The Demanding Intensity of Bikram Yoga

Designed by Bikram Choudry, Bikram yoga consists of 26 postures and 22 breathing exercises. The movements stretch every part of the body including joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It was developed in California and then brought to Los Angeles, and this then gave it the nickname of ‘hot yoga’ as the postures were performed in a minimum temperature of 40 degrees.

It is fair to say that Bikram yoga differs to the other styles in that it is probably the most demanding and intense style of hatha yoga, however the benefits of studying this style are great. The heat ensures that the body is warmer and more flexible even at the start of the class; this is beneficial as there is less chance of injuries such as pulled muscles. As the body is more flexible, the stretches become more pronounced and so the rewards are greater.

Understandably, when students perform demanding postures in a hot environment, it would be very easy to become dehydrated so it is necessary for students to drink copious amounts of water before and after the session to prevent this from occurring.

Bikram yoga is considered to help correct and improve sleep patterns, promote better digestion, improve cardiovascular functions and metabolism, so it is no wonder that there are dedicated followers to this style.

Having a qualified Bikram yoga teacher on hand to guide and to encourage is always beneficial. As with any other form of yoga, ensuring that the postures are correct is vital. In a class there is usually a mirror so that students can self-correct and perhaps it can be said that correct alignment is more important than reaching advanced positions.

Other benefits include a feeling of walking tall, improved posture, clarity of mind and increased confidence. Attending a class several times a week and then supporting this with yoga practice at home, will enable the student’s progress to be vastly accelerated.

The sequence of movements in Bikram yoga tend to flow and are perfectly balanced to compliment each other, it is then finished with a cleansing and energizing breath called Kapalbhati

The breath is very important in any yoga style but an important tip is to breathe through any difficult postures and learning to recognize negative thoughts, which may also impact your yoga session. The mind can sometimes tighten up at the thought of a difficult or less favorite posture, so by recognizing that this happens and using the breath, the mind can be controlled and the body will then open up to the demands of the posture.

Bikram yoga adds additional dimensions to a usual yoga practice and the feeling is much more intense than in any other style. Some people find the heat and the intensity a problem but others revel in the style and their progress may be much greater than within a usual class and there is always a new challenge for them to strive towards.

Kundalini Yoga to Awaken your Inner Energy

Whilst yoga generally is renowned for helping the body to be healthy and flexible, there are also different styles of yoga, which focus’s on the more spiritual aspects and increasing the latent energy contained within all of us.

Kundalini yoga-also known as the ‘lock of hair of the beloved’ this is a term used as a way of depicting the way that energy flows through us and by using Kundalini Yoga, we can awaken this energy within us, by means of postures, breathing exercises, meditation and by use of chanting.

This is a very powerful system which increases our opportunity for individual growth.

Kundalini yoga enjoys simple techniques which are available to everyone, regardless of physical ability or age. Dedicated practice ensures a balanced mind, a renewed connection with your inner wisdom, it helps to increase your vitality and yet be peaceful and strong.

Furthermore for those students who are interested in this discipline, the added advantage is that no previous knowledge is required before the benefits of Kundalini yoga are experienced in a very short time. It simply provides us with the techniques to awaken and harness this energy which lives in all of us, so that we can be happy and healthy.

Where possible, students should attend a class as the teacher will be able to guide and encourage those who are keen to learn. Each class will usually look at undergoing warm ups for flexibility and work on the spinal area. There will be an exercise sequence relating specifically to inner energy and of course relaxation and meditation to follow.

For those who continually strive to learn, Kundalini yoga has thousands of exercise sets within its system so there are many opportunities for the student to continually develop. It is about encouraging people to strive forwards but to not exceed their safety limitations.

Exercises themselves can last for 1-3 minutes but could last for longer. Also included within the sessions are:

Mantra’s- these use sound and vibrations for effect.

Mudras-these are hand or body poses which are held during specific exercises or during meditations

Chakra’s-These have a specific frequency and area which they correspond to, such as the heart, solar plexus. Kundalini yoga helps to ensure that the energy flows freely through these areas.

It is worth noting that some beginners may experience some feelings of discomfort initially such as light trembling sensations when in some of the postures or feelings of light-headiness. If this does occur it is worth realizing that it occurs as part of the cleansing of physical and mental toxins.

Kundalini yoga is a lifelong discipline designed to encourage all aspects of self –development so that students can live in a healthy body yet obtain higher consciousness.