Most athletes hope to sweat profusely and lose weight when
working out. Bikram Yoga may be a
quick way to accomplish both of those goals while improving overall health.
I was recently invited to participate in a standard 90-minute Bikram session. I agreed
with cautious curiosity.
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines mental,
physical and spiritual disciplines.
It consists of poses or postures designed to increase strength and
flexibility. Another crucial
element to Yoga is controlled breathing to relax the body and mind.
Bikram is a form of “hot Yoga” where postures are performed
in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity. Developed in the 1960s, Bikram Yoga
consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises.
Many Yoga postures can be prescribed for specific medical
problems similar to physical therapy.
The 26 Bikram postures were chosen to provide the best overall mental
and physical experience.
The heat component increases circulation to muscles and
allows muscle fibers to become more supple. This reduces the likelihood of tearing and soreness after
maintaining difficult postures.
“The most important feature of Bikram Yoga is the fact that
anybody can do it,” said Richard Mercer, director and owner of Bikram Yoga
Simsbury. Mercer, a former Division I football player, advises new participants to set small goals of
being able to stay in the room for the allotted period and participate in the
poses within individual limits.
Bikram is an outstanding workout that uses a variety of
muscle groups. One of the biggest
obstacles to a new workout is the degree of post-exercise soreness. Bikram produces minimal discomfort and
presents a good fitness option for both beginners and trained athletes.
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