Bikram yoga aims to increase general health. Students of this style believe that a heated room helps to prevent injury while allowing the body to stretch, detoxify, relieve stress, tone and heal chronic pain such as arthritis, joint aches, knee injuries and back problems.
Origin
Bikram yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury, who was born in Calcutta in 1946. Choudhury started practising yoga at the age of four under Bishnu Ghosh. At 17, he suffered a knee injury that led European doctors to believe that he would never walk again. However, yoga healed his knee and inspired him to modify a long-existing practice into what he called Bikram yoga and to create a uniquely-packaged fitness franchise.
Benefits
The main benefits students of Bikram yoga enjoy are enhanced flexibility, successful recovery from injury (due to deep stretching) and the endless flushing of toxins due to increased perspiration.
What to wear
Wear clothing that absorbs and releases moisture. Wicking fabrics work very well, but they can be pricey. Avoid cotton and other fabrics that will hold sweat and weigh you down. Form-fitting clothing will allow you to move freely and keep you from feeling sticky.
What to bring
Water! Drink plenty of water before practise, during practise and litres of water after practise. Hydration is very important to avoid dizziness and to give you a break from the heat. Most studios will provide a mat and a towel (usually at a small cost) but you can also bring your own.
What to expect
The yoga is practised in a room well above body temperature (approximately 40.6 degrees Celsius) so expect to sweat from all angles – even in places you didn’t know existed. Don’t expect your instructor to demonstrate the moves. Instructors are trained to talk you through the flow as part of a moving meditation (listening to these directions forces you to stop thinking and be in the moment). Bikram yoga consists of a set of 26 poses and two breathing exercises but don’t feel pressurised to do all the poses; rest when you need to and listen to your body.
Where to go
Bikram yoga is practiced under the guidance of a certified Bikram yoga teacher. Visit the web to find a Bikram yoga affiliated studio near you.
For more info on Bikram yoga visit http://www.bikramyoga.com
Sources
www.lululemon.com
www.shape.com