You like it hot and sweatyand practicing set poses.  Since a warm body is a flexible body, Bikram is practiced in a room heated to about 105 degrees with 40% humidity.  This challenging yoga compromises 26 Hatha yoga postures and two pranayama breathing techniques.  The sequences work synergistically to improve health and well-being.

While the centuries-old philosophies of Bikram Yoga makes it by no means a new fitness, only recently has the practice become a well-known component to mainstream yoga, as more and more people are giving it a try. 

Bikram Yoga can seem initially intimidating to some, but it has garnered a solid following of dedicated practitioners.  Bikram can be a great vehicle to de-stress, get fit, and even heal medial ailments, all at the same time.

The Class~~Every class is the same-90 minutes long; 26 beginning, classic Hatha postures; and a 105-degree room, which facilitates deeper stretching and injury prevention.  Poses within each series not only work out the muscles and the mind, but they also target joints and internal organs from the lungs and digestive system, to the lymphatic system and immune system.  While in class, everyone is asked to stay in the room, no matter how you are feeling.  If you tire, or feel dizzy or nauseous (which is normal at first and on some off-days!), instructors encourage you to sit down until you feel grounded.  Not only is this for safety reasons, it also helps to develop concentration, determination, and discipline.

The Nitty Gritty~~Staying hydrated throughout the day, before and after practice, is important.  It is advised to refrain from eating a meal at least 2-3 hours before class.  Wear light and tight clothing as you will be sweating - women usually wear sports bras or tight tanks with tight shorts or leggings; men don shorts.   First-timers:  It is recommended to arrive 10-20 minutes early to fill out paperwork.  Most Bikram studios offer introductory packages at discounted rates to encourage newbies to practice as many times as possible so they can gauge how it affects their minds, bodies, and spirits. 

Anyone Can Do It!~~  Bikram was created by yoga master Bikram Choudhury, and the sequence of postures and breathing exercises is accessible to anyone, regardless of fitness level, flexibility, or yogic experience.  In fact, they say that those who have injuries, haven’t been working out, or have other medical problems are the first to see the benefits.  Bikram is known for its healing benefits and for its ability to train and calm the mind.  The practice was developed to scientifically target every cell of the body, creating a revitalized, strong, lean, balanced, and healthier body. 

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