How to Weigh Pros and Cons of Bikram Yoga

Bikram, known as "hot" yoga, has taken the yoga world by storm. It has grown in popularity and was first introduced to the United States by Bikram Choudhury (also known as the "Yogi to the Stars"). Bikram is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) with a humidity of 40 percent. Bikram includes 26 asanas (postures) and 2 pranayama (breath work) exercises. The 26 asanas are repeated twice and are held for 30 seconds during each round. Classes are usually held for ninety minutes. There are many health benefits as a result of bikram, yet there are some negative results to bikram as well. It's important to research and find out as much information about bikram before you make your decision. The following information will help you learn more about bikram yoga and help you figure out if bikram is the right style of yoga for you. .

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• A piece of paper
• Internet access (for researching bikram classes near you)
• Phone (if you need to call bikram studios to find out more information)

Instructions

Is Bikram Yoga Right for You?

1. Sit down and weigh the pros regarding bikram. Here are some positive benefits of a bikram yoga practice: The elevated heat helps muscles and it is easier to stretch muscles (which allows for a better range of movement, especially on joints). Because of the high temperature in the room, the body sweats a lot. Sweating helps detoxify and cleanse the body. Because the body fights infection when its temperature is elevated, Bikram can help improve the immune system and raises T-cell counts. Bikram has also been associated with weight loss because the body burns sugar and fat faster as a result of the body’s elevated core temperature. Also, some Bikram students feel they get a more intense workout in Bikram (because they sweat more) as opposed to a regular non-heated yoga class.

2. Write down the cons of bikram. Bikram could be seen as unhealthy because of the elevated heat.Some students have fainted, become ill and dehydrated as a result of the higher temperatures. Also, some students report that the repetitive asanas (poses) can become boring and there are no inversion poses (like shoulder stand) included in the bikram practice. There is controversy among medical practitioners and more traditional yoga teachers that Choudhary's Bikram is really the "anti-yoga" of yoga because of the heat and feel it is an unsafe yoga practice.

3. Call local bikram studios and research bikram studios and teachers online in your local area. Interview potential teachers and make sure that the studio and teacher are specifically certified in Bikram yoga. Also, if you are unsure of participating in the class, you can always ask if you can sit in a class and observe. That's also another good way to see if you'll like the heat/temperature in the room and if you'd feel comfortable working out in such high temperatures.

4. Take a single class before committing to a program, or ask a studio if you can audit. By witnessing and sampling Bikram yoga in motion, you can better understand the good and bad.

5. Ask friends, families, colleagues and certified yoga teachers their personal recommendations for a Bikram studio or class in your area. Do as much research as possible before you decide to participate in a class.

Tips & Warnings

• Medical doctors advise that pregnant women SHOULD NOT take Bikram because of the elevated temperatures (this is dangerous for both the mother and her baby). Also, before you take your first Bikram class, make sure you drink water before, during and after to ward off dehydration. Also, bring your own towel to class because you will be sweating a lot. If you are taking a Bikram class and start to feel ill or dizzy, immediately stop and rest or leave the class. Do not think you have to keep up with the class if the heat is making you ill.

• If you have any medical conditions, it is advised that you check with your medical practitioner. High temperatures could exacerbate medical conditions (like high blood pressure or heart conditions). Use your judgement and remember never push your body to the point of pain and listen to your body.