Bikram Yoga: What is Hot Yoga?

Bikram Yoga is a special style of yoga that has been very popular for several years. Here you can find out how hot yoga is practiced and the effects it has on health.

It is said to strongly detoxify the body and burn fat reserves faster: Bikram Yoga is thanks to celebrities advertising popularized by stars like Lady Gaga or Gwyneth Paltrow as well as the abandonment of the spiritual component in the western world. Here you can find out what special features await you in Bikram Yoga and what advantages and disadvantages this particular yoga style has.

What is Bikram Yoga?

Bikram Yoga is practiced under very specific conditions. What is special is that the temperature in the studio is between 35 and 40 degrees. The humidity is relatively low at 40 percent. Because of the special room climate, Bikram Yoga is also known as Hot Yoga.

A total of 26 asanas, i.e. yoga postures, are practiced in Bikram Yoga. The asanas correspond most closely to the philosophy of Hatha yoga. The main focus here is on strength and effort. In this way, the entire body is challenged in the 90-minute units. The spine and back in particular are strengthened by the sequence of the asanas.

Criticism of Bikram Yoga

Especially in the traditional yoga scene, however, Bikram Yoga is viewed critically. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that Bikram Yoga dispenses with the spiritual component, which is firmly anchored in yoga philosophy. While yoga originally placed particular emphasis on the unity of body and mind, hot yoga mainly focuses on physical fitness.

In addition, Bikram Choudhury, the inventor of Bikram Yoga, aroused great resentment: He tried to make the sequences of the 26 asanas as spiritual property patentto get financial benefits from it. Although he lost a lawsuit in 2005, he was still able to register Bikram Yoga as an EU trademark.

We see another problem: For the Bikram units, the yoga studio has to be heated up to 40 degrees. In this way, a lot of heating energy is required, so hot yoga is also a burden for the environment.

Effects of hot yoga on your health

In general, yoga is a very healthy way to exercise and stay fit. The body is stretched, which allows blockages to be released. In addition, the entire musculature is gently strengthened. This makes you more resilient and improves your posture. You can especially change the asanas, the yoga postures and the breathing exercises reduce stress.

All these positive effects also has Bikram Yoga. By practicing yoga at high temperatures, these effects should also occur:

• Physical activity in the warmth stimulates blood circulation and metabolism. In addition, more sweat is produced, which means that the body detoxifies particularly strongly. However, there is currently no scientific evidence for this.
• By building muscles and boosting fat burning, many calories are supposed to be burned per unit.
• The sequence of asanas relieves the back and strengthens the muscles of the trunk and spine.
• The heat helps tendons and muscles to become more supple. This makes it possible to stretch the body even better.
• Due to the Breathing exercises the body is supplied with more oxygen. This means that you can concentrate better afterwards and also feel more productive.

The physical strain at high temperatures can also Problems entail:

• The cardiovascular system is heavily used, which is why people with previous illnesses should seek medical advice first.
• The same goes for people who are under high or low blood pressure Suffer. Get medical advice before getting on the mat.
• Even in healthy people, the circulation is heavily stressed. That can, among other things dizziness and nausea to lead.
• Regularly high circulatory loads can have negative long-term effects and even lead to circulatory disorders.

Tips if you want to try hot yoga

If you want to try Bikram Yoga, then these tips will help you:

• When choosing a yoga studio, make sure that certified Bikram teachers teach.
• Drink enough water before and after the session.
• Wear breathable, thin yoga clothing and take your own yoga towel with you.
• Always listen to your body. If you get dizzy during the yoga class, don’t go beyond your limits. Take a break, sit or lie down and have a drink.
• Then replenish your electrolyte balance. Isotonic drinks or glucose in the water will help you compensate for the loss of minerals through sweating.

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