Imagine practicing yoga on the beach somewhere in Thailand or Bali. Imagine the tropical humidity and +40C degrees. If you’ve been to any tropical country, you have already experienced the perfect weather conditions for Bikram yoga. The heat and humidity are supposed to mimic the Indian climate.

You need to stop making excuses and try Bikram yoga! Don’t be afraid of 40-degrees heat and extensive stretching. Bikram yoga will definitely make you sweat, lose weight and improve your body’s strength.

Origins

This relatively new style of yoga was invented by Bikram Choudhury in the late 20th century. Choudhury has practiced different yoga techniques for six hours a day ever since he was a child. He started doing Hatha yoga at the age of four in Calcutta, India. He then participated in the National India Yoga Championship and won it three times in a row.

Choudhury suffered a serious knee injury at the age of 20 that led many European doctors to conclude that he would never regain full leg function. Choudhury didn’t want to give up; instead he proved them all wrong. He never stopped practicing yoga. It gave him a second chance and allowed him to walk again. After this experience Choudhury established his own yoga school and started spreading his technique around the world. He moved to the USA where he successfully presented his teachings.

What is it exactly?

Bikram yoga is a combination of Hatha yoga and other yoga techniques. Any Bikram yoga class lasts for 90 minutes. It provides you with a set of breathing exercises and 26 unique poses. The temperature should be kept at 40C degrees with 40% humidity. Exercising in a heated room is better for stretching as it will prevent your body from getting an injury. Many people who tried Bikram yoga noticed that deep stretching helped them improve their flexibility.

What to expect?

Expect to sweat and listen to your body. If you feel that you cannot perform a posture, lay down for a bit and relax. NoBikram Yoga Sweating need to force yourself beyond your abilities if you cannot make a proper stretch or reach your toes. You will feel more comfortable and have your best shot around class #4.

You’ll find it hard to do the postures in a heated room at the beginning of your course. Don’t worry, your body will adjust to the temperature of the room after several classes. Don’t forget to drink enough water before, during and after the class to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration may cause dizziness.

Preparing For Your Class

To begin with, you need to find some appropriate clothing. Your clothes should be light and breathable. Don’t be afraid to wear the smallest yoga clothes ever. Cotton pants may be good for Ashtanga yoga, however avoid wearing anything made of cotton for Bikram yoga. Natural fabrics will only hold your sweat and create some extra heat. You need to choose venting materials to prevent you from experiencing sticky sensations. Don’t forget to bring your own towel to wipe off the sweat.

Bikram yoga will teach you how to love your body and treat it with pride. Your age or weight is not important as you’re never too old or too late to try something new. Don’t dream of a perfect body, as no one is perfect. Try to fall in love with your own body instead. Your body is more flexible than you think it is – Bikram yoga will simply push you past your limits. It will improve your balance, flexibility, strength and mental health. Make no excuses, find the time in your busy schedule to experience this unique yoga technique.

It will invigorate and detoxify your body, clear your mind and heal your spirit.

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