What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram Yoga consists of twenty-six specific postures, including two breathing techniques, that are repeated twice in a 90 minute class. Bikram Yoga is normally performed in a 105-degree room with 40% humidity. This style of yoga is designed scientifically to focus on stretching muscles, ligaments and tendons. With the help of Bikram yoga postures, fresh oxygenated blood moves to one hundred percent of your body, affecting each organ and cell.
Bikram Yoga Postures include the following Twenty Six Postures & Two Breathing Exercises as listed below:
Breathing Exercises:
- Pranayama Breathing (Standing Deep Breathing) – At the beginning of Bikram yoga session
- Kapalbhati (Blowing) – At the end of Bikram yoga session
Yoga Postures:
- Ardha-Chandrasana (Half-Moon Pose)
Pada-Hastasana (Hands to Feet) - Utkatasana (Awkward Pose)
- Garurasana (Eagle Pose)
- Dandayamana-Janushirasana (Standing Head to Knee Pose)
- Dandayamana-Dhanurasana (Standing Bow Pulling Pose)
- Tuladandasana (Balancing Stick Pose)
- Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada Paschimotthanasana (Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose)
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
- Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada Janushirasana (Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose)
- Tadasana (Tree Pose)
- Padangustasana (Toe Stand Pose)
- Savasana (Dead Body Pose)
- Pavanamuktasana (Wind Removing Pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
- Poorna-Salabasana (Full Locust Pose)
- Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- Supta-Vajrasana (Fixed Firm Pose)
- Ardha-Kurmasana (Half Tortoise Pose)
- Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
- Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
- Janushirasana (Head to Knee)
Paschimotthanasana (Stretching Pose) - Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Spine Twisting Pose)
Example Postures
Benefits of regular disciplined Bikram Yoga practice include:
- Weight loss
- Balances the metabolism by increasing parathyroid function
- Helps lungs reach their maximum expansion capacity and increased control of the breath
- Aids in the flow of blood to the brain
- Improved concentration
- Reduced stress and improved relaxation
- Clears blockages in arteries, and is preventative against future cardiac problems
- Strengthen and tone muscles
- Slows the aging process
- Increased spinal flexibility and improved posture
- Builds proper alignment in the knees, ankles, hips, and shoulders
- Increased stamina and mental clarity
- Builds strength in the arms and legs
- Relief of chronic pain
- Improves functioning of the spleen, boosting the immune system
- Increases circulation to the liver, spleen, pancreas, thyroid, thymus and intestines
Holistic Benefits of Regular Disciplined Bikram Yoga Practice
Yoga helps humans holistically through healing and strengthening their minds, bodies, and spirits. Beside the amazing physical benefits of Bikram yoga listed above, this specific style of yoga is also very healing for our minds and spirits. Think about how challenging it may be for the body to experience a 105 degree yoga session for the first time. That is when the mind kicks in and tells the body that it is powerful and resilient. The human mind is an amazing thing and our mind-body connection is truly strengthened through practices like Bikram yoga. On a spiritual level, your mind wanting to escape the class could represent wanting to escape situations in your life that feel uncomfortable. When we choose to get uncomfortable and break through barriers, we grow. Bikram yoga helps us focus on what truly matters – the present moment. When we focus on the heat, our sweat, or how difficult it is, it takes us away from what we should try to focus on. The Bikram yoga instructor will encourage you to focus on your breath, the pose you are in, and the present moment. Bikram yoga is so much more than increasing blood flow to the brain or aiding in weight loss. Bikram yoga increases the flow of our positive thoughts and energy and aids in pushing past limitations.
Wherever you are in your practice, Our Yoga Place invites you to start where you are at and receive what you need from Bikram yoga classes. We are excited to be a healing space where you can heal and grow through movement and mindfulness.
Where to join Bikram Yoga Classes in Estero, FL
Our Yoga Place in Estero, FL offers a variety of yoga classes, including Bikram Yoga. We also offer Thai bodywork, life coaching, and health education at our brand new state-of-the-art yoga studio.
Our Yoga Place was founded on the principles of Community, Discovery, Discipline, and Balance in mind. We aim to help guide you during your journey to physical and spiritual well being through ancient yoga practices.
For more information please feel free to call us today at (239) 360-2730 or email us at info@ouryogaplace.com