The Benefits of Bikram (Hot) Yoga

Bikram yoga is performed in a room where the temperature can range from 35C to 45C. The main purpose for the heat is to warm up your muscles quickly. Although there are some controversies surrounding this form of yoga because of its intensity, we can't deny the fact that it offers a multitude of benefits. If you have dehydration problems, heart disease or any health concern related to heat, you may want to check with your doctor before trying Bikram yoga.

Here are the most notable benefits of Bikram or "hot" yoga:

-Weight Loss

Many practitioners of Bikram yoga do it because they want to shed pounds. The exercises will help improve your digestive system and increase your metabolism. Bikram is a great form of exercise that will turn fat into muscle as you increase strength and develop muscle tone. For each session, you can burn anywhere between 500 and 1000 calories. The harder you work the more calories you are going to burn. And since this exercise works your cardiovascular system, you are going to lose more weight. Some people say that they have seen and felt immediate results. You may also notice that you have less cravings and it will be natural for you to make smarter food choices.

-Back Pain

Bikram Yoga (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yoga in general helps prevent and reduce back pain. The series of poses in Bikram yoga are created to work the spine in every direction. This will result in a healthy spine and a healthy nervous system. Doing hot yoga also helps with headaches, scoliosis, stiff necks and herniated disks. If you are suffering from chronic back pain, make sure you tell your instructor so they can modify the poses if necessary.

-Stress Relief

The 26 postures involved in Bikram yoga plus the two breathing exercises will allow you to feel a sense of balance. During a full 90-minute program, you may start to feel that you are in a different world. You will achieve a calm state of mind. Regular practice can lower your cortisol levels, reduce stress and increase mental alertness.

-Glowing Skin

Practicing Bikram yoga may also make your skin brighter and softer. This is due to the fact that the heat will allow you to flush out toxins from your body. As you sweat, your pores will open and natural oils will be released through the pores. This will purify and help improve your skin's elasticity.

-Anti Aging

If you've ever wondered why some people who practice yoga seem to be ageless, Bikram yoga does amazing things to the mind and body. It keeps the body muscles, bones and tissues in your body strong and healthy, and may even help improve immunity to disease.

Yoga is an excellent form of exercise, and if you're ready for a challenge and an intense yoga workout, Bikram yoga may be a good form to try.

An Introduction to Bikram (Hot) Yoga

Most people have at least a passing knowledge of what Yoga is these days.  But until you have tried Yoga it is impossible to know whether or not it is for you.  Yoga, quite simply can be a life changing experience and the discipline and mental strength that result from it can completely change your perspective and world view.

Image via WikipediaOne method of Yoga which is currently very popular is know as Bikram Yoga.  Bikram Yoga, often referred to as "hot yoga" follows the Bikram Yoga Method.  As with all Yoga it has multiple goals - to build your inner strength as well as your outer physical strength.  A vital component of Bikram Yoga is the flexibility and balance required to perform the exercises and it is believed that this comes from mental strength as much as physical practice.  The roots of Bikram (and most other yoga forms) are in Hatha Yoga, which is a healing form of Yoga that strengthens both body and mind.

The founder of Bikram Yoga was Bikram Choudhury, a yoga practitioner and innovator.  After a weightlifting accident Bikram Choudhury was determined to recover and set about investigating the healing ability of practicing certain types of exercise.  The result was Bikram Yoga, which so many people found to be an effective method of healing that it's tenants were recorded and passed on as a new form of Yoga.  Those who practise Bikram Yoga purely for it's healing benefits are plentiful, but there is also a strong holistic component, which is a key reason behind using Bikram Yoga for many of those who are regular users.

They key to success with Bikram Yoga is to develop the mental strength required to discipline yourself in it's use.  If you can master this side of the Yoga then the physical benefits will be forthcoming.  They have been proven by scientists including a group from the Tokyo University Hospital.  The medical benefits are beyond question and have been shown to improve chronic ailments as well as greatly assist in the treatment and recovery of tissue injuries.

Image by OpeningMinds via FlickrAt the 1972 International Medical Conference the findings were presented and it was concluded that Bikram Yoga had the ability to assist in the recovery of internal tissue.  The explanation given was that the positions practised by Bikram Yoga replenish cells and assist in the lymphatic system flushing toxins from the body.  In addition to the toxin drain the cells are assisted by higher oxygen flows during and after exercise. Bikram Yoga is typically done in a heated room, and the heat is believed to increase flexibility and improve circulation.

Bikram showed that to get the best benefits from the exercise a healthy and well balanced body was important.  Where the body is weak Bikram Yoga will have less affect in the healing process, which relies on correct balance and circulation. 

Bikram demonstrated 26 exercises and recommended a regime, which was to be practised every single day in order to best treat the body.  Each posture exercise was developed based on a background of both Eastern and Western Yoga disciplines.  They all focus on the movement and pressure on muscles, nerves, ligaments glands and organs.  The exercises are meant to be performed together and in sequence, because they are all inter-related to each other.

Bikram Yoga is low impact and can be performed by people of all different ages.  The important component is the discipline required to perform the posture exercises every day for maximum benefit.

Related Articles on Bikram Yoga:

• Bikram Yoga: The Experience (disrespectno.wordpress.com)
• Guide to Different Yoga Styles - Part 2 (nhlnewfunwaystoexercise.blogspot.com)
• Can Bikram Yoga Heal the Body? (myfoxny.com)
• Bikram Yoga - What It Is, and Why You Should Give It a Try (yogafitness51.wordpress.com)

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