25 August 2008

4 Facts to Know Before Joining Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga is aimed towards overall wellness and offers numerous benefits, it is practiced in a heated environment, beginners may experience certain side effects, and it is commonly regarded as the most intensive form of yoga.

Bikram Yoga is a yoga system synthesized from the traditional techniques of yoga. More commonly called hot yoga, Bikram Yoga was popularized in the early 1970’s. It was founded by Bikram Choudhury who has been actively enforcing copyright claims on most of the features and techniques of Bikram Yoga. There are many physical and psychological benefits to practicing Bikram yoga that are enough to entice many people into participating in Bikram Yoga classes. But before you join a bikram yoga San Francisco program or practice this type of yoga elsewhere, you should know a few important facts about it.

It is aimed towards overall wellness and offers numerous benefits

Bikram Yoga promotes balance and proper functioning of all the different systems of the body like the nervous system, respiratory system and muscular system. Practicing Bikram Yoga reaps numerous physical benefits such as reshaping the body and promoting weight loss; toning and restoring health to muscles; improving blood circulation, flexibility, energy level and endurance; decreasing the risks of sports injuries; strengthening the spine; and providing relief from pain, stress and different anxieties. To add to all the physical benefits of this type of Yoga, one can also expect spiritual and mental effects such as a clearer and calmer mind and soul.

It is practiced in a heated environment

The distinctive practice environment of Bikram Yoga is a heated room with temperatures ranging from 32 to 45 degrees Celsius and with humidity of about 40%. The sweltering room condition facilitates the achievement of different benefits that this type of yoga aims for. It stimulates good blood circulation, relieves stress and tension and detoxifies the body. However, there is certain controversy on this yoga practice’s choice of setting and whether it is safe to conduct strenuous exercises in this type of environment.

Beginners may experience certain side effects

Symptoms like dizziness, lack of energy, nausea, body sores, disorientation and cramps are quite common for first timers and beginners. These side effects are normal, and most of them may be attributed to the sweltering practice environment which causes the body to lose a substantial amount of water and energy. On the other hand, the different side effects may be remedied or prevented by taking certain precautions and preparations such as wearing lightweight and fitted clothing, drinking plenty of water prior to and after the exercise, taking potassium tablets for the purpose of easily retaining the water you drink, resting before the yoga class, eating a light and healthy meal and avoiding processed foods and caffeinated drinks, as these might impair the body’s normal ability to withstand the heat.

It is commonly regarded as the most intensive form of yoga

Bikram Yoga involves a total of 2 breathing exercises and 26 postures and each class spans 90 minutes. To add to Bikram Yoga’s demands for focus and discipline, the exercises are performed in a heated environment which adds to the overall challenge of this activity.

Bikram Yoga, like the other types of Yoga, requires dedication and discipline in order for participants to achieve the best results.

No comments:

Post a Comment