Benefits of Bikram Yoga

A Brief History of Bikram Yoga

Yogi Bikram Choudhury, the founder of the practice, believes the body can recover from many ills with the help of yoga. In his studies with Bishnu Ghosh, Choudhury was able to learn ways to mend old injuries suffered from weightlifting, even after doctors said he would never walk again.

In 1974, Choudhury developed a specialized sequence of 26 asanas. He thought the method of practicing in a heated room was necessary to provide the body with optimum conditioning.

Certified Bikram yoga instructors host sessions in a room with a temperature of 80-105 degrees F. While Hot Yoga resembles Bikram in that it is also performed in a very warm room, the styles are not the same. Choudhury is very protective of his method. He does not allow the use of the Bikram name as a description for a class unless the instructor is certified in the method.

The Benefits of Bikram Yoga

Each individual reaps different benefits of Bikram Yoga. The 26 postures are designed to maximize the effects of foundational yoga.

In addition to positives such as improved muscle toning and increased circulation, advantages to the practice include the following:

• Bikram Yoga classes, which last 90 minutes, are an incredible cardiovascular workout.
• The lymphatic system is detoxified not only by the poses, but also through extensive sweating. Regular detoxifying helps the system work more effectively.
• Many practitioners report relief from symptoms of chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, fatigue, insomnia, depression, migraines, and arthritis.
• Bikram has also frequently been used in injury recovery as a form of physical therapy, as well as a method to ease the discomfort of past injuries.

If you are a seasoned yogi, track your progress by focusing on a condition you’d like to improve. Your inherent understanding of your body will be the first indicator that practicing this style of yoga is beneficial.

Precautions

As long as you have a comfortable ability with Hatha Yoga and a good tolerance for heat, it’s safe to try Bikram Yoga. While there isn’t a formalized beginner’s class, it's a good idea to meet with the instructor ahead of time. The instructor will walk you through the arc of the class and advise you on special considerations.

Keep in mind these key points during your Bikram Yoga practice:

• Stay hydrated. It’s imperative that practitioners drink at least 16 oz. of water before a Bikram yoga session, stay hydrated throughout the routine with the same amount, and consume another 16 oz. or more afterward. Many people like to use unsweetened electrolyte-fused water after a session as well, as the body sweats out a lot of potassium.
• Pay attention to how the heat affects you. If you feel nauseated, dizzy, or overstimulated, find the coolest area of the studio and sit in Hero Pose. Many instructors recommend that you not leave the studio, as the abrupt temperature change may be harmful. Instead, sit and breathe calmly as a cool down. If you must leave the room after that, rise and move slowly.
• Do not perform Bikram Yoga if you’re pregnant. Since the practices raises your internal body temperature, the heat might affect the baby. Talk with your physician about other prenatal yoga routines you can do.

Additional Resources

To experience the benefits of Bikram Yoga firsthand, search for an instructor or studio on the organization’s website. You can sort by international locations or by the U.S. This site will also post upcoming retreats, seminars, and special appearances by Choudhury and other notable instructors.

If you can’t find a class near you, consider a home-based workout with Bikram’s CD and book set for beginners.