discover bikram yoga......
WHO IS BIKRAM?
What is unique about Bikram Yoga?
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Bikram’s beginning yoga class is a series of 26 postures completed twice in a heated room for 90 minutes. -
Classes are suited for every body: all ages and levels of ability. -
Each posture stretches and strengthens specific muscles, ligaments and joints, and stimulates the organs, glands and nerves to move fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. -
With regular practice, the Bikram Yoga system will improve health, increase energy, help prevent illness and injury, promote weight loss and limit the effects of aging. -
As a physical challenge, the Bikram Yoga method will change the body’s shape, helping to develop muscle tone and lose inches. -
As a mental challenge, the Bikram Yoga method employs the skills of concentration, patience and self-control to improve mental clarity and reduce stress. -
“In time you learn to focus your mind and control your breath, leading you to work harder, deeper and yet calmer. As you improve this relationship, you come to realise the true nature of hatha yoga: the union of body, mind and spirit.”
Why the Heat?
“I found the heat intimidating at first, but after a few classes I realised what it was doing for my body. I soon felt like I never wanted to exercise in any other environment. It was exhilarating!”
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Muscles, fascia and connective tissue become more elastic allowing for greater flexibility with less chance of injury. -
Promotes sweating which assists the detoxification process using the body’s largest eliminating organ – the skin. -
Blood becomes thinner which clears the circulatory system. -
When the body is warm, T-cell output from the thymus gland is multiplied 20 times. T-cells fight infection which in turn enables the immune system to function effectively. -
Warmer temperatures produce a fluid like stretch that allows for greater range of motion in the joints. -
Heart rate becomes elevated which improves the cardiovascular system (heart and lungs). -
Warm muscles burn fat more effectively. When we stretch, the fat has no room to sit so it redistributes to the blood stream, which we then use as energy. -
Capillaries respond to heat by dilating. This allows more oxygen to muscles, tissues, glands and organs helping in the removal of waste products. -
Higher temperatures improve the function of the nervous system, meaning that messages are carried more rapidly to and from the brain or spinal cord (you think clearer). -
Improves strength because proteins can be utilised more effectively. -
Speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids. -
Provides strengthening of willpower, self control and determination through the challenging environment.
What are the benefits?
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Learn to breathe fully and correctly. -
Build strength, flexibility, balance, and tremendous endurance. -
Prevent chronic illness and injury. -
Develop a deep sense of well being, vibrant health, and a peaceful mind. -
Lose weight and tone-up. -
Improve your posture. -
Maintain a youthful appearance, as the oxygenation and cleansing improves skin tone. -
Work every system of the body: cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, immune, digestive, reproductive, muscular, and skeletal. -
Reduce stress & improve sleep. -
Improve your heart and lung capacity. -
Eliminate back pain. -
Develop greater flexibility of your spine in its full range of motion, allowing the central nervous system to function optimally, resulting in high levels of energy and well-being. -
Integrate the left and right hemispheres of your brain, which helps to improve memory, learning, coordination and balance. -
Build mental strength by holding your mind in a focused meditative state.
What happens to my body when I practice Bikram Yoga?
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Muscles are contracted, developing strength at a cellular and biochemical level. When the muscles increase in strength, they become balanced. This then returns the skeleton to its original balanced position. We all loose this through age, bad posture, injury or sports. -
Lipids and proteins are re-organised optimally in stretching, promoting better circulation. -
Joint mobility is increased, reducing the risk of arthritis, aches and pains. -
Blood and calcium are brought to the bones; by working against gravity they become strengthened, without additional weight and stress. -
Lymph nodes are massaged, pumping lymph into the body and helping the lymphatic system to work more efficiently. -
Organs of the immune system are boosted. -
Circulation to the nervous system is improved. -
Endocrine glands are encouraged to secrete appropriate hormones. -
Communication of hormones amongst various glands and systems of the body are enhanced. -
The thymus gland, spleen, appendix and intestines are massaged through compression and extension. -
Toxins are flushed out and waste excreted. -
Lungs, heart and arteries are flushed out by increased blood circulation. -
The brain is stimulated by increased circulation and varying blood pressure. -
Nerves are stimulated by compression and extension, supplying fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients to the body. -
Strength develops as the body’s own resistance is used against gravity.
How does it work?
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The heat in the room helps ignite our body’s own heating system. -
Breathing exercise in the beginning of class coupled with the heat in the room, begin to warm the body from the inside out. -
The metabolism starts to speed up, preparing all systems to start working. -
As the lungs fully expand and take in more oxygen, the heart starts to pump oxygen-rich red blood cells. -
The 26 postures are sequentially designed to isolate portions of the body a section at a time by closing off circulation to a group of muscles, organs, and glands for a few seconds. -
Once released from the posture, oxygen-rich blood returns at a high speed to the closed part of the body, sending in nutrients and flushing out waste. -
By this method of stretching and contracting, circulation is improved and we open up blocked areas of the body. -
By the end of 90 minutes, Bikram Yoga has given you a full body work-out: every cell has been re-vitalized, the spine is strengthened, and all systems are restored to their intended 100% working order, giving you an energized body and a relaxed mind.
Why is it important to practice yoga with a Certified Instructor?
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Is directly affiliated with Bikram Choudhury -
Honours Bikram and his methods -
Preserves the integrity of Bikram’s yoga -
Draws from all of the resources Bikram’s training centre has to offer -
Our Teachers: -
Are personally trained and certified by Bikram -
Re-certify regularly -
Maintain an ongoing connection to Bikram Choudhury and his training staff -
Our Assurance: -
Your yoga experience will be authentic to Bikram’s design
What if I have never done yoga before?
I’m too unfit for yoga
I need to lose more weight before I start yoga
I need to fix my knee / my shoulder / my back before I start yoga
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Every class is a beginner class. -
Everyone is welcome. -
As long as you try 100% the right way, you will achieve the benefits for your body. -
There are no pre-requisites and no experience necessary. -
There is no judgment about your performance, and no competition among students. -
Bring your smiling happy face and your open mind. We’ll take care of the rest of you.
What if I am not flexible?
Will I get a cardiovascular workout?
Will I lose weight?
Is there anyone who cannot do Bikram Yoga?
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If you are fasting -
If you are on, an extreme diet or are consuming only minimal calories through diet shakes. -
If you have a fever -
If you are already doing an intense detoxification -
If you are pregnant and have less than 6 months of regular practice of Bikram Yoga (Unfortunately it is not advised to do yoga in the heated studio, especially in the first trimester when the mother’s core temperature should not be elevated. Bikram’s wife Rajashree has produced a Pregnancy DVD specific to Bikram Yoga, which may be practiced at home). -
If you have had recent chemotherapy -
If you suffer from epilepsy, you will need to speak to your consultant, and have written consent from them , to confirm that it is safe for you to practice in 38 degree’s heat.
What do I need to know for my first class?
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For first–timers, arrive 20 minutes before class to complete your registration. -
Mats are complimentary whilst on your Introductory Pass. -
Towels and Water are available for hire/purchase -
Showers are available at the school -
Remember your goal is to stay in the room for the whole 90 minutes. -
Never be afraid to kneel down when you need to as a beginner, but know that your goal is to do all the postures for maximum benefit. -
Feeling dizzy, nauseous or light-headed is normal when you first get started. -
Don’t feel self-conscious; it’s helpful to realise that other people’s focus is on themselves. -
Drink plenty of water before and after class.
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An empty stomach – don’t eat 2 to 3 hours before the class. -
A clean body – no perfumes or aftershaves -
Proper hydration – drink plenty of water (1-2 LITRES) throughout the day before the class. -
2 towels, one for class and one for showering after class -
A plastic bag for your wet clothes -
Bottle of water for class -
An open mind and a positive attitude
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Take your second class within 24 hours, although you may experience discomfort such as muscle aches. -
Make Sure You Have: -
You Might Like to Wear:
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Something comfortable – remember you will be sweating quite a bit. -
For women – shorts/bike pants and a leotard/crop top. -
For men – shorts, and a T-shirt is optional.
How much water is enough?