Bikram Yoga – An Unveiling and Short History
Monday, April 9th, 2012The Bikram yoga studios, established by Bikram Choudhury, are hot yoga schools, literally. By utilizing his knowledge with Indian culture and Hindu philosophy, he has made a portfolio containing various challenging postures that reach up to 26 and two breathing exercises. Importantly, these motions or also called asana, are all done in a heated room where it is kept at 40 degrees Celsius. The heat in the room is essential to the Bikram technique because it helps the body perspire and naturally cleanse itself of toxins.
Why It Was Made
The portfolio is made to enhance physical, mental and spiritual health, in spite the great deal of stress that comes with the busy modern life. For those who follow yoga, it is described as a system of meditation and spiritual learning that aims in gaining better control of the mind. For Choudhury and many others, it is mainly a framework for better health and happiness through exercise.
The Class
Students of all levels exercise together, working as deep and hard as their personal capacities (strength and flexibility) allows. Mixing the proficiency level of students increases class diversity. This adds to student interaction, promotes learning and fun. The instruction provided at the studio is a hot method (hot, as in temperature hot) because of the heated temperature in the classroom all year-round.
The Supplements
Most students choose to get their own personal mats (minimum thickness is 6mm). A lot of water bottles are brought too and most of which are about 1.5L or more, and of course a thick towel too. Classes take as long as 90 minutes. You might feel some dizziness, although this is normal for all students. By that time this happens to you, you are encourage to drink some water and take a little rest spell but of course you have to stay inside the heated room.
The Founder
The Hindu art was born in India and so was Choudhury. He even practiced the art himself at an early age three and because of that he became the youngest Indian Yoga champion. He was also great at weight lifting until a bad injury happened to his knee. Some even said that he had Olympic potential. Although it was a broken opportunity, he used it as a stepping stone in getting better at Yoga.
Brief History
There are, of course, many separate versions of the ancient art. These include Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Bhakti (the path of devotion), Karma (the path of action), Raja (the path of meditation) as well as Jnana (the path of knowledge). Although the Bikram hot method is an original portfolio of movements and stances, it is largely modeled on the Hatha version. All versions are ultimately based on ancient Hindu philosophies.
Even though Hindu philosophies have been practiced in India for quite a long time, the subcontinent and wider Asia, finds it as a relatively new discipline for western cultures. The Hindu philosophy was brought in the USA and Europe in the late 19th century which was the time when Swami Vivekananda traveled through those areas to explain the benefits of the technique.
Before learning yoga, check our site out for information on bikram yoga poses, and using yoga for anxiety.
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