The Demanding Intensity of Bikram Yoga - Hot Yoga

What is Bikram Yoga?

Living yoga master Bikram Choudhury is a Hot Yoga innovator. His method of Hot Yoga is a set series of 26 yoga poses, including two pranayama exercises, each of which is performed twice in a single 90 minute class. Choudhury, who was born in Calcutta, India in 1946, founded the Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills in 1974.

Bikram yoga consists of 26 postures and 22 breathing exercises. The movements stretch every part of the body including joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It was developed in California and then brought to Los Angeles, and this then gave it the nickname of ‘hot yoga’ as the postures were performed in a minimum temperature of 40 degrees.

Recently, Choudhury was involved in a lawsuit over his attempt to copyright his series of 26 poses done in a hot room. At the heart of the controversy is Choudhury's desire to prevent anyone teaching yoga in a heated room from calling their class "Bikram Yoga." He would like to reserve this title only for those teachers who are certified by his Yoga College of India and who stick to his prescribed method exactly (including not only the temperature of the room and order of poses, but also the carpet and mirrors in the room, and his approved text).

It is fair to say that Bikram yoga differs to the other styles in that it is probably the most demanding and intense style of hatha yoga, however the benefits of studying this style are great. The heat ensures that the body is warmer and more flexible even at the start of the class; this is beneficial as there is less chance of injuries such as pulled muscles. As the body is more flexible, the stretches become more pronounced and so the rewards are greater.

Understandably, when students perform demanding postures in a hot environment, it would be very easy to become dehydrated so it is necessary for students to drink copious amounts of water before and after the session to prevent this from occurring.

What is Hot Yoga?

Hot Yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees. As you can imagine, a vigorous yoga session at this temperature promotes profuse sweating which rids the body of toxins. It also makes the body very warm, and therefore more flexible.

Bikram yoga is considered to help correct and improve sleep patterns, promote better digestion, improve cardiovascular functions and metabolism, so it is no wonder that there are dedicated followers to this style.

Having a qualified Bikram yoga teacher on hand to guide and to encourage is always beneficial. As with any other form of yoga, ensuring that the postures are correct is vital. In a class there is usually a mirror so that students can self-correct and perhaps it can be said that correct alignment is more important than reaching advanced positions.

Other benefits include a feeling of walking tall, improved posture, clarity of mind and increased confidence. Attending a class several times a week and then supporting this with yoga practice at home, will enable the student’s progress to be vastly accelerated.

The sequence of movements in Bikram yoga tend to flow and are perfectly balanced to compliment each other, it is then finished with a cleansing and energizing breath called Kapalbhati

The breath is very important in any yoga style but an important tip is to breathe through any difficult postures and learning to recognize negative thoughts, which may also impact your yoga session. The mind can sometimes tighten up at the thought of a difficult or less favorite posture, so by recognizing that this happens and using the breath, the mind can be controlled and the body will then open up to the demands of the posture.

Bikram yoga adds additional dimensions to a usual yoga practice and the feeling is much more intense than in any other style. Some people find the heat and the intensity a problem but others revel in the style and their progress may be much greater than within a usual class and there is always a new challenge for them to strive towards.

Hot Yoga Tips and Cautions

It is essential to have your own yoga mat and towel when doing Hot Yoga since you will be sweating so much. Students tend to wear very little clothing for the same reason.

Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after class so you don't get dehydrated. It is not advisable to eat during the two hours before class.

If you want to try Bikram's method, make sure the Hot Yoga studio you choose has been certified to teach Bikram Yoga.

Hot Yoga is not advised for pregnant women, since it can raise the core body temperature.
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Featured Model - Fern

Featured Model - Fern

I was actually born in Taipei, my father was in the Army. I pretty much grew up in Georgia living in Atlanta and Columbus, and spending summers in Hilton Head SC with my grandparents. I attended a private school where I was a cheerleader and was on the track team running the mile. After I graduated from High School I attended Auburn University where I actually started weight training and a little modeling; doing some swimsuit contests and commercial work. After my graduation from Auburn University with a degree in Business Management, I really started getting into fitness contests and modeling. I also got a REAL job working as a Business Analyst.



Fern's Biography

Hi just wanted to tell you all a little about myself. I was actually born in Taipei, my father was in the Army. I pretty much grew up in Georgia living in Atlanta and Columbus, and spending summers in Hilton Head SC with my grandparents. I attended a private school where I was a cheerleader and was on the track team running the mile. After I graduated from High School I attended Auburn University where I actually started weight training and a little modeling; doing some swimsuit contests and commercial work. After my graduation from Auburn University with a degree in Business Management, I really started getting into fitness contests and modeling. I also got a REAL job working as a Business Analyst.

I have competed in several contests including the Hawaiian Tropic, Galaxy and several NPC shows. I also enjoy fitness spokesmodeling, working for companies like Met-Rx, Worldwide, AST and Ecplise. I also enjoy traveling. I have been all over the world, France, Japan, England, China and all over the US. I would have to say Hawaii is my favorite place to visit!

Fern's Achievements

Fitness experience:
2004 Jr. Nationals Figure Class C
2004 NPC Georgia State Bodybuilding Show - Pumpin Iron Pro Shop booth
2004 American Bodybuilding Supplement Spokesmodel
2004 GNC (Physical Magazine Model)
2003 Olympia IDS
2003 GNC Show of Strength - Pumpin Iron Booth
2003 Capital City Classic Figure 2nd place Tall class
2004 Labrada Fitness model
2004 Southern Angels Calander
2002 NPC American Classic Figure 3rd place
2002 Arnold Classic, worked the AST Booth
2002 NPC Georgia Bodybuilding Show Pumpin Iron Pro Shop Booth
2001 Arnold Classic, BOSS booth
2001 Olympia, AST booth
2001 NPC American Classic Fitness model
2001 NPC Georgia Bodybuilding Show, Pumpin Iron Pro Shop Booth
2001 Met-rx and Worldwide supplement model
1999 Galaxy Nova National Qualifier

Publications:
H20 Magazine July/August 2004
Atlanta Sports and Fitness April 2004
American Bodybuilding Promos 2003
IDS Promos 2003
Nutrition Express Catalog 2003
Body Talk Magazine January-March 2003, Cover Model
Cottonmouths Calendar 2002
Southern Charms 2002
Southeastern Bikini Team 2001-2002
Hawaiian Tropic Georgia State Finalist 2001
Night Moves Commercial 2001 and 2002
Cover Model BOSS Retail Catalog 2001
Planet Muscle Magazine Fall 2001
Muscle and Fitness November 2000
Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine January and February 2000
Oxygen May/June 2000
Planet Muscle Spring 2000
Cottage Kitchen Commercial 2000
Pumpin Iron Pro Shop Model 2001- 2003
Pump Magazine January/February 1999
Royal Crown Beverage Spokesmodel 1999
Budweiser Model 1998-2001
Pitts Model 1998
Golds Gym Commercial 1996
MTV 'The Grind' Spring 1996
Los Angeles SEO

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