Why Bikram Yoga is So Hot

Many people have exclaimed how yoga has changed their outlook on life. The quotes by Madonna alone could fill a book! But within the many types of yoga, Bikram yoga stands out as being a particularly "hot," body-bending experience!

Bikram yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury and is commonly also known as "hot yoga." It's easy to understand why - it's supposed to be practiced in a 105 degree room with 50 percent humidity! In actual practice, many classes lower this a few degrees and most don't have the humidity controls to assure the proper level. However, even with these variations, the intent of Bikram yoga can be achieved. The dual purposes are an increase in bodily strength and flexibility, and a move towards closer union of the physical and spiritual selves.

Bikram yoga is made up of 26 asanas, or postures, and 2 breathing exercises. The word "asana" translates to "seat" in English, and refers to the relationship between an individual's spirit and God. Do not begin your Bikram practice with a full stomach, but do drink a glass of water. The workout is usually started from a meditation posture. While performing the 26 asanas, breathe through your nose, not your mouth. Breathe slowly and naturally, but don't force the breathing. You are consciously releasing all the tension in your muscles as you do the asanas. The eventually lead you back to a sitting meditation posture.

So why the heat? First of all, the heat and humidity makes you sweat, and sweating removes toxins from the body. Secondly, doing the asanas in a room heated near or above body temperature allows the muscles to relax and achieve postures you never thought they could. You can get deeper into a posture. And best of all, the heat actually prevents injuries and minimizes the aches you feel after any new exercise program.

Yoga is seen by most as a way to achieve balance between the body, mind and spirit. It helps us towards optimum health and rids our lives of stress. Bikram yoga addresses all these factors, and is an excellent way for those not in the best physical shape to begin. Many Bikram yoga classes are geared specially to seniors who may have lost some of the flexibility they enjoyed when younger. They are always amazed at what they can do again while in that heated Bikram yoga environment.

Some common benefits noticed by Bikram yoga students are the ability to relax at will, an improvement in physical balance, strengthening of the back, a flatter and more toned abdomen, and improved digestion. If you have poor circulation, pay particular attention to the inverted poses, as these will help with that condition.

Always go through the whole program, remembering to breathe slowly through your nose. There is no need to hurry or stress. Do what you can and don't push yourself to the point of pain. That is not necessary. "No pain, no gain" is the cruelest lie foisted on the exercising public. Feeling pain is a sign of danger. Stop what you're doing immediately and take it a couple steps back. The workout is designed to end with relaxation. You'll be ready to go meet the world afresh!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Yoga Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell