Bikram Yoga

From LoveToKnow Yoga

Bikram yoga uses extreme heat to purge toxins from the body, helping the practitioner achieve a cleansing of the mind and body from the inside.

turn up the heat for Bikram Yoga practice

The Difference Between Hot and Bikram Yoga

There is a smidge of controversy involving the name of this type of yoga.

The authentic form of Bikram yoga originated with yogi Bikram Choudhury in 1974. Choudhury developed a series of 26 asanas to be performed in a particular sequence in a heated room of 80-105 degrees Fahrenheit. The classes are usually 90-minutes long and include specialized breathing exercises as well.

Choudhury is an instructor of this practice and authorizes other yoga teachers for it, but has been involved in lawsuits with yoga studios that advertise this style of yoga without using Choudhury’s exact methodology or certified Bikram yoga instructors.

Many yoga studios promote hot yoga, which is a form of Hatha yoga performed in a heated room. Practitioners of this style still experience toxin release benefits, but may not be aware of Choudhury’s philosophy or exact practice.

In a 2005 interview with “60 Minutes”, Choudhury explained that this form of yoga is not the sit quietly and stare at the wall type. “You use the body as a medium to bring the mind back to the brain. Perfect married (sic) between body and mind. Then, you can knock the door to the spirit." It is for this reason that Choudhury is proprietary of what he considers to be the true Bikram yoga.

The Benefits of Heat

Most forms of yoga are best performed in a warm setting. However, Bikram yoga integrates the highly heated room into the practice, making the heat as necessary a component for success as proper form during asanas and breathing. With a thoroughly warmed body, practitioners can go deeper into the poses to maximize the effects.

The heat extends the ability of the ligaments, tendons and muscles, and makes the practitioner work up an intense sweat. Immersing yourself in Bikram yoga practice is said to:

  • release toxins
  • improve flexibility and range of motion
  • increase the chances of weight loss
  • develop muscle tone

Proponents of the practice also believe that regular Bikram exercise reduces the symptoms of certain chronic illnesses, such as thyroid disorders, arthritis and circulatory problems.

Tips of Caution

Like many yogic postures, Bikram asanas are broken down into purposeful movements. Within reason, anyone at any age can perform the poses, but this style of yoga does require the practitioner to be in better physical condition and have a high tolerance for heat.

In addition, it is critical to keep the body hydrated before, during and after practice with water, not with caffeinated beverages. Along with the recommended eight-to-ten glasses of water daily, yogis practicing this form must consume enough water to replenish the body because of the excessive sweating. Practitioners are advised to drink up to 16 ounces of water two hours before a Bikram yoga session and up to 40 additional ounces during and after the session.

This is should not be the first choice of yoga practice for the beginner. Rather, it is one to learn once someone has mastered the basics of Hatha yoga.

Please also note that practicing Bikram yoga is generally not advisable if you’re pregnant, as it raises the core body temperature to levels that may be harmful to the baby. Talk with your health practitioner regarding other forms of yoga that are safer to perform until the baby arrives.

Links to Bikram Classes and Books

Before starting any form of exercise, talk with your physician and research the practice. In addition, it’s always best to first perform any yoga path under the guidance of an experienced teacher, who will not only teach you about the history and theory of the style, but also instruct and correct your postures and other physical attributes important to the practice and to avoid injury.

In addition to checking with a local fitness club or spa, the following resources can help you find certified Bikram yoga classes and teachers in your area:

Choudhury has not released much in the way of multimedia on his practice, but this book may prove to be helpful during home study:

  • Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class Book Not only an introduction to the method, this book also demonstrates how a yogi will eventually master a pose and the steps it takes to reach that level.

The practice of yoga is a journey of many steps. Take the time to not only teach your body the motions, but also your mind the methodology.


 


Comments

I'm 59 yrs old and started doing Bikram at Funky door in Berkeley 3 mos ago. Very challenging. I see why Bikram is fanatical about having only Bikram trained teachers. They are aware of the benefits and pitfalls of each pose. There is no "beginners" Bikram class. Everyone in the class is at a different level of mastery and I sometimes have to sit down and rest. One of the teachers told me "you have the rest of your life to learn yoga." But the instructors are very aware of how far they can push each student in each posture, and they do. Btw, all the classes are the same -- 26 postures with a beginning and ending breathing exercise. I highly recommend it to everyone. Be sure to tell your instructor if you are new.

-- Contributed by: Connie

there's are no beginner's classes

-- Contributed by: bsp

I tried Bikram Yoga for the first time at the http://www.funkydooryoga.com/studio_haight.html while on vacation in San Francisco. The instructor and studio staff made me feel very welcome as a Bikram beginner and helped me work through the more difficult parts.

There's no doubt about it - the class was challenging! It requires a different type of focus to hold poses while you're slippery with sweat! Most of the attendees in my class were seasoned yoga practitioners, so in my estimation, it would be difficult for someone new to yoga completely to walk into a class of that caliber. If you'd like to try Bikram without previous yoga experience, definitely start with a beginner's class.

There were also a few times where the heat got to be a little too much for me, and I felt a bit queasy by the end. But I managed to complete about 75 minutes of the 90-minute class, and frankly, would love to do it again.

So for beginners, a couple of tips from Frank Claire at Funky Door:

  1. Get to class early enough to tell the instructor you're a beginner. He/she will walk you through some particulars and keep an eye on you.
  2. Find out where the "cool spots" are in the room, and position yourself there.
  3. Many classes go through a series of postures to warm up the body before taking a water break, but do what you need to do.
  4. If you feel overheated or dizzy, don't leave - sit in Hero's pose for a minute or two.
  5. If you can make it through the 40-45 minutes of standing postures, you'll find the seated sequence to be a bit easier.
-- Contributed by: TK2

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