Bengal Tiger Strength and British Bulldog Determination
Bikram Yoga is an efficient exercise regime that combines body, mind and spirit to reach a simple task- optimal health. It raises the practitioner to their highest self by increasing their awareness of body, mind and spirit. Bikram yoga caters to all levels in one class- there’s no need to get your feet behind your head or be able to invert yourself into a handstands. This yoga is about getting your body to move while building on your personal strength, flexibility and balance.
Is Bikram Yoga a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?
You will find Bikram Yoga the perfect challenge to your fitness level and getting your heart rate up. Each posture combines flexibility, strength and balance to work your whole body from your bones to your skin. With persistence, patience, and dedication, you can improve your overall body shape and fitness. You can expect to lose weight over time based on your practice but remember you will also be building some muscle mass, so expect to see an overall bodyshape change.
How many times a week should I practice?
For a start, get in as many classes into your 31 Day Intro pass as possible to find different teachers, times slots and class sizes you like. Some people will find benefit from 2-3 times a week, while others feel better at 5 times a week; a nice consistent practice is what you are looking for. The more you’re able to come, the more benefits you will receive- if you are persistent you will get it, if you are consistent you will keep it!
Is Bikram Yoga a religion?
No, Bikram Yoga is hatha yoga. Yoga is a way of life, rather than a belief or religion. Basically, hatha yoga consists of mostly asanas (poses or postures) and is understood as physical exercise. Yoga’s combined focus on mindfulness, breathing and physical movements brings health benefits with regular participation. Yoga participants report better sleep, increased energy levels and muscle tone, relief from muscle pain and stiffness, improved circulation and overall better general health.
Improved Spinal Integrity and Nervous System Function
By moving the body and thus the spine into all ranges of motion, the student actively opens the joints of the spinal column and strengthens the supportive muscle groups around the spinal column.
This ensures optimal spinal joint function and minimal interference to nerve pathways between the brain and the body.
How does Bikram Yoga Heal from Injury and Disease?
There are certainly tremendous restorative benefits from the practice of any style of yoga, as the student combines conscious breathing with particular movements that stretch, strengthen and stimulate all body systems: cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, excretory, immune, integumentary, reproductive, respiratory, nervous and musculoskeletal.
The heated environment, however, achieves these positive changes more quickly for the student conducting a regular practice. The Bikram yoga practice beautifully compliments other styles of yoga and exercise the student may perform and may also compliment any type of body work, such as chiropractic, that the student may be receiving.
Safer and Easier Stretching and Opening of Musculoskeletal Structures
The core temperature of the body may rise safely by about .5 to 1.0 degree and the superficial soft tissue structures, including the fascia, ligaments, muscles and tendons will warm up quickly and allow the student to move further, more comfortably and more safely in all directions than while exercising in a cooler environment.
Will I be Detoxing with this yoga and all this sweat?
Very shortly after a class begins, the student will begin sweating as the skin, the largest eliminative organ of the body, begins a cleansing detoxification. Students are encouraged to hydrate before class, are allowed to drink water during class and are reminded to re-hydrate after class.
A student’s daily intake of water often increases dramatically when they begin Bikram Yoga and this has a healthy flushing and cleansing effect on the body.
