Bikram yoga is a style of hot yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. It consists of a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, which are performed in a room heated to 105°F (40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%. The idea behind the heat is to warm the muscles and allow for a deeper stretch, as well as to flush out toxins through sweating. Each class is 90 minutes long and follows the same sequence of postures. It is known for its intensity and is not recommended for beginners or people with certain health conditions.
Bikram Yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%. The heat and humidity are intended to warm the muscles and allow for a deeper stretch, as well as to flush out toxins through sweating. Each class is 90 minutes long and follows a standard sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. The postures are designed to work the entire body, including the muscles, bones, and joints, as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Bikram Yoga is known for its intensity and is not recommended for beginners or people with certain health conditions, such as heart problems or high blood pressure. It is also not recommended for people who are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have certain injuries or medical conditions.
Bikram Choudhury developed Bikram Yoga in the 1970s, and it has since become popular worldwide. Bikram Yoga is taught by certified teachers who have completed a nine-week training program.
The postures are designed to work the entire body, including the muscles, bones, and joints, as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The postures are done in a specific sequence, and each class is 90 minutes long.
The 26 postures in Bikram Yoga are:
- Standing Deep Breathing
- Half Moon Pose
- Awkward Pose
- Eagle Pose
- Standing Head to Knee
- Standing Bow
- Balancing Stick
- Standing Separate Leg Stretching
- Triangle Pose
- Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee
- Tree Pose
- Toe Stand
- Dead Body Pose
- Wind Removing Pose
- Sit-up
- Cobra Pose
- Locust Pose
- Full Locust Pose
- Half Tortoise
- Camel Pose
- Rabbit Pose
- Head to Knee Pose
- Spine Strengthening
- Blowing in Firm
- Fixed Firm
- Half Tortoise (second time)
The two breathing exercises are:
- Kapalbhati
Kapalbhati is a type of pranayama, or yogic breathing technique, that is often used in yoga practice. The word “kapalbhati” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “kapal” meaning “skull” or “forehead” and “bhati” meaning “shining” or “illuminating.” The practice is said to improve the health of the skull and brain, and to make the practitioner’s face bright and shining.
The technique involves rapid and forceful exhalation followed by passive inhalation. The exhalation is done by contracting the abdominal muscles, which pushes the diaphragm up and expels the air. The inhalation is done passively, as the lungs fill with air automatically. The breath is typically timed with a steady rhythm, with one exhalation and one inhalation per second.
Kapalbhati is said to have many benefits such as improving digestion, reducing stress, and helping to detoxify the body. It is also said to balance the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. It is important to learn this technique under guidance of a trained yoga teacher, as it may be harmful if done incorrectly.
- Bhastrika
Bhastrika is a type of pranayama, or yogic breathing technique, that is often used in yoga practice. The word “bhastrika” comes from the Sanskrit word “bhastra” which means “bellows,” and it is often referred to as the “bellows breath.” The technique involves rapid and forceful inhalation and exhalation, with the breath being timed with a steady rhythm.
The technique is done by inhaling and exhaling deeply and rapidly through the nose. The diaphragm is used to forcefully push the breath in and out of the lungs. The breath is usually timed with a steady rhythm, with one inhalation and one exhalation per second. The practice can be done for a set number of rounds, or for a specific length of time.
Bhastrika is said to have many benefits such as increasing energy and vitality, improving lung capacity, reducing stress and anxiety, and helping to detoxify the body. It is also said to balance the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems. However, it’s important to learn this technique under guidance of a trained yoga teacher, as it may be harmful if done incorrectly.
It’s worth mentioning that Bikram Choudhury has been involved in multiple legal controversies and has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by multiple women. He has been sued multiple times and has been ordered to pay large settlements. Many studios have changed their name and no longer associated with him and his teachings. He is no longer able to teach or certify teachers in Bikram Yoga.