Bikram yoga is a type of hot yoga founded by Bikram Choudhury. It is practiced in a heated room at around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The practice consists of 26 poses and two breathing exercises and offers various benefits.
However, there are also some risks associated with Bikram yoga, and it is essential to be aware of these before you start. This blog post will dive deeper into this topic and discuss everything you need to know about it!
Who is Bikram Choudhury?
He is the founder of Bikram Yoga, the original hot yoga style performed in a heated room. He was born in Calcutta, India, in 1946 and began practicing yoga at the age of four.
He moved to the United States in 1971 and opened his first yoga studio in Beverly Hills, California, where he started to teach yoga. Bikram Yoga quickly gained popularity, with celebrities such as Madonna and George Clooney students of this practice.
Is Bikram Yoga Actually Good For You?
There are mixed opinions on whether or not hot yoga classes are good for you. Some people claim that the heat helps to loosen muscles and prevent injuries, while others say that the heat can be dangerous, especially for people with heart conditions.
There is no doubt that Bikram Yoga is intense and not for everyone. If you're thinking of trying it, talk to your doctor first and listen to your body during the class.
Despite the controversy, Choudhury remains one of the most well-known yoga instructors globally. He has written several books on yoga and currently teaches classes worldwide. Love him or hate him; there's no denying that he has had a significant impact on the yoga world.
Benefits of Bikram Yoga
When performed correctly, Bikram Yoga can provide several benefits, including improved flexibility, increased strength, improved balance, posture, reduced pain, especially from arthritis, and weight loss.
In addition, Bikram Yoga can also help to improve your cardiovascular health and heart rate and reduce stress levels. If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health and well-being, Bikram Yoga may suit you. Schedule a class today and see how this unique form of yoga can benefit your mind, body, and soul.
If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health and well-being, a hot yoga class like Bikram Yoga may be the thing for you.
What to think of when performing this type of yoga
When doing this type of yoga, the practitioner should think about their breath and how it moves through their body. They should also focus on their alignment and keeping their body in proper posture throughout the practice.
Additionally, they should ensure they have their water bottle, a yoga mat, a dry towel, and props such as blocks or yoga straps to help them with the poses. Finally, they should focus on relaxing and letting go of any tension they are holding in their body, especially during floor postures.
Risks with Bikram Yoga
As with any physical activity, especially a high-intensity workout such as this, performed in a hot room, there’s always the potential for injury. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help avoid any risks associated with this high impact workout:
• Always warm up before your session. Bikram yoga consists of 26 poses, and each one is performed twice during a class. That’s a lot of strain on your muscles, so it’s essential to stretch and warm up first.
• Don’t push yourself too hard. It’s crucial to listen to your body and only do what feels comfortable. If a pose is too complicated, don’t force it. Remember to pay close attention to your instructor and follow the teachers guidance to reduce the risk of injury.
• Use props. Using props helps to execute the poses more comfortably like yoga blocks.
• Focus on your breath. Taking deep, steady breaths will help you relax and get the most out of the class.
• Focus on your alignment. Proper alignment will help prevent injuries and ensure you get the most out of the yoga postures.
• Drink water both before, during, and after the practice. You will sweat a lot, thus the importance of hydration. Given that the entire body will be sweating profusely, make sure you have one or two towels.
By following these simple tips, you can help avoid any risks associated with Bikram yoga class and enjoy all the benefits this type of yoga offers.
As this style is performed with the room heated and the risks involved, you should do it in a studio. This is the reason why there are so few instructors teaching virtual classes.
If you looking for low-impact workouts, that are better suited to your fitness level, then there are plenty of alternatives, such as gentle yoga flow, restorative, or chair yoga, all available through online classes. Attending a beginners yoga class once or twice a week on your schedule allows you to keep a healthy work/life balance.
References
The Effects of Bikram Yoga on Health: Critical Review and Clinical Trial Recommendations - PMC
What is Bikram Yoga? | Live Science
Hot and Bothered: The Hype, History, and Science of Hot Yoga
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related changes or if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Anahana is not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences that may occur from using the information provided.
