Hot Yoga
Lots of different styles of yoga come and go but a few are hot. Red HOT. Bikram’s yoga is sometimes called “Fire Yoga” or “Hot Yoga”.
It was created by Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles, California. Bikram was originally trained at the Bishnu Ghosh school in Calcutta, India. After he brought his style to America, and developed hot yoga he copyrighted the name Bikram yoga. He now owns studios all over the world and many yoga instructors have trained and become certified in this style of yoga.
What makes a class in hot yoga so different from other styles of yoga is the length of time the different postures are held and the room environment. The room is usual free of distractions and kept at a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, that’s why it’s called hot yoga.
The hot yoga style is believed to help strengthening the body. The vigorous yoga session at the heightened temperatures promotes sweating which will rid the body of toxins. As the student of hot yoga is guided through the various positions, the heat also promotes an easier stretch and allows for smoother flowing movements. Many practicerners of hot yoga believe this style strengthens both the body and the mind.
Students of hot yoga believe the following physical areas are helped by this style:
- It helps with circulation problems and heart disease.
- Helps control such issues as hypoglycemia
- Helps with problems involving auto immunity and chronic illness
- Eases chronic shoulder pain and traumatic accident recovery injuries are helped.
- Can help alleviate stress and help with anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression
- Helps with menopause, menstrual cycle issues, PMS and pregnancy
- Sinus infections and migraine issues can be greatly helped by both the environment and exercise
- The pain from arthritis, back problems and chronic neck and shoulder issues is eased
- The strengthening gained by working with the hot yoga system comes not just from the positions, but also from the environmental element of heat. The physical, emotional and spiritual benefits are taken to a new level. As with any new workout it’s a good idea to visit a doctor and confirm there’s no problem with starting this healthy new workout system.