What is the Bikram Yoga Technique?

Bikram Yoga, named after founder Bikram Choudhury, is a beginning series of 26 postures (asanas) performed in a room heated to above body temperature. The series is designed to work the entire body, inside out, in a systematic order. Each posture is performed twice and held for a certain amount of time. The class begins with a standing series of poses designed to improve balance, strength and concentration. The class progresses to floor work after the body is warmed up, to do the "real yoga7' as Bikram says. The focus moves towards flexibility of the spine and backward bending to counteract the movement our spines make 90% of the time.

The room is intentionally heated to allow for deeper and safer stretching. The heat also allows for detoxification of the body through the sweat glands. Through dilation of blood vessels the circulatory system is improved. The entire body, internal glands, and organs benefit from a fresh supply of oxygenated blood. Other benefits include:

* Stress reduction
* Greater flexibility
* Weight loss
* Regulation of blood pressure, thyroid, metabolism
* Increased energy levels
*Increased muscle strength
* Improved concentration
*Reduced symptoms of chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders and back pain
*All-over sense of well-being and health
*Peace of mind and mental clarity

Bikram Yoga is a form of discipline. Through the practice we allow a chance for the mind to be quiet so we may hear our inner thoughts. Maintaining a steady posture with good form requires your complete focus and release of other, outer thoughts. In this way it relieves the pressures of the mind and helps you to relax. By de-stressing we help to bring the body into balance, which is also the goal of yoga, with optimal health the result.

Anyone can practice Bikram Yoga. "Never too sick, never too old, never too late, never too out of shape to benefit from Bikram Yoga and have a new life again", says founder Bikrarn Choudhury, who began practicing yoga at age 4 with guru Bishnu Ghosh. Bikram created this system of 26 postures in the heated room with the Westerner in mind, hence the name Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class. It's not about what you can do, it's about trying and doing the best you can do, ultimately achieving union between mind, body and spirit.

Damon and Denise Abraham are the owners and teachers of the Bikram Yoga studio and can be reached at 760-776-1440.


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What is the Bikram Yoga Technique? By Denise Abraham Bikram Yoga, named after founder Bikram Choudhury, is a beginning series of 26 postures (asanas) performed in a room heated to above body temperature. The series is designed to work the entire body, inside out, in a systematic order. Each posture is performed twice and held for a certain amount of time. The class begins with a standing series of poses designed to improve balance, strength and concentration. The class progresses to floor work after the body is warmed up, to do the "real yoga7' as Bikram says. The focus moves towards flexibility of the spine and backward bending to counteract the movement our spines make 90% of the time. The room is intentionally heated to allow for deeper and safer stretching. The heat also allows for detoxification of the body through the sweat glands. Through dilation of blood vessels the circulatory system is improved. The entire body, internal glands, and organs benefit from a fresh supply of oxygenated blood. Other benefits include: * Stress reduction * Greater flexibility * Weight loss * Regulation of blood pressure, thyroid, metabolism * Increased energy levels Increased muscle strength Improved concentration Reduced symptoms of chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders and back pain All-over sense of well-being and health Peace of mind and mental clarity Bikram Yoga is a form of discipline. Through the practice we allow a chance for the mind to be quiet so we may hear our inner thoughts. Maintaining a steady posture with good form requires your complete focus and release of other, outer thoughts. In this way it relieves the pressures of the mind and helps you to relax. By de-stressing* we help to bring the body into balance, which is also the goal of yoga, with optimal health the result. Anyone can practice Bikram Yoga. "Never too sick, never too old, never too late, never too out of shape to benefit from Bikram Yoga and have a new life again", says founder Bikrarn Choudhury, who began practicing yoga at age 4 with guru Bishnu Ghosh. Bikram created this system of 26 postures in the heated room with the Westerner in mind, hence the name Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class. It's not about what you can do, it's about trying and doing the best you can do, ultimately achieving union between mind, body and spirit. Damon and Denise Abraham are the owners and teachers of the Bikram Yoga studio and can be reached at 760-776-1440.