Courtesy of Bikram Yoga Harlem
Bikram yoga is a 90 minute yoga class that goes through 26 different postures, and takes place in a heated room. I know, doing yoga in a 106°F room sounds more than painful, but it has countless benefits and makes you feel amazing when you walk out of said room.
1. Detoxification
As soon as you walk into the heated room, you’ll start to sweat, and then you’ll sweat even more while going through the 26 postures. Sweating helps flush unwanted toxins out of your body, which also helps clear pores and keep your skin healthy.
2. Improve your focus
Doing the poses correctly requires concentration, and you can’t let your mind wander unless you want to lose your balance. Because you have to stay aware of every movement you’re making for the entire class, your mind becomes accustomed to focusing for longer periods of time, which carries over to other daily activities like schoolwork.
3. Flexibility
Not only does it reduce your risk of injury, but being flexible also increases the range of movement around your joints. Increased flexibility is a given when practicing yoga, but the heat in Bikram yoga brings it to a whole new level. If you go to Bikram regularly, you will quickly begin to notice a huge change in your flexibility.
4. Physical strength
Yoga is a low impact exercise, so it’s a good option for people with injuries. Each pose works specific muscles that get stronger as you become able to hold the poses for longer periods of time.
5. Improves breathing
Slow deep breaths are the only way to make it through the long class. Controlled breathing maximizes your oxygen intake, and you definitely won’t be able to get through 90 minutes if you’re taking quick shallow breaths the entire time. Being able to control your breathing carries over to other exercises as well.
I promise the first class is always the hardest, and it gets easier from there. As long as you’re hydrated before, you’ll do great, and you might even become a yogi! Every Bikram class goes through the same 26 postures, so you can get the same workout at any studio, even if you’re out of town.