Bikram Yoga: Understanding the Benefits and History of This Practice

Yoga is a popular form of exercise and relaxation that has been practiced for centuries. However, in the last few decades, there has been a surge of new yoga styles that claim to provide greater benefits to practitioners. Bikram Yoga is one such style that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, especially in western countries.

Bikram Yoga is a type of hot yoga that involves practicing a set of 26 postures in a room heated to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Each class lasts for 90 minutes, during which the practitioner moves through a sequence of postures that are designed to work the entire body. The practice was developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s, and it has since grown to become one of the most popular styles of yoga worldwide.

The Benefits of Bikram Yoga

One of the main benefits of Bikram Yoga is that it provides a full-body workout in just one class. The 26 postures work every muscle and joint in the body, which helps to build strength, flexibility, and balance. Additionally, the hot temperature in the room helps to increase blood flow to the muscles, which can aid in the healing of injuries and improve overall muscle function.

Another benefit of Bikram Yoga is the mental benefits it provides. The practice is known for its ability to increase focus and concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood. The heat and intensity of the practice can also create a sense of mindfulness and awareness, which can help practitioners to better understand their bodies and their emotions.

Bikram Yoga can also be beneficial for those looking to lose weight or improve their metabolism. The hot temperature in the room can cause the body to burn more calories, and the practice can help to increase the body’s metabolic rate, which can aid in weight loss.

The History of Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga was first developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Choudhury was born in Calcutta, India, in 1946, and began practicing yoga at a young age. He studied under Bishnu Ghosh, the brother of the famous yogi Paramahansa Yogananda, and later developed his own style of yoga called Bikram Yoga.

Choudhury moved to the United States in the early 1970s and established his first yoga studio in Beverly Hills, California, in 1974. He quickly gained a following, and his style of hot yoga became popular among Hollywood celebrities and athletes.

Despite his success, Choudhury’s reputation has been tainted in recent years by numerous allegations of sexual harassment and assault. In 2018, he was ordered to pay over $7 million in damages to a former student who accused him of sexual harassment, and he has faced similar accusations from several other women.

Due to these allegations, many yoga studios and practitioners have distanced themselves from Choudhury and his Bikram Yoga brand. However, the practice itself remains popular, and many teachers have developed their own variations of the style, which they now teach under different names.

Conclusion

Bikram Yoga is a popular style of yoga that offers a variety of physical and mental benefits to practitioners. The practice involves a sequence of 26 postures that are performed in a hot room, which helps to build strength and flexibility while also providing mental clarity and focus. While the originator of the style, Bikram Choudhury, has faced numerous allegations of sexual harassment and assault, the practice itself remains popular among many yoga practitioners around the world.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!