What makes Bikram yoga different from other types of yoga is that it requires a room that can be heated up to about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, the use of heat means that Bikram yoga is not for everyone, especially those who are suffering from hypertension or have heart problems. But for those who can take the heat, the extra degrees means increased flexibility and blood flow. For some, the heat even allows them to feel less stressed.
Bikram yoga, just like any yoga, uses different kind of poses. Bikram yoga uses a total of twenty-six standing, twisting and bending poses, all of which are accompanied with a special breathing technique called Kapalabhati.
As previously stated, Bikram yoga must be practiced in highly heated room. The heat does not just help the practitioner to sweat more, but it also makes the body more limber further releasing toxins that have been stored in joints that have not been fully utilized. This extra flexibility cannot be obtained in an ordinary room, how much more in an air-conditioned room.
The added heat means more sweat, as result practioners drink more water further aiding in the removal of toxins stored in the body. The heat plus physical activity means that the Bikram yoga calories burned every session is significant enough to contribute to weight loss. And the unique poses which target specific muscles means that inches will be lost in problem areas.
Bikram yoga employs a sequence of poses. It starts with breathing which will lead to standing poses, followed by bending poses, then ends with some floor work. A pose is done twice in a sequence. These poses combined with the heat effectively dilates blood vessels increasing blood flow which leads to a faster exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, a faster removal of bodily toxins, and an increase in the metabolic rate.
There are more benefits of Bikram yoga. For example, the balancing poses help enhance balance and body awareness. Bending poses which require the practitioner to stand on their heads are good for the internal organs, allowing for increased circulation within these organs. The controlled breathing and the specific use of muscles in Bikram yoga poses creates a more aware personality in the practitioners.
Surprisingly, Bikram yoga might look impossible for those suffering from arthritis. But the practice is actually beneficial for those who are suffering from arthritis or any join injuries since poses can be modified to fit a person physical ability.
