Bikram Yoga - The Benefits of Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, is a style of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury and a Los Angeles, California based company. Bikram Yoga is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 40%. Classes are guided by specific dialogue including 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Classes last approximately 90-minutes. People of all levels, ages and body types practice together as this is a beginning yoga class.

Bikram yoga is a specific style of yoga founded by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram yoga is often referred to as hot yoga as it is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees with a humidity of 50%.

The origin of this type of yoga is spiritually derived from Hinduism and regionally from Yoga College of India. Bikram yoga consists of 26 asanas or postures and two breathing exercises.

The word asana translates to the word "seat" which refers to the spirit in relation to the divine. Asanas are intended to lead back to sitting in meditation. Asanas are meant to improve your muscle flexibility and strength.

These moves, called asanas, are supposed to be practiced together with pranayama, or slow breath work for maximum benefit. Breathing should be through the nose and natural. To receive maximum benefit from practicing asanas, all tension and tightness in the body should consciously be let go.

Some of the benefits of Bikram Yoga:

* Works every organ, gland, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle in the whole body every Bikram Yoga session
* Expands your capacity to breathe deeply and fully
* Prevents injury and may prevent or improve chronic illness
* Promotes better sleep, you may even need to sleep less
* Fabulous body toning effects
* Weight loss or gain depending on your body's needs
* Improvement in posture and body awareness
* Diminishes the effects of stress
*Increases balance, coordination, focus and discipline
*Clears your mind
*Calms your soul

ikram had a terrible accident at the age of seventeen when he injured his knees during the course of weight-lifting. It was thought that he would not be able to walk again. But Bikram was not the one to take things lying down as he knew the virtues of Yoga. Having full faith in the healing power of Yoga Bikram went to Ghosh's school.

During some of the postures, I was keenly aware of my need to improve my balance and my sense of my physical position in space. For ongoing achievement of balance, I have been practicing the art of yoga via an instructional DVD in my home.

Particularly useful to me, in addition to the improvement of balance is the yoga reminds me to slow down and relax the tension in my body. The concept of the heated room in Bikram yoga is to diminish the risk of injuries and to allow you to go deeper into each posture.

Hot Yoga Tips and Cautions

It is essential to have your own yoga mat and towel when doing Hot Yoga since you will be sweating so much. Students tend to wear very little clothing for the same reason.

Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after class so you don't get dehydrated. It is not advisable to eat during the two hours before class.

[Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com]

Bikram Yoga - Insights about Bikram Yoga and answers to frequently asked questions like why they use heat in the practice

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