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Bikram yoga has really been heating things up across the health nation. Why are so many people dying to sweat, twist, and stretch? What are the benefits of Bikram yoga? Who created the concept? And what about “hot yoga”–is it the same thing?

Bikram Benefits

The benefits of Bikram are twofold. First, there are numerous benefits that go along with each pose within the Bikram series. Second, the benefits that come from the intense heat are also quite impressive.

The 26 poses that are part of the Bikram series have a direct impact on:

• Flexibility
• Tone
• Strength
• Blood circulation
• Balance
• Coordination
• Weight reduction
• Energy level
• Strengthening the mind

Now, let’s talk about that heat. How hot is it inside of a Bikram class, anyway? The average Bikram class is around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Why so hot? The heat in the room allows for extra flexibility and ease of muscle movement. The benefits gained from the heat include:

• Flushed toxins
• Burned calories
• Extra endurance
• Loss of inches
• Superb cardiovascular workout

But let’s be serious–105 degrees! That’s crazy! Why would you subject yourself to such intense heat when exercising? Who is the man that created this torturous workout? Was he insane?

The Bikram Guy

Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury is the sole founder of Bikram Yoga. Choudhury grew up in Calcutta, India, and began practicing yoga at the age of four. As he grew older, Choudhury realized that yoga had to strike the perfect balance between body, mind, and energy in order to be successful.

As Choudhury moved toward his ultimate fitness goal, he suffered a knee injury in a weightlifting accident. Doctors said he would never practice yoga again. Refusing to accept this diagnosis, he went back to his own teacher in search of a cure. Shortly thereafter, his knee was completely healed through the power of yoga.

Bikram Choudhury opened his first Bikram yoga studio in Los Angeles, California. From that point on, the word about Bikram yoga spread, and there are now numerous Bikram studios across the world today. While many seek the benefits of Bikram yoga, there is some controversy surrounding the practice.

Hot Yoga/Bikram Yoga–Is It the Same Thing?

There are lots of hot-yoga studios throughout the world. These studios are based upon the same concepts on which Bikram yoga is based, though they cannot be called “Bikram.” Why?

Bikram believes that the 26 poses he created cannot be split up, separated, or substituted in any manner. These poses have been carefully studied and proved to stimulate blood flow. Other poses may not have the same effect, and some series may even cause injury.

Now that you know all about Bikram yoga, why not give it a try? You still may not believe that yoga can really change your life, but all it takes is one class to become a Bikram believer.