Bikram Yoga is the Sequence of 26 postures selected and developed by Bikram Choudhury from Hatha Yoga.
Bikram Choudhury first developed the Sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises in India in order to treat health problems for many people at once. He recognized the therapeutic value of Hatha Yoga for common health problems, but did not have enough time in the day to successfully treat each person, as there are 84 original postures one could learn. Through resilient research, Bikram calculated that it took these specific 26 postures to systematically work every part of the body, to give all the internal organs, all the veins, all the ligaments, and all the muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function. Each component takes care of something different in the body, and they all work together in synergy, contributing to the success of every other one, and extending its benefits. The Sequence flushes away the waste products, the toxins of all the glands and organs of the body. It provides a natural irrigation of the body through the circulatory system, with the help of the respiratory system.
Structure of the Sequence
As the 90-minute class progresses, and the body gets warmer, the postures call for deeper stretching and bending. This progression prevents injury because your body is ready for this type of movement. As the end of the Sequence approaches, the instructor will hone the client’s concentration to her highest level — the mind must be warmed up as well. The client will perform two sets of each posture. Bikram based this requirement on his own practice and observations: in the first set you explore, and in the second set you go deeper with more confidence. The client will experience the three essential components of a true hatha yoga practice when he attends a 90-minute session at BYC: (1) maintain relative stillness during the postures, (2) practice mindful breathing throughout the practice, and (3) enjoy the regular and liberal use of Savasana, or Dead Body Pose.
The Benefits
Weight loss, reduced stress, better endurance and more energy, improved immunity, a stronger heart, expanded lung capacity, relief of chronic pain, toned muscles, prevention and rehabilitation of injuries, detoxification, increased balance, strength and flexibility, increased willpower and mental strength.
Why the Room is Heated
Yoga changes the construction of the body from the inside out, from bones to skin and from fingertips to toes. So before you change it, you have to heat it up to soften it, because a warm body is a flexible body. Then you can reshape the body any way you want.
