Bikram yoga is one of the last modalities of the traditional technique of India, but with the peculiarity that it is practiced at more than 40 degrees centigrade. It proposes to make a series of asanas in certain cycles and in a moist space, which can improve blood flow and increase our concentration.
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What is Bikram yoga
Bikram yoga is a variant of yoga popularized by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s, in California. This practice offers two breathing exercises, as well as 26 postures or asanas. The sessions, which last 90 minutes, focus on repeating series of movements that make practically the whole body work.
According to the official Bikram yoga center, the asanas of this modality are the same as those of hatha yoga, that is, the traditional ones (like the tree, the triangle, the eagle, etc.), which are designed to oxygenate the body . In a class the positions are executed in the same order, twice each, and remain in each for at least one minute.
This recent yoga modality is characterized by very special conditions: the temperature of the room must be 40ºC and the humidity of 40%. The goal is to raise the heart rate and exercise the muscles. Although heat is the main difference between Bikram yoga and the traditional one, it is not the only one: the sessions are also longer.
Benefits of Bikram yoga
Advocates of this yoga modality ensure that the hot temperature of the room helps the oxygen reach the muscle tissue and improve blood flow. In addition, studies show that regular practice of Bikram yoga can improve physical strength, flexibility and balance, as well as increase mental clarity and concentration.
The combination of classical asanas and the sauna effect of space can produce positive effects in the organism:
Increase the heart rate
Improve muscle strength
They warm and stretch the muscles: the muscles and tendons are more flexible when they are hot.
They favor blood circulation
Decongest the circulatory system
The temperature and humidity conditions of the room can help the body to detoxify better and faster.
But the goal of sweating is to avoid overheating. The kidneys and the liver are the ones that really filter the toxins so that we can excrete them through urine and feces. More sweat does not necessarily mean more calories burned, but only more fluid loss. It is moving as we burn more calories.
A recent study from Texas State University shows that the benefits of Bikram yoga are not due to heat, but simply to the exercises that are practiced. According to the research, postures and breaths are sufficient in a normal environment, without the need to alter the heat conditions in order to take advantage of their advantages.
Contraindications of Bikram yoga
This type of yoga can be a hard experience for a beginner, due to the excessive heat and intensity of the training, which can be an inconvenience in:
People with cardiovascular problems
People with high blood pressure
Individuals susceptible to dehydration or heat intolerance
If you do not have health problems, make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after a session. If during the class you feel dizzy or dazed, it is preferable that you stop and leave the room.
This type of yoga requires concentration and, although it is accessible to everyone (except the cases described), it is advisable to start after 12 years.
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