Bikram Yoga is a highly debated but popular form of yoga that is intentionally practiced in temperatures of up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Find out how practicing Bikram Yoga can benefit your body, mind and spirit.
What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram Yoga, also known as “Hot Yoga”, is the practice of a series of yoga poses done in an intentionally over-heated area. Bikram Yoga requires the room temperature to be between 95 and 105 degrees Farenheit.
The idea is that the higher temperatures will help the muscles to loosen more quickly. Experts say that it makes for a “deeper” workout as well. While the practice is somewhat controversial due to a number of injuries sustained by class patrons, it’s still a popular and beneficial exercise choice.
Body, Mind and Spirit Connection
One of the many benefits of Yoga, including Bikram, is the chance to get the mind and body in harmony and on the same track, increasing the awareness of one’s self. Most every Bikram class opens with controlled breathing exercises, designed to help align the body, mind and spirit with good health.
“The simplicity of Bikram's poses is one more way to avoid being distracted from myself,” says Time Magazine’s Lise Funderburg. “To spend this much time slowly and gently stretching is a luxury that I enjoy nowhere else in my life.”
Cleansing Effects
Because Bikram Yoga is performed in a hot room, you’ll sweat profusely during its practice, eliminating toxins and cleansing the body. It’s important to remember to drink plenty of water before, during and after the practice of Bikram Yoga so that you don’t become dehydrated.
Looking Better
When Bikram Yoga is performed safely and effectively, it can help you lose weight for obvious reasons. First, the simple act of working out helps you shed pounds, especially when the workout raises your heart rate as Bikram does.
Bikram Yoga is also helpful when reshaping the body as it helps to tone, lengthen and strengthen muscles. Plus, your posture, balance and coordination are bound to improve with practice, which can help to significantly improve your physical appearance.
Start Any Time
Bikram Yoga is said to be effective for people of all ages and fitness levels. So, with the approval of your personal doctor, you can start whenever you like. As the creator of the practice, Bikram Choudhury said, “Never too bad, never too old, never too sick, never too late, to start from scratch and begin again.”
How Many Calories Does Hot Yoga Burn?
Check out this article for details on how many calories hot yoga burns.