| Bikram Yoga, also known as "hot yoga" was created | | | | because of the beneficial energizing qualities and |
| by Bikram Choudhury. He began to practice yoga | | | | natural body cleansing capabilities they provide. |
| when he was only three years old and later went on | | | | The heat that is incorporated into the Bikram routine is |
| to become a master Yogi. A renowned physical | | | | necessary in order to increase the body's flexibility. It |
| culturalist, Bishnu Ghosh studied with him for years and | | | | makes the exercise more effective and the difficult |
| together they developed this particularly challenging set | | | | postures easier to achieve. Many of the Bikram poses |
| of stretches and poses. | | | | are extremely challenging. You will find that as you |
| Anyone can practice Bikram yoga. If you are a | | | | heat up during the session, you will become more |
| beginner, however, it is important to work with an | | | | capable of comfortably entering into the postures. This |
| instructor who has been trained on the postures. You | | | | allows you to benefit more and it also reduces your |
| will find that Bikram yoga is now being incorporated | | | | risk of injury. |
| into the programs of more and more yoga studios | | | | Your pores will readily expand because of the |
| across the country. Many upscale health clubs offer it | | | | increased sweat experienced during your session. This |
| as well. | | | | provides a natural body cleanse as you sweat out |
| There are many types of yoga. Bikram, however, | | | | toxins. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you. |
| stands out in front of them. Its practice is not unlike | | | | However, it is important to sip it slowly and not chug it |
| other yoga types when it comes to the postures and | | | | down. When your body is heated to the temperatures |
| poses. However, there is one element that makes it | | | | that you will experience during class, attempting to |
| very different. The room in which Bikram is practiced is | | | | re-hydrate quickly may cause nausea. |
| typically heated at temperatures ranging between 90 | | | | Bikram is more than merely stretching exercises for |
| and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. | | | | the muscles. It also massages your internal organs. It |
| There are 26 poses that comprise the 90 minute | | | | will strengthen your glands as it lubricates them. You |
| schedule. Each pose is performed twice during the | | | | will experience an improvement in your nervous |
| session. There are standing postures that kick off the | | | | system as well. Your joints, muscles and ligaments all |
| program. You then move into backbends. Finally, you | | | | benefit from the workout. |
| finish up with twists and forward bends. | | | | Many who try Bikram yoga report feeling euphoric at |
| Kapalabhati breath techniques, also called breath of | | | | the conclusion of the program. It is a revitalizing and |
| fire, are employed as you work through the postures. | | | | energizing program that provides natural cleansing to |
| These advanced breathing techniques are used | | | | your body and your spirit. |