What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram Yoga was developed by living yogi, Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles in the 1970′s. It is commonly called Hot Yoga because it is practiced in an enclosed, heated and humidified environment. How hot? Well, it is actually really hot averaging about 95-105 degrees and humidity is set at least 40%.
Is Bikram right for you?
Well, you need to ask yourself this question, do you like to sweat? When doing any exercise you are likely to sweat more in a heated environment, try taking a run on a hot day as opposed to a cool day. You will notice that you sweat much more on a warmer day and also dehydrate faster. It is the same with hot yoga. A vigorous yoga session at temperatures of 95 -105 degrees does cause you to sweat quite a lot. The added benefit to exercising in a heated room means that it will also increase the core body temperature, keeps the muscles warm promoting flexibility.
Is Bikram Yoga Popular?
Bikram Yoga is one of the most popular types of yoga for beginners. It is often considered to be one of the best practices for yoga beginners as there are only 26 poses, making it simple to learn. Each of 26 poses are usually performed twice in a single 90 minute class. Most of the poses are focused on proper body alignment to increase flexibly and strength.
Bikram Yoga Tips and Cautions.
Most importantly you need to dress appropriately for this type of Yoga. Most students wear very little clothing, natural fibers and fabrics that breathe that are also non restrictive are best. Always have your own yoga mat and towel when doing Hot Yoga because you will be sweating…. a lot.
Reduce the risk of dehydration by drinking plenty of water before and after class. Because you are exercising in a heated and humidified environment it is best not to eat during the two hours before class.
If you want to try Bikram’s method, make sure the Hot Yoga studio you choose has been certified to teach Bikram Yoga. Certification of Bikram Yogi’s and studios will have to be personally certified by Yogi Bikram Choudhury himself through his “Yoga College of India”. Yogi’s teaching Bikram Yoga are required to teach Bikram’s prescribed method exactly.
Bikram Yoga, otherwise known as Hot Yoga, is not advised for pregnant women, since it can raise the core body temperature.
Yoga and Pilates Tips hopes you have enjoyed this description of Bikram titled What is Bikram Yoga?
I love Yoga but I’ve never actually tried Bikram Yoga. I should have realised that the heat would actually help with keeping our muscles warm so that we’re able to perform deeper stretches.
It’s definitely more interesting now. I just might find a class and see if it does help my flexibility.
Thanks for such an informative post!
Thanks for your comment Jazz.
Very glad to help.
There are many “Hot Yoga” classes to choose from but to practice actual Bikram you will need to check that the Yogi or instructor has certification from Bikram Choudhury himself.
Hi Bev,
Great information. I’m a little like Jazz, haven’t tried this form of Yoga before. Now I just might!
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for your comment!
Bikram Yoga certainly is a different experience. I find it useful when I have muscle stiffness and as I get older that seems to happen more often. The heat seems to help my movement and flexibility.
I have always been put off investigating Bikram Yoga because I didn’t think much of the name. Now I know what it is I am still not too keen on it. The older I get the less I like the heat. My mother was the same. Must be genetic.
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Hi Bev,
I have never tried Yoga when I have seen the way they twist the body I felt it was not for me as I have had back problems for many years perhaps Bikram Yoga would be the way for me to try it out, really should do some investigation and find if there is a place around here that teachers it.
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Hi Rita,
If you have problems with your spin or back, I would suggest that you start yoga by trying Restorative Yoga first. You don’t want to over do it and some yoga classes can be physically and mentally demanding.
Restorative Yoga is much more focused on healing areas of the body and prevention of further injury.
There are a couple of posts on Yoga and Pilates Tips (this site) focused on Restorative Yoga Practice that may interest you. Follow the links below.
What is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative Yoga – The Relaxation Response
I’ve never tried yoga but it is something I have alway wanted to do. I’m not too sure about Bikram yoga though, I’m not really into getting too hot. I’m sure it makes you feel better afterwards though.
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Hi Jackie,
Thanks for your comment. To be honest I don’t like the extreme heat very much and countless hot days throughout summer take their toll on me. But Bikram Yoga is a controlled environment which allows your muscles and your whole body to heat up which means your are more supple and able to accomplish greater stretching through the poses or postures. It is a really good idea to be sufficiently hydrated before Bikram Yoga but do not drink excessive amounts of water or food just before the class. Being over full in a Bikram Yoga class can actually make you feel sick. It is a good idea to have a water bottle with you immediately after a class and sip on it for an hour or two.