Bikram Yoga is a popular type of Yoga that is performed in heated rooms - at 41 degrees Celsius with 40% humidity, to be exact. It was developed by Bikram Choudhury from traditional Hatha Yoga in the 1970's.
It is a sequence of 26 poses (including two breathing exercises), always the same, always performed in the same order. Classes always last 90 minutes. Officially, they are taught only by certified teachers that have gone through a 9-week intensive training.
Why should we perform Yoga at such temperatures? The answer is simple - sweat. Yoga is meant to cleanse the body and the mind, and heat accelerates this process: impurities are thrown out of the body through the skin. Moreover, heat "softens" the body and makes it flexible.
There are a number of benefits to Bikram Yoga:
Weight Loss
One session usually equals the loss of 500-1000 calories. It speeds up metabolism and naturally normalizes appetite, diminishing cravings for "bad" foods. You are likely to see and feel results immediately.
Blood Pressure
After the first class, you might notice a slight increase in blood pressure. However, if you continue practicing regularly, the pressure will soon normalize, and stay that way as long as you are practicing. Bikram Yoga has helped many to stop taking blood pressure medicine.
Skin
Bikram Yoga gives your skin - and eyes - a specific glow that cannot go unnoticed. Heat opens up the pores and sweat cleans them naturally. Skin becomes more elastic, and the more your body detoxifies, the less you would need a deodorant!
Back Pain Relief
The spine and the back are exercised extensively in Bikram Yoga. The feeling of relief and relaxation on the back, neck and shoulders is similar to the results of a professional massage. And, a helathy spine leads to a healthy nervous system.
Stress Relief
Of course, the greatest benefit of any kind of Yoga is calmness and relaxation. With time and practice, stress is replaced by a feeling of well-being.
Before going to a Bikram Yoga class, try to drink a lot of water (2 liters would be best) to prevent dehydration from the heat. Spread it out at equal intervals during the day - don't chug it all just before going to class.
You might get dizzy the first one or two classes because of the heat and humidity. In such a case, just sit down, close your mouth and breathe through your nose. The discomfort will go away in 60 seconds.
Do not eat a lot before a Bikram class - a full stomach might make you feel uncomfortable during exercises. However, going with an empty stomach is not a good idea either - try to eat some fruit or little snacks before the class.
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You might get dizzy the first one or two classes because of the heat and humidity. In such a case, just sit down, close your mouth and breathe through your nose. The discomfort will go away in 60 seconds.
Do not eat a lot before a Bikram class - a full stomach might make you feel uncomfortable during exercises. However, going with an empty stomach is not a good idea either - try to eat some fruit or little snacks before the class.
One final thing - forget your towel during the class. After all, Bikram Yoga is all about sweating. Sweat maintains normal body temperature, and wiping it might disrupt homeostasis.
Happy sweating!
