Bikram yoga, a practice at a temperature of 40°C

Bikram yoga is 90 minutes, 26 asanas, 2 breathing exercises and a temperature of 40°C.

Bikram is one of the most famous contemporary yogas . Inspired by Hatha, Bikram Choudhury, its founder, wanted to revolutionize the discipline of yoga by practicing this art in a room heated to 40°C with 40% humidity. It is a real sport, because no less than 26 postures are held for only 1 minute at a sustained pace. An optimal solution to strengthen your muscles, but also lose weight while relaxing. Expect to sweat!

What is the origin of Bikram?

Bikram yoga was invented by Bikram Choudhury, born in Calcutta (India) in 1946. He began practicing yoga at the age of 4, thanks to his master Bishnu Gosh. However, he was the victim of an accident that left him paralyzed in the legs. But this event did not hinder his practice. On the contrary, he was able to observe physical and mental benefits. Bikram yoga was born inspired by Hatha yoga. It was in 1973 that Bikram opened his yoga school in the United States. Nowadays, you can find no less than 600 bikram yoga centers, all continents combined.

The originality of the principle of Bikram yoga

Bikram , also called hot yoga , is a contemporary practice inspired by Hatha yoga. A session lasts 90 minutes in which you find 26 postures repeated twice always in the same order. The asanas are reproduced at a sustained pace, because you stay in the same position for only 1 minute. Bikram postures aim to activate each part of your body. You will also find 2 breathing exercises performed once. The first breathing exercise, called Pranayama, is performed at the start of the class. The other, called kapalabhati, is performed at the end of the session in order to purify your body.

The great particularity of bikram yoga is that it is practiced in a room heated to 40°C with a humidity of 40%. Why? Quite simply because the heat allows the improvement of flexibility, elasticity of muscles and joints and the elimination of toxins. Our advice, remember to hydrate yourself well before and throughout the bikram class .

The conditions for practicing bikram are difficult to tolerate, so this discipline is not for everyone. Indeed, the high temperature can lead to dehydration and an increase in heart rate. Do not practice this contemporary yoga if you have breathing problems and tension. However, bikram is recommended for those of you who want to be in good physical condition, lose weight and/or be more zen.

What equipment is needed to practice Bikram yoga?

A Bikram class requires very little equipment:

The benefits of bikram yoga

This hot yoga provides many benefits, particularly for the body, but also the mind:

  • Reduces stress-related sleep disorders,
  • Reduces stress,
  • Brings well-being,
  • Strengthens your balance, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints,
  • Reduces joint pain,
  • Limits the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, because this discipline reduces the heart rate and hypertension,
  • Helps to lose weight.

Example of a Bikram class

If you want to discover a bikram session , yoga for weight loss , go to the video .

*Would you like to know more about Hatha yoga? The article '' Hatha Yoga, the origin of all yogas? '' is waiting for you.

January 08, 2019 — Patricia Nagelmackers
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