Bikram Yoga: what to know

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Bikram Yoga is one of the most popular and controversial forms of yoga in the western world. It could be argued by some that Bikram Yoga is not aligned to the more traditional philosophy of yoga. Whatever your thoughts on Bikram Yoga, it continues to have a large and loyal following, with many lauding its benefits.

History and Origins

Bikram Yoga is named after its founder Bikram Choudhury. It is a form of hot yoga that is done in 104F or 40 degrees C. It follows a set pattern of 26 postures.

The thinking behind the high temperature is that it replicates the climate of India, the home of yoga. The high temperature does aid flexibility and you can find yourself able to bend into positions you may have previously thought impossible.

A typical class

A class will last for 90 minutes, which is the time required to run through all 26 of the poses. Participants are required to make sure they are well hydrated but it is advisable not to eat for at least 2 hours prior. The heat may otherwise induce nausea. Bikram Yoga is not to be practiced by pregnant women.

The 26 poses

Every class will go through the following format:

Pranyama – stood up breathing exercise

Half Moon Pose – Ardha-Chandrasana.

Hands to Feet – Pada-Hasthasana.

Awkward Pose – Utkatasana.

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Eagle Pose – Garurasana.

Standing Head to Knee – Dandayamana-Janushirasana.

Standing Bow Pose – Dandayamana-Dhanurasana.

Balancing Stick Pose – Tuladandasana

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Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose – Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Paschimotthanasana

Triangle Pose – Trikonasana

Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee pose – Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Janushirasana

Tree pose – Tadasana

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Toe Stand – Padangustasana

Corpse Pose – Savasana

Wind Removing Pose – Pavanamuktasana

Sit Up – Padahasthasana

Cobra Pose – Bhujangasana

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Locust Pose – Salabhasana

Full Locust Pose – Poorna Salabhasana

Bow Pose – Dhanurasana

Fixed Firm Pose – Supta Vajrasana

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Half Tortoise Pose – Ardha Kurmasana

Camel Pose – Ustrasana

Rabbit Pose – Sasangasana

Head-to-Knee Pose and Stretching Pose – Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana

Spine Twisting Pose – Ardha Matsyendrasana

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The class starts and ends with breathing exercises. The standard format allows the practitioner to perfect and practice each move. There is comfort in the format and this is what draws many to keep coming back.

Controversies

Sadly, ownership of the Bikram Empire was taken out of the hands of Bikram Choudhury himself, this action was forced through legal intervention due to a number of sexual harassment cases found against him.

Bikram became a huge celebrity in the yoga world before the allegations, and while some have described him as charismatic, others have referred to him as a complete buffoon. (Benjamin Lorr from his book, “Hell-Bent”).

Bikram Yoga Today

There are still hundreds of studios open and operating today with a very dedicated female following. The yoga is consistent which can be rewarding, especially for those who travel and the addictive nature of the repetitive moves along with the idea of competing against oneself continue to appeal, regardless of their incongruences with yoga and its teachings.

Bikram Yoga: what to know