Bikram Yoga: Yoga at 105 Degrees
Bikram Yoga is a variation of yoga that involves several postures. It’s unique because it is performed in conditions that maintain a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Want to learn more about this variation? In this article, we’ll go over everything that you need to know.
Can you imagine performing a series of yoga poses in a room that has a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit? In a nutshell, that’s what Bikram Yoga is all about. This style of yoga was founded by the controversial Bikram Choudhury.
People tend to confuse this with Hot Yoga when actually they’re different practices. While Hot Yoga poses can vary, Bikram Yoga follows a set routine.
The benefits of Bikram Yoga
The first thing that people want to know when they learn about this variation of yoga is about its benefits. In addition to enhancing vasodilation, which improves circulation and releases toxins through sweating, Bikram Yoga can offer the following:
1. Improves your flexibility
As with all yoga types, Bikram Yoga is a great way to strengthen your muscles. As a result, you’ll improve your strength, endurance, and posture.
What’s more, the room’s temperature makes your muscles warm up. The result is greater muscle flexibility to move in ways you may have never thought possible.
2. Helps you to lose weight
The heat increases the difficulty so your body will have to put more effort into each pose. Consequently, you burn more fat and calories.
Let’s be clear – it’s not sweating that makes you lose weight. Rather, it’s the calories you burn as a result of your workout.
3. Greater control of your body
Bikram Yoga requires a lot of concentration, as well as good control and mastery over your body. You’ll need to develop mental strength to face challenges. Also, you’ll have to get to know yourself to limit how much you ask of yourself and know when to stop as needed.
4. Contributes to your wellbeing
This activity helps reward your tremendous effort with a great sense of wellbeing. This is due to the release of endorphins, a hormone that appears when you perform a challenging exercise. It’s a great way to fight stress and release tension.
5. Strengthens your joints and bones
In addition to being beneficial for your muscles and flexibility, doing yoga at high temperatures can also enhance your bone health. As such, alongside preventing injuries and ailments, it may also reduce the effects of aging.
Is Bikram Yoga for everyone?
Though it’s recommended for those who want to lose weight by practicing yoga, it can be performed by anyone.
However, those with a low heat tolerance or who are prone to issues with dehydration should take some precautions before starting. For example, follow preventative medical measures. Also, take breaks to catch your breath and stay hydrated.
Still, some instructors don’t allow breaks. That’s why you should already be in shape to avoid any issues during these sessions.
It’s also not recommended for pregnant women or those with respiratory or circulatory problems. Also, minors and the elderly should avoid it.
Bikram Yoga: poses
Some of the poses that you’ll perform during a Bikram Yoga class include:
- Half Moon Pose
- Hand Under Foot Pose
- Eagle Pose
- Triangle Pose
- Tree Pose
- Bow Pose
- Balancing Bear Pose
- Camel Pose
- Corpse Pose
As we mentioned above, every session begins with breathing exercises. Then, you move on to standing poses, followed by balance poses, and finally, floor poses. All poses are performed twice.
Precautions
Due to the intensity of these exercises, we recommend taking a few precautions:
- Stay well hydrated and avoid eating heavy meals before sessions.
- Wear light and flexible clothing.
- Dry yourself off with a towel regularly; this way, you’ll prevent your clothes from feeling heavy.
- Don’t overexert your muscles, since it could lead to injury.
Those who practice Bikram Yoga claim that the heat enhances its benefits. It’s also recommended to practice it two to three times a week. If you’re a fan of pushing yourself and think you can handle it, don’t hesitate to try out a free class!
