What Is Bikram “Hot” Yoga?

Bikram Yoga is yoga postures performed while in a room where the temperatures are higher than normal. It’s also known as ‘hot yoga’ and for that reason, should never be practiced by those expecting a child.

The purpose for the elevated temperatures is for the limbering of the entire the body. The humidity in the room reaches higher than normal levels. The purpose of the heat and humidity is so that the body can relax and the muscles will be supple and able to hold the poses easier. This serves as a warm up much like you would warm up the muscles before working out at the gym.

Throughout this style of yoga, users will go through a series of 26 poses and these poses will be done a total of two times through. Breathing is worked into the movements but is not considered to be the main goal as it is in other yoga positions. This is a yoga that requires users to go the distance and give the poses their all rather than engaging in a soft, gentle style.

In Bikram Yoga, you’ll learn to relax while toning both the outside and the inside of your body. The teachings of Bikram show practicers how to let go of the noise inside the head- noise like ëthis is too hard’ or negative self talk.

It teaches how to center one’s thoughts on the positive and to learn even when not in posture, how to regain the calm and refocus simply by breathing. It combines aspects of Hatha Yoga – particularly the meditation part-and makes it part of a life more filled with serenity.

There are many benefits to this style of yoga besides learning how to remain calm and centered so that the stress of life rolls right off your back without affecting the inner core. In an hour and a half, in a warm room, this yoga can show you how to gain control of your body, your emotions and your mental state.

Although it’s difficult at first, you’ll learn how to push yourself beyond what you thought you couldn’t do and you’ll learn to stand strong and secure in your beliefs. While it certainly won’t act like a magic pill and make all the irritations in your life go away, it can give you the stamina and the power to handle them.

Putting the body through a detoxification is another plus to learning how to do Bikram Yoga. As you purify your body, many positive changes will take place. You’ll see how to take your body that’s on the borderline of declining health due to being overweight or inactive, and bring about positive changes.

People who practice yoga have changed their lives from couch potatoes to getting back into the swing of life again. Physical changes aren’t the only changes either. Yoga gives users a ‘can do’ mentality that pours out into all areas of their lives.

All the best,
Patti