Invented by Bikram Choudhury, who took up yoga at the age of four and became the youngest National Yoga Champion of India at 12, Bikram yoga is carried out in a 40°C heated room to help ease muscles and joints, making it easier for participants to carry out each posture with more flexibility and to help prevent injuries from occurring.
Choudhury was inspired to create this intense form of yoga after a weightlifting accident at 17 severely damaged his knee. Doctors told him he would never walk again, but through his own style of yoga he managed to restore his health. With each posture a brief pause is carried out so that the body has time to relax into that position and absorb the benefits, while the heat encourages the body to sweat out toxins and detox in the process. ‘The roots of your hair and fingernails will feel it, your teeth, your eyes, your face, all,’ explains Bikram.
Who should take up Bikram Yoga?
Bikram yoga is suitable for beginners through to advanced yogis and is also a good form of weight loss and treating joint problems. If you do have any health concerns, speak to your doctor first and notify your teacher when you join a class to make sure they’re aware of any conditions you may have.
What are the benefits?
There are endless benefits from regular sessions (three times a week is recommended) of Bikram yoga. It has been known to reduce stress, increase blood circulation, improve strength and flexibility, reduce chances of chronic disease such as arthritis, and help with the recovery of sports injuries and bad posture, not to mention weight loss.
How much does it cost?
A drop-in session can cost £10 – £15. Bikram Yoga Primrose Hill, London, offers a ‘£20 for 20 consecutive days’ deal for beginners. For more information, visit http://www.bikramyoga.co.uk
By James Massoud
