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The Hot to Trot Style of Bikram Yoga

Talk about sweating your yogis off. Hot is more than just an adjective when describing Bikram yoga. This particular variation of hatha yoga was developed, and later patented by the renowned Gumby Bikram Choudhury in the late 70’s.

A well known student of yoga since childhood, Choudhury studied for years under world famous Bishnu Ghosh. After an accident that doctors said had crippled him for life, Bikram headed back to his mentor’s school and experienced for himself the healing powers of yoga. Shortly after, he collated twenty-six positions into his Bikram yoga technique.

How Do you Do that Voodoo that you Do so Well?

As stated, Bikram yoga is made up of twenty-six asana postures and two breathing exercises. The room is heated to a steamy 105 F and forty percent humidity. Add a few butterflies, a tree frog, and a cannibal and you will feel like you are in the Amazon. Unlike other yoga classes and techniques, Bikram yoga is rigid in its routine. Neither the accompanying dialogue read during class nor the positions change.

There is also employed what Choudhury calls “the tourniquet effect” to the body during the ninety minute sessions. You are moving and bending in a way that constricts the blood flow, creating pressure. When you unwind and the pressure is released, blood goes coursing through the veins and arteries like race horses out of a starting gate. A feeling of rejuvenation is the after effect.

Because of the extreme temperatures in which you are practicing Bikram yoga, it is highly suggested you drink nine or more glasses of water every day you work out. This help keep the body cool and hydrated. It is normal to feel somewhat dizzy and nauseous during your first and second class. Your body has to adjust to the heat, and to the stretches you are going through. Bring water and a wet cloth with you to class, along with a towel to pat yourself off. Dress light; tee shirts tend to be too bulky.

Shorts and an exercise bra are recommended for women, and just shorts for men. If you are not ready to bare your midriff and chest, a tank top is fine as long as it is lightweight. Do not eat anything from one to three hours before you workout. Aches, stiffness, and that general yucky feeling should pass after a few sessions. Your body is cleansing itself, so you will be experiencing the effects. If you are hypo or hyperglycemic or diabetic, please consult your physician before beginning any type of exercise regimen.

You can find plenty of helpful information, and class locations for Bikram yoga online. Your local fitness center may also be able to point you in the right direction.