Hot Yoga
The History of Bikram and Hot Yoga
Yoga as a practice has been around for centuries. As humans naturally do, and as is intended by the practice of yoga, we make things our own. We mold them to fit our needs both physically, mentally and emotionally. In the 1970’s a man by the name of Bikram Choudhury took the Hatha yoga postures that he’d been taught and synthesized the movements into 26 postures. These postures or asanas are copyrighted and called Bikram or hot yoga. He also copyrighted two breathing techniques or pranayama that are part of the practice.
The Hot Yoga Difference
In addition to having 26 unique poses, hot yoga has some other special qualifications. For one, it’s hot. The ideal room temperature for a hot yoga session is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. This is to motivate sweating and detoxification.
The traditional hot yoga class is also not something you can squeeze in on your lunch break, it’s 90 minutes long.
Why choose hot yoga over another style of yoga? The postures and breathing exercises combined are designed specifically and systematically stimulate and restore health to every muscle, joint, and organ of the body. The heat helps your muscles stretch and strengthen.
The breathing exercises are designed to overcome our innate nature to only use about 50% of our lung’s capacity. So Bikram or hot yoga becomes a practice that improves flexibility, strength and cardiovascular fitness.
And if you’ve ever worked out for 90 minutes straight, you know you’re going to be burning calories and fat.
Hot Yoga Equipment
Hot yoga is actually quite simple. The only thing you need to bring is a yoga mat and many yoga studios sell them or let you borrow or rent one. However, you may also want to bring a bottle of water so you stay hydrated during a hot yoga session. And you’ll want to wear lose fitting and comfortable clothing. Jeans and a wool sweater are not advised for a hot yoga session!
What to Expect from Your First Class
Because of the heat, it generally takes several classes or sessions before you become acclimated. It’s normal to feel dizzy and lightheaded. It’s important to not eat for an hour or two before a class and to make sure you go into the class well hydrated. Guaranteed, class will be strenuous but fans of Bikram yoga say that with time, dedication and focus Bikram yoga offers total body and health improvements.
Bikram yoga is not without controversy.
Many people question the validity of adding such extreme heat to exercise and warn that it may be dangerous. Additionally, there are Bikram yoga competitions which tends to ruffle the feathers of many yoga practitioners and educators. Yoga is generally thought of as a unifying experience not a competition.
Regardless of the controversy, if you’re looking to try a new form of yoga or would like to experience the benefits hot yoga promises, then it’s definitely worth checking out a class. The commitment is low because you only need a yoga mat and you may find it’s the perfect workout combining, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular exercise in one.