What is Bikram Yoga?
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Bikram Yoga is a demanding series of 26 postures (asanas) and two breathing exercises (pranayamas), which are suitable for all ages and levels of ability.
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Each posture stretches and strengthens specific muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture.
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The Bikram method also stimulates the organs, glands and nerves, moving fresh oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.
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Bikram yoga is done in a heated room to warm your muscles, prevent injury and allow for a deeper workout.
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Bikram scientifically designed this 90-minute program to deliver total health through the balancing and strengthening of every system in the body, prevent illness and injury, promote weight loss, and limit the effects of aging.
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In addition, the series of postures combines skills of concentration, patience, determination and self-control, which increase mental clarity and reduce stress.
The Uniqueness of Bikram yoga
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The room is heated to enable muscles and connective tissues to stretch, prevent injuries, and flush fresh oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.
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All classes are 90 minutes long and are suitable for beginners and advanced students alike.
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Each posture is completed twice. The first set warms you up, while the second set enables you to work deeper.
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Between each set and posture, a 20-seconds rest (savasana) is taken, allowing complete relaxation while the fresh oxygenated blood moves to all parts of the body.
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Mirrors are used to observe the body objectively, improving body awareness and refining body alignment. The constant eye contact reinforces the process as an open eye meditation.
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The teacher provides constant dialogue with precise instructions. This teaches each student to listen, keeps the class moving together and quiets the mind to maintain stillness
About Bikram Choudhury
Bikram Choudhury began learning Hatha Yoga in his native India at the age of four with his guru Bishnu Ghosh. At the age of 13 he was the youngest ever national Yoga champion of India, holding the title three consecutive years.
Bikram went on to pursue a career in weightlifting, until the age of 17 when a weightlifting accident crushed his knee, severely crippling him. With the help of his guru Bishnu Ghosh, Bikram created a yoga system to restore health and wellbeing. Bikram then spent three years working with western doctors and scientists at Tokyo University Hospital perfecting his comprehensive system of 26 postures suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
Bikram arrived in the United States in 1973 at the invitation of President Nixon. Since that time he has been teaching thousands of students at his school in Los Angeles and traveling the world extensively, bringing the benefits of Bikram Yoga to millions of students worldwide.
