When it comes to yoga, some like it hot: 100-105 degrees and 40-60% humidity, to be exact. Named after the yogi who started it, Bikram Choudhury has left a hot, stretchy legacy. To the inexperienced, one has to wonder why anyone in their right mind would take such an extremely challenging form of yoga. Yet after two classes, many find that they are hooked. Here's why.
Bikram benefits
Bikram yoga is designed to stimulate and strengthen every muscle, joint and organ in the body. Though the heat and humidity increase the intimidation and difficulty of Bikram, they also promote muscle relaxation and deeper stretching.
- Boosts immune system
- Promotes weight loss
- Eliminates toxins
- Improves balance and flexibility
- Increases lung capacity and core strength
- Greater spinal mobility
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves posture
- Strengthens joints, muscles, ligaments and bones.
Bikram versus other yoga
Besides the heat and minimalist attire, Bikram differs from other forms of yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Power) in several ways.
1) The class structure is always the same, 26 poses repeated twice, for a total sweaty stretch time of 90 minutes.
2) It burns about 30% more calories.
3) Greater lung expansion capacity, up tp 50%, 10-15% more than other forms of yoga.
What's not to love?
- Duration-For beginners, a 90 minute class can be a challenge, especially when you are in a really hot room with a lot of other profusely sweating people. However, instructors encourage students to lay on their mat at any point during the class if they need to rest.
- Lack of variety-Doing the same 26 poses every class may be boring for some people, although the repetitious format makes tracking one's progress from class to class more obvious.
- Heavy Sweating-This is a turn-off for some people. Just remember, everyone else in class is sweating bucket loads too.
Here in Santa Cruz, Bikram yoga has quite a following. The two Bikram yoga studios in Santa Cruz County, Village Yoga downtown and Bikram Yoga Aptos offer 74 classes weekly (40 and 34 respectively).
As with all exercise programs, it is recommended to get a physical exam before beginning. Once your health practitioner gives you the green light, Bikram can be a valuable part of a strength, flexibility and stress-reducing wellness program.
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