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Bikram Yoga: Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Bikram Yoga?

While our system has many of the same poses, our classes are NOT Bikram yoga. Bikram yoga is the same exact 26 poses done in 98-105 degree taught with a specific dialogue for 90 minutes. Our classes will often have 40 or more poses, taught with dialogue in 85-90 degree heat for 60 minutes.

Is Bikram's Yoga challenging?

The Bikram's series is very challenging. While accessible to beginners, Bikram's Yoga requires that every student, no matter their level, make demands on him or herself. A Bikram's class requires tremendous concentration, careful listening to the teacher's precise instructions, patience, determination, trust, and discipline. As these are required of you, they also develop within you.

What is Bikram yoga?

Bikram yoga is a form of yoga invented and patented* by Bikram Choudry, a weight lifter and former yoga champion from India. It involves 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises done in a 105 degree room. Also known as "hot yoga," Bikram yoga is unique because it involves the hot room. It also has a reputation for being a very intense form of yoga. The practice of Bikram yoga should not vary from studio to studio: the instructor and studio must be Bikram certified. Read more here. ...
Bikram's yoga is a demanding set of 26 asanas, to be performed in a specific order to the best of one's ability. Bikram developed and perfected his method over several years, with his own expertise, guidance from his guru, and in consultation with Western medical doctors. Bikram's yoga is especially suited to curing the ailments brought about by the strains of life in the Western world.
Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class is a demanding series of 26 postures (asanas) and two breathing exercies (pranayamas) performed in a heated room.
Medical science has increasingly shown interest in yoga as a cure for chronic illness and an aid in body maintenance. Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class is an intelligently designed series of 26 postures that works out the entire body for 90 minutes from the inside out, from the macro to the micro level, using every system of the body. It stretches and strengthens every single muscle, ligament, and joint in the body. ...
Bikram’s beginning yoga class is a series of 26 demanding postures completed twice in a heated room for 90 minutes. Classes are suited for all ages and levels of ability. Each posture stretches and strengthens specific muscles, ligaments and joints stimulating the organs, glands and nerves to move fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. With regular practice, the Bikram Yoga system will improve health, increase energy, help prevent illness and injury and limit the effects of aging. ...

Is Bikram Yoga aerobic?

Yes. Any activity that raises the heart rate or is intended to improve the efficiency of the cardiovascular system in the absorption and transportation of oxygen is aerobic. During a typical 90 minute Bikram Yoga class your heart rate should reach it’s target exercise zone for at least 20-25 minutes, depending on your level of effort.
The word aerobic literally means "with oxygen" or "in the presence of oxygen, involving or improving oxygen consumption by the body. " Aerobic activity trains the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system to process and deliver oxygen more quickly and efficiently to every part of the body by elevating the heart rate during exercise to its target level. As the heart muscle becomes stronger and more efficient, a larger amount of blood can be pumped with each contraction. ...

Who practices Bikram Yoga?

This is one of the reasons I love Bikram Yoga…. it is truly yoga designed for everybody and anybody. Our teaching method encourages everyone to work to their own level of ability. Our students range in age from high school students to senior citizens, from physically fit to frail, from wet noodle flexibility to steel I-beam stiffness, from vegan to ominvore. There really is no typical Bikram Yoga practitioner and we strive to make everyone feel comfortable no matter their level of fitness or experience. ...

What are the benefits of Bikram yoga?

Stress reduction Weight loss Muscle tone Injury prevention Mental clarity Increases energy, vitality, flexibility, circulation Reduces the symptoms of many chronic diseases (i.e. arthritis, diabetes) Develop skills of concentration, determination, patience, self-control. Lock the knee!
Provides total body workout Helps heal sport (and other) injuries Improves posture Eases back pain Increases flexibility and strength Reduces stiffening of joints Boosts energy levels Detoxes and cleanses Relieves tension Relaxes the body and mind

Is Bikram Yoga hard?

Yoga can be challenging, both mentally and physically. Yoga is supposed to be a bit “difficult”. However, you will start slowly and go at your own pace, pushing yourself only when ready. You're in charge of taking care of yourself and knowing your limits. As you gain experience, you will find that you will want to challenge yourself, striving to perfect each of the poses. Also necessary will be careful listening to the teacher's dialogue (precise instructions), patience, determination, trust, and discipline. ...

How is Bikram Yoga practiced?

The yoga studio is maintained to consistently provide a 105 Degree temperature and 50% humidity. The heat and humidity allows individuals to safely stretch their muscles and experience detoxification.

What are the key benefits of Bikram Yoga?

Promotes weight loss – average person burns 350 to 600 calories per class Builds overall strength & flexibility Strengthens joints Reduces stress Increases energy Increases blood circulation & lowers blood pressure Detoxifies every system in your body Relieves back pain & helps cure chronic back problems Stimulates the immune system Contributes to mental strength and clarity
Builds overall strength & flexibility Strengthens joints Reduces stress Increases energy Increases blood circulation & lowers blood pressure Detoxifies every system in your body Relieves back pain & helps cure chronic back problems Stimulates the immune system Contributes to mental strength and clarity Promotes weight loss – average person burns 350 to 600 calories per class

Is Bikram Yoga an aerobic workout?

Yes, absolutely! The word aerobic literally means "with oxygen" or "in the presence of oxygen". Aerobic activity trains the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system to process and deliver oxygen more quickly and efficiently to every part of the body by elevating the heart rate during exercise to its target level. As the heart muscle becomes stronger and more efficient, a larger amount of blood can be pumped with each stroke. Fewer strokes are then required to rapidly transport oxygen to all parts of the body. ...

How does Bikram Yoga work?

Bikram Yoga works through the tourniquet effect: stretching, balancing (using gravity), and creating pressure all at the same time. The blood supply in arteries and veins is being cut off, creating pressure. When released, a lock gate effect is created, causing blood to rush through veins and arteries, flushing them out. Also, pressure is applied to the heart by its relative position to the rest of the body.

Does Bikram's Yoga build strength?

Yes, consistent practice of Bikram's Yoga helps build core strength and lean muscle tone. Unlike practices such as weight lifting, Bikram's Yoga lengthens and makes your muscle mass denser. Without using props, Bikram's Yoga helps your body find the perfect combination of strength, flexibility and balance.

What are the health benefits of Bikram's Yoga?

The therapeutic, curative, preventive, and overall health benefits of Bikram's system of Yoga are legendary. Since Bikram's 3 year Research Project with doctors at the Tokyo University Medical School (Japan, 1970-73), studying the effects of Yoga, countless people have practiced Bikram's Yoga to overcome chronic problems of all types. Click here for articles and testimonials. ...

WHO SHOULD DO BIKRAM YOGA?

Regardless of your fitness level, if you want to improve your health or simply feel good in your body, Bikram yoga is for you. The series is designed for beginners as well as experienced practitioners so previous knowledge of yoga is not a requirement. As you continue to do Bikram yoga and deepen your practice you will notice how it evolves, adapting to your new level and needs. Although every class may feel different, you will always leave balanced and refreshed. ...
Regardless of your fitness level, if you want to improve your health or simply feel good in your body, Bikram yoga is for you. The series is designed for beginners as well as experienced practitioners so previous knowledge of yoga is not a requirement. As you continue to do Bikram yoga and deepen your practice you will notice how it evolves, adapting to your new level and needs. Although every class may feel different, you will always leave balanced and refreshed.

Why is heat used in Bikram yoga?

Bikram yoga is based on the ancient form of hatha yoga and is performed in a heated room. The heat is used to allow for deeper and safer stretching. At first the heated room may seem intimidating, but after a few classes you will realize that you'll never want to exercise in any other environment.

What kinds of people do Bikram yoga?

I have seen the following kinds of people at the Bikram yoga studio: Normal, somewhat fit-looking adults who think Bikram yoga is a good thing. Not fit people who are trying to get fit or do good things for their bodies. People with injuries who are trying to recover. From the bios, it seems like this is how some of the instructors got into Bikram yoga. Athletes who want an alternative method of stretching. I've read about Olympic athletes who do Bikram yoga twice a week. ...

Does Bikram Yoga help with balancing emotions?

Bikram Yoga helps balance the emotions in several ways. Physioligically, regular practice harmonizes the nervous and endocrine system, two systems which figure heavily in emotional well being. In addition, practicing Bikram Yoga cultivates the mental faculties of faith, self-control, concentration, determination and patience. As we become more aware of our inner life, we notice how events, interactions and even the atmospheric pressure effect us. When we are aware, we can exercise choice in our response. ...
Bikram Yoga helps balance the emotions in several ways. Physiologically, regular practice harmonizes the nervous and endocrine systems, two systems which significantly impact upon emotional well-being. In addition, practicing Bikram Yoga cultivates the mental faculties of faith, self-control, concentration, determination and patience. As we become more aware of our inner life, we notice how events, interactions, and even the atmospheric pressure can effect us. When we are aware, we can exercise choice in our response. ...

What are the benefits of bikram yoga postures?

Download our free Benefit of Bikram Yoga info sheet containing a detailed description of each of the 26 postures - "The Benefits of Bikram Yoga"

Who Does Bikram Yoga?

People of any age and condition can do this yoga. Some acutely ill have been cured of chronic disease (including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic back pain, etc.) as a result of practicing Bikram's yoga. Many athletes including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and John McEnroe attribute lack of injuries and longevity in their sport to this yoga. Professionals say it gives them mental clarity and increased energy helping them to excel in their fields. ...

Is this Hot Yoga the same as Bikram Yoga?

Although you can draw similarities between all the different styles of yoga, this is not Bikram yoga.

What is the recommended room temperature for Bikram yoga?

The recommended temperature is minimum 105F degrees and about 40% humidity. The room is kept at this temperature or more for the following: * Keeping the body from overheating (contrary to popular misconception) * Protecting the muscles to allow for deeper stretching * Detoxing the body (open pores to let toxins out) * Thinning the blood to clear the circulatory system * Increasing heart rate ...
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