Wednesday 11 March 2015

The Health Benefits of Bikram Yoga

Bikram Choudhury created Bikram yoga in the early 1970s by adapting traditional Hatha yoga poses. Bikram differs from other types of yoga in that you perform the poses in a studio heated to at least 104 degrees F, commonly referred to as torture chambers. This added feature gives you other health benefits beyond those achieved through traditional yoga. Bikram yoga involves some advanced poses, but Choudhury asserts that students of all levels will benefit from his practice. Check with your health benefits-care provider before you work out in excessive heat.

Bikram yoga is a form of yoga popularized by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s in California. The patented practice involves repeating the same 26 poses in set cycles over a 90-minute class. Bikram yoga instructors go through a nine-week training program in which they learn the set practice and dialogue. Currently, there are more than 1,650 Bikram studios around the world.

Bikram Choudhury scientifically designed this 90-minute program to deliver total health benefits through the balancing and strengthening of every system in the body in order to prevent illness, injury and limit the effects of ageing. Additionally each yoga posture (asana), in the series, combines the skills of concentration, patience, determination and self control, which lead to increased mental clarity and reduced stress.          

Weight loss

Bikram yoga can indeed assist in weight loss. Granted, some of the weight that is lost comes from water loss. Believe me when I tell you that I have never sweat that much in my entire life (and I have been in some pretty sweaty situations). Bikram yoga is known for burning anywhere from 500 to 1000 calories a session, which is in part due to the extreme heat. Your digestive system and metabolism will improve, normalizing your appetite and diminishing unhealthy cravings. You may still want that one cheat day a week and that is fine.

Blood pressure

Unstable high blood pressure can respond very quickly to a regular Bikram Yoga practice. Consult your doctor and don't push too hard for your first few classes. If you are tested about a week after starting Yoga, you may see a slight rise in pressure. Don't be alarmed. By the second week, that pressure will be normal or close to normal and will stay there as long as you continue your yoga regimen. Many students who maintain a regular practice are able to stop taking blood pressure medication.

Heart Benefits

Heart works harder in the heat, which causes your arteries to dilate and blood to thin so more blood flows as your heart is challenged to get nutrients and oxygen to every cell. When you move your body in and out of stretches and twists, you dilate and constrict tissues, which pushes old and stagnant blood out and invites oxygenated blood into your tissues. The standing deep breathing technique also teaches you to expand your lungs to their full capacity, which increases circulation to your whole body, waking everything up and preparing the muscles for action.

Respiratory problems

Bikram Yoga will be good for your breathing problems in several ways for weight loss. The heat promotes relaxation of the muscles and nerves, and you can work with as much intensity as appropriate for your needs. Bikram Yoga will relax your mind and help let go of tensions, toxins and negativity. It strengthens your heart and lungs, improving your lung function. You will breathe easier and deeper than you ever have before.

Mental strength

Mental stress and strain is the cause of all diseases, even infectious ones.” When performing Bikram yoga, your fight-or-flight response is turned off and replaced by a feeling of balanced wellbeing. Regular classes can lower cortisol levels, calm the mind, increase mental clarity and release and reduce stress and tension. Classes also require intense focus and concentration. As you build mental discipline and determination, your level of self-esteem and self-confidence will rise.

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