Very physical, Bikram Yoga is a discipline that allows you to lose weight while removing tension. The activity of choice for fans of personal surpassing.
Bikram Yoga, despite its air of millennial discipline, is a relatively recent practice that developed in the West and more particularly in the United States, in the 1970s. It was developed by a certain Bikram Choudhury, former youngest winner (at 13 years old) of the Indian Yoga Championships. Also called 'Hot Yoga', Bikram Yoga is inspired by Hatha Yoga, with the difference that the postures are performed in a room heated to 40 °. It is a so-called exercise, yoga that mobilizes both the body and the mind and, unlike other less physical pathways, can help during weight loss.
What are the benefits of Bikram Yoga?
Bikram is one of the most physical yogas, based on stretching and muscle building more than meditation. It is a real sports activity that has many benefits on form, line, and morale, provided you practice it regularly and give your all during classes.
Bikram Yoga stimulates the body as a whole. During the session, all muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints are stressed and strengthened. So you work your cardio which can be particularly effective to lose weight. The heat and humidity of the room allow the muscles to stretch deeply while limiting the risk of injury. Sweating, which can be intense, promotes the elimination of toxins, the cleansing of organs, and the rebalancing of all systems (immune, nervous, hormonal, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory). Like all physical activities that allow you to exert yourself, it is also very effective in relieving stress and tension and improving your ability to concentrate.
How to practice Bikram Yoga?
Due to its specificities, Bikram Yoga is only practiced in the studio and with a qualified teacher. The discipline is very popular in France and many wellness centers offer courses, especially in large cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon... But don't worry, small towns are not left out. Look for yoga centers in your city. Often you will have access to schedules on their websites. Each session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and consists of a series of 26 postures (each of which will be repeated twice) and two breathing exercises, performed at the beginning and end of the session.
It is advisable not to eat at least 2 hours before the start of the course, and to remember to hydrate well throughout the day. As it is very hot in the room, it is recommended to dress lightly in shorts/leggings and a bra.
The essential postures of Bikram Yoga
This discipline is a sequence of 26 very specific postures that activate the muscle chain. Among the best known, we find:
- The half-moon: standing, we stretch our arms towards the sky and stretch on one side, then on the other side.
- Head to toe: standing, you release the upper body to touch your feet or put your palms on the ground.
- The standing bow: standing, one of the legs is bent to grab the ankle and lift it up and backward. The ideal is to succeed in stretching the leg.
- The cobra: we lie on our stomachs, we put our hands flat and we raise the bust, our head towards the sky.
- The bow on the ground: on the stomach, we raise the feet that we grab with our hands while raising the bust and head.
Bikram Yoga, for whom?
Whether you are in shape or not, whether you already know the basics of yoga or you are just starting out, Bikram is open to everyone. Even so, its practice in an overheated room may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women who have never tried this very dynamic yoga before have to wait until the end of their pregnancy to get started. As the heat raises the heart rate, this Hot Yoga is also not recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular failure and heart disorders. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a doctor if you have doubts about your ability to practice Bikram Yoga.
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