Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is the ‘Original’ Hot Yoga designed by Bikram Choudary in the 1970s. Since its inception it revolutionised the way yoga was perceived and thus accepted in the West. No wonder there are today over 1500 hot yoga studios world wide and serious Bikram Yoga practitioners include the likes of Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Andy Murray, Tony Parrish and closer home celebrities like Anil Kapoor, Gulshan Grover and many more.
Though Bikram Yoga is Hatha Yoga it differs from traditional Hatha Yoga and all other variations as:
1. It involves a set sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises – no variations
2. Heated environment: This yoga is performed in a hot room where a temperature of 42 C and 40% humidity is maintained
3. Instructional Dialogue
4. 90 minute class
Completely beginner-friendly, Bikram Yoga requires no prior experience and is thus suitable for people of all ages. Bikram’s sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises is specifically designed to provide a challenging, invigorating, rejuvenating and effective yoga experience. The postures are performed in a heated room to increase circulation and stretch the muscles without risking injury. Each posture in the series stretches and strengthens specific muscles, joints and organs and also sequentially prepares the body for the next posture. In effect, every posture in the series is building up on the previous ones and setting up the ones that follow.
So, by the end of each 90 minute class you will have worked every muscle, tendon and ligament, joint and internal organ while systematically moving fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. Thus ensuring that each and every system in the body is balanced and strengthened leading to overall health.
Besides physical benefits , this completely natural, full-body workout will give you incredible life changing mental, emotional and spiritual benefits. And as your practice grows you will realise that your body is only a tool to reach the mind and thus your true self. As Bikram often says, “Aasana is not the objective of yoga, you are.” Yoga’s aim is to heal and make you healthy – your fitness is a byproduct!