Feel The Burn At A Bikram Yoga Studio

The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj” or “to yoke” which refers to the union of the individual’s soul (Atman) with the universal, or collective soul (Brahman). Yoga is one of six classic Hindu philosophy systems with roots dating back more than 5,000 years.

Bikram Choudhury, the world-renowned creator of the Bikram Yoga Studio phenomenon, began his journey by practicing Hatha Yoga in his native India at the age of three, and quickly became a champion. At the age of 17, he was crippled by a weightlifting knee injury; Bikram trained with his former teacher, and six-months later his knee had completely recovered. Recognizing the power of the Bikram methodology, his teacher asked him to start several yoga school in India; he has now opened Bikram Yoga Studio locations around the world.

Holistic Heat in A Bikram Yoga Studio

Bikram yoga is a system of wellness, restoration and rejuvenation suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness training; Bikram Yoga is practiced by licensed instructors around the world; the typical 90-minute session consists of two challenging sets of the poses, designed by Bikram to systematically stimulate and restore health to every muscle, organ and joint of the body.

Bikram’s Yoga is also referred to as Hot Yoga, because the Bikram Yoga Studio is a controlled-heat environment usually maintained at 105 degrees Celsius; but the two terms are not interchangeable. Bikram Yoga was originated by Bikram, based on his series of 26 asanas performed in a heated room; Hot Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga performed in a heated room, but while providing many of the benefits, hot yoga is not taught according to Bikram’s exact philosophy or practice, and the instructors are not always trained in his methods.

The Benefits of Heat

A vigorous Bikram Yoga Studio workout session at its elevated temperature promotes fierce sweating, which has several benefits – it enhances flexibility by warming the body more quickly, it facilitates deeper stretching which helps prevent injury, it rids the body of toxins released during the poses, and it helps relieve stress and tension. Proponents of a hot yoga environment believe it extends the ability of the ligaments, tendons and muscles, increases the chance of a real weight loss as it develops muscle tone, and even helps build the immune system. There are related claims by some supporters of this practice that the hot yoga exercise reduces the symptoms of some chronic illnesses, such as thyroid disorders, arthritis and circulatory problems.

Other Environmental Features

Because the exertion in the warm studio induces a greater degree of sweating, it is mandatory when participating in these sessions to drink plenty of water before and after class, and avoid caffeinated beverages, to reduce the risks of dehydration. Many Bikram Yoga Studio locations provide lounge environments plentifully-stocked with a selection of pure spring waters, organic juices, and fresh fruits.

In any yoga practice, there are other factors which should be considered ‘environmental’ in their impact on the carefully-managed overall ambience within the Bikram Yoga Studio: for example, the choice of clothing options, yoga mats, and musical ambience.

The correct choice of comfortable and enabling clothing is an important element of the holistic environment; in hot yoga sessions, the rule often becomes one of less is more. Given the importance of allowing the skin to sweat freely during practice, much of the usual workout clothing styles are discarded; for the physically and spiritually-liberated students, participating in a nude hot yoga session can further enhance their workout experience, so long as the absence of clothing does not become a distraction.

The practice of yoga differs from many other forms of physical conditioning in that it requires no equipment, with the exception that your yoga mat is often considered to be such a component. Not only does your yoga mat provide a layer of cushioning and traction, it also visually defines the space in which your spiritual awakening can take flight. In the heated Bikram Yoga Studio environment, your mat takes on an even more important hygienic role, which suggests that you should invest in your own, stored at your studio, which you can clean as you desire.