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What is Bikram Yoga and how does it differ from other types of yoga?
Bikram Yoga is a form of hot yoga that consists of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises that are practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury who, contrary to popular belief, did not learn this form during his time as a student at Cal Berkeley, but rather learned yoga in Calcutta in his native India. Bikram Yoga is a set sequence of postures and breathing exercises that are practiced in 105-degree heat, with a 40% humidity. Reverse more common 80-90 degree room temperatures and 45% humidity. This is what makes it “hot yoga”. The name, “Bikram” after Raj Bikram Choudhury, is a reference to the way in which the hot yoga studio he has founded looks.
“Raj” is an honorific term that means “Great”, and has no meaning in English by itself.
The name “Bikram” also refers to his teacher’s name: Bishnu Ghose (1895-1956). It is the rules of his teacher’s school the Bishnu Ghosh School of Yoga, that are maintained by the Bikram Yoga Association in West Hollywood.
“Bikram”, means “To hold, to maintain, to preserve”. In Sanskrit, Bikram means: (1) To Remain Straight As A Beam; (2) A Potent Herb; (3) To Cool or Refreshing. This refers to the postures and their proper alignment.
“Yoga” means “union, to join”, and describes the union of mind and body that is sought in Bikram Yoga.
What are the benefits of practicing Bikram Yoga regularly
While the health benefits of regular yoga practice are vast, many people practice Bikram Yoga for the specific benefits of the postures. By stretching and strengthening the muscles in each posture, Bikram Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility in each region of the body. This is especially beneficial for individuals who participate in high-impact sports, or who find that they have a lack of flexibility in their body. The heat and humidity also assist in improving circulation, which aids the body to become more relaxed. The heat is also believed to aid the removal of built up toxins from the muscles and tissues, as well as carry away excess fluid that can accumulate during exercise. This is why many individuals opt for a Bikram Yoga class in the hopes of improving their athletic performance, as well as helping to promote and maintain flexibility and mobility.
A strong focus on breathing is also a key component to each Bikram Yoga practice. The entire sequence of poses for the 90-minute class is practiced in the same order, at the same speed and with the same kind of breathing patterns. The goal is to have you breathe deep into your abdomen rather than your upper chest, which avoids overworking your heart. By breathing in this way, the body is able to relax, open up your chest and calmly move through the poses.
Additionally, Bikram Yoga incorporates a mantra into each class that is either recited or chanted before and after each posture.
How do I get started with Bikram Yoga in Park Slope, Brooklyn
While you can practice Bikram Yoga in a studio, many individuals enjoy practicing this form of yoga at home. This is beneficial for those who may not be able to make it to a class at the appointed time or day. However, it is important that anyone interested in practicing at home has certain safety precautions and proper equipment for the exercises. First, in order to enjoy the full benefits of Bikram Yoga, it is necessary to invest in several pieces of equipment: a yoga mat, a heat pad, a fan, a water bottle, towels and the instructor’s book.
The first step towards having an enjoyable home practice is to make sure that these items have been cleaned and dried. Cleaning them, and especially drying them, will make all the difference in the world. This way, the equipment will be ready for use any time of day.
What should I expect during my first class at a Bikram Yoga studio
Bikram Yoga is a dynamic form of yoga that requires a lot of flexibility in the poses. While it may appear difficult at first, many practitioners find that over time their bodies become increasingly flexible as they practice more poses and practice regularly. It is important to remember that the first time you practice Bikram Yoga is like working out for the first time. You will be sore after your first few classes, but this is a good thing as it means your body is becoming stronger and more flexible with every session.
What to expect from your first class
A Bikram Yoga studio is like any other yoga studio. It looks very similar to the studio that you may have experienced before, but it has a few unique features which will be described below. The studio staff will greet you warmly, and shake your hand as they introduce themselves. You may notice the temperature of the room is quite warm compared to what you are used to. This is one of the unique aspects of Bikram Yoga and is one of the things that makes it feel so invigorating.
What are some common mistakes people make when starting out with Bikram Yoga
While there is a lot of hype around Bikram Yoga, many people are misinformed as to what they should expect when starting out with this form of yoga. Some individuals find that they are unable to follow along easily during the first few classes due to the fact that the class moves quickly through each pose. This can be overwhelming for many first time practitioners and can make them feel uncomfortable. It is important that everyone in a class has the same understanding of the poses and how to perform them. While the heat can be overwhelming, it is important that you continue to participate in your first few sessions for this reason. As well, when you first start practicing Bikram Yoga, it is often beneficial to practice with a small number of like-minded individuals than to attempt to go solo at home. This will allow you to understand the poses and how to pose correctly from a teacher’s perspective.
REMEMBER: There is no shame in asking for assistance with your practice. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular pose, you can ask a more experienced practitioner to help guide you through the pose or modify it in order for you to achieve the desired results. Remember, Bikram Yoga is not about perfection; it’s about getting poses right and achieving what feels right for your body that day.
