What is Bikram Yoga?

Bikram yoga is frequently misunderstood as only a fancier version of hot yoga. While Bikram is unquestionably hot, there are important distinctions between the two kinds of yoga. The word “Bikram” comes from the name of the practice’s creator, Bikram Choudhury, who founded it in the 1940s after claiming that it magically healed his wounded knee.

Bikram yoga is practised for the same purpose today. Warming up the muscles with extreme heat is utilised to avoid injury and deepen each pose. Bikram yogis execute a series of 26 postures for 90 minutes at 105°F heat with 40% humidity, whereas hot yoga sessions are often practised in temperatures closer to 95°F and focus more on flows. While this may appear to be a strenuous workout, Bikram yoga is a cleansing practice that improves strength, flexibility, and mental and physical discipline.

Be respectful of the fact that Bikram yoga is a rigorous discipline in which socialising is frowned upon. Finally, remember to take pauses. If you are dizzy, lightheaded, or have trouble breathing, take small sips of water and go into the child’s pose. Instead of being judgmental, your instructor will be grateful that you are listening to your body rather than injuring yourself.

Benefits of Bikram Yoga:

• Increases strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.
• Prevents chronic illnesses and injuries.
• Helps in weight loss and toning.
• Improves posture.
• A strong sense of well-being, good health, and a calm mind.
• It teaches you how to breathe properly and fully.
• Maintains a youthful appearance by improving skin tone through oxygenation and cleaning.
• Every system of the body is involved, including the circulatory, neurological, lymphatic, endocrine, immunological, digestive, reproductive, muscular, and skeletal systems.
• Reduces stress.
• Improves heart and lung capacity.
• Greater spine flexibility in its full range of motion allows the central nervous system to function at its best, resulting in increased energy levels.
• Eliminates back pain too.
• Memory, learning, coordination, and balance are all improved by integrating the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
• By keeping your mind in a focused meditative state, you can increase your mental strength.

Bikram yoga, like any other yoga practice, works wonders for mental wellness. You’ll need a lot of concentration in class to focus on each pose, movement, and breath. Because Bikram yoga emphasises silence and meditative thinking, it’s a great way to get inside your head and learn about your thought patterns.