) in the body to give the individual more balance and harmony.
Bikram Yoga is known as ‘hot Yoga’ because it is practiced in a hot and humid room, which is heated to 105°F/40.5°C with a humidity level of 40%. This makes it an ideal winter warmer exercise. An Indian Yogi called Bikram Choudhury, who runs a Yoga college based in Los Angeles, scientifically developed it. Teacher training is an intensive process and the college trains and accredits all student teachers to ensure classes follow the set principles.
How Bikram Yoga Works
Bikram Yoga classes are based on two principles: 26 sequential Asanas (postures that strengthen and tone) and two Pranayama (breathing exercises). These work together to give the body a highly efficient detox and cardiovascular workout, using the full capacity of our lungs. After each Asana there is a brief period of rest so that your body can gain maximum benefit. Each class lasts for 90 minutes and you are advised to drink plenty of water before and during the workout to avoid dehydration.
The Benefits of Bikram Yoga
- Detoxifies – the heat encourages the body to sweat and get rid of any toxins.
- Develops flexibility – it enables the muscles to stretch fully so the body becomes supple. This makes it ideal for beginners.
- Encourages circulation by a process known as ‘extension’ and ‘compression’. Each Asana stretches and compresses the body, halting the body’s circulation for a short period of time. The heart compensates for the shortage by pumping extra blood around the body, which energises every organ and muscle once you release the pose.
- Increases your heart rate giving you a total cardiovascular workout.
- Raises libido – participants have said that this type of yoga heightens sexual feelings and response. This is likely to be caused by a rise in body temperature and the extra blood circulating around the body and genital area.
- Relieves stress and tension; is relaxing as well as stimulating.
- Helps existing injuries to heal.
- Encourages deeper breathing, using the full capacity of the lungs rather than normal shallow belly breathing. This enables you to hold more oxygen in the body.
- It’s great fun - there’s a real sense of camaraderie because you’re all hot and sweaty together!
Where To Find a Bikram Yoga Class
There are over 600 studios around the world so the best place to find a class near you is on the official website. Choudhury has produced a book and CD so you can follow the routine at home once you have attended a class. However, it’s difficult to reproduce the temperatures and humidity required to gain maximum detox benefit.
Resources
The British Wheel of Yoga - the British governing body for Yoga in the UK and provides information and an accredited teacher list.
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