Ten Benefits of Bikram Yoga: A Heated Room Workout Designed To Enhance Both Physical and Mental Wellness

Created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s, this yoga practice is designed to enhance both physical and mental well-being. It has a specific sequence of 26 postures, all conducted in a room heated to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity.

The structured sequence of postures aims to increase flexibility, strength, and endurance while the heated environment promotes detoxification, improves circulation, and allows for deeper stretches. Many practitioners are drawn to Bikram yoga for its physical challenges and therapeutic advantages. Additionally, this form of yoga highlights the significance of breath control and mental focus, while also building a sense of community among participants who regularly attend classes.

“The first heated yoga studio can be traced back to Japan in the 1970s. Bikram Choudhury was teaching in Japan and he was intrigued by the saunas his students would take during their lunch breaks. That’s when he started experimenting with heaters in his yoga room. 

Bikram heated those early classes to 28 degrees Celsius (about 82 degrees Fahrenheit) to mirror the temperature of his hometown of Calcutta, India. He noticed that the increased temperature made people sweat and exert themselves more in class, and that as they sweat more they associated this with a better workout. So he increased the heat. And he increased it some more. And more. Today, Bikram yoga takes place in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)”-source @yogainternational

Ten reasons why you might want to consider adding Bikram yoga to your fitness routine

1. Boosted Cardiovascular Health: The intense heat and physical exertion involved in Bikram yoga elevate your heart rate significantly, leading to improved cardiovascular health and enhanced endurance over time. The combination of these factors promotes better blood circulation and overall heart function, which contributes to a healthier lifestyle.

2. Improves Flexibility: The heated environment effectively warms up the muscles, making them significantly more pliable and allowing for both deeper and more effective stretches. As a result, this process leads to improved flexibility and an enhanced range of motion in various movements.

3. Increases Strength: Bikram yoga involves a series of thoughtfully designed postures that effectively challenge your muscles, ultimately leading to improved strength and enhanced muscle tone over time.

4. Improves Skin Health:The benefits of sweating during exercise, like yoga, extend beyond just physical fitness; they significantly contribute to skin health as well. When you sweat, your body boosts circulation, delivering oxygen-rich blood to skin cells, which can lead to that sought-after post-yoga glow.

   The process of sweating can have anti-aging effects at a cellular level. Regular exercise helps your skin produce more collagen, resulting in improved hydration and reduced sagging. This means that incorporating activities that make you sweat can be a natural way to enhance your skin's appearance and overall health.

5. Detoxification: The heat generated during this process promotes sweating, which can significantly help eliminate various toxins from the body while also improving overall skin health. By facilitating this natural detoxification, the body can better regenerate and maintain a clear complexion.

6. Stress Relief: The highly focused and intentional nature of Bikram yoga can significantly help in reducing stress and anxiety, thus promoting greater mental clarity and overall relaxation throughout the body and mind.

7. Improves Mental Focus: The intense mental concentration required during Bikram yoga sessions can greatly enhance focus and improve cognitive function, leading to better performance in daily tasks.

8. Improves Immune System: Engaging in regular practice of Bikram yoga can effectively strengthen the immune system, making you considerably less susceptible to various types of illness and health issues.

9. Weight Loss: The calorie burn associated with practicing Bikram yoga regularly can play a significant role in contributing to weight loss or effective weight management for individuals seeking to improve their overall fitness and health.

10. Improves Sleep: The relaxation and stress reduction associated with Bikram yoga can improve sleep qualIncreased Self-Confidence: As you progress in your practice over time, you'll likely begin to gain a greater sense of confidence in both your abilities and your body. This newfound self-assurance often comes from facing challenges and successfully overcoming them as you continue to develop your skills.

Takeaway

Before starting a new workout routine, it’s essential to ease into it gradually and assess how well it aligns with your personal health, especially if you have any existing health concerns.

Bikram yoga, known for its intense practice in a heated environment, can be demanding on both the body. It’s crucial to remain attuned to your body's signals and to steer clear of pushing your limits, especially during the initial stages of your practice.