What is Bikram Yoga?

Bikram’s Beginning Yoga class is a demanding series of 26 postures (asanas) and two breathing exercises done in a heated room suited for all ages and levels of ability.  It is done in a heated room to facilitate deeper stretching, to reduce the chance of injury and to stimulate the circulatory system while cleansing and flushing the body of toxins.  Each posture stretches and strengthens specific muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture.  The Bikram method also stimulates the organs, glands, and nerves by moving fresh oxygenated blood to 100 percent of the body and restoring all systems to a healthy working order.  Bikram scientifically designed this 90 minute program to deliver total health through the balancing and strengthening of every system in the body in order to prevent illness and injury, as well as to promote weight loss and limit the effects of aging.  In addition, this series of postures combines skills of concentration, patience, determination and self control, which lead to increased mental clarity and reduced stress.

A regular practice of Bikram Yoga also improves body posture and spine alignment.  It relieves back pain and headaches, strengthens muscles, reduces symptoms of chronic disease, increases self confidence, improves body image, improves flexibility, balance and strength, and gives a general feeling of wellness and peace.  A committed practice of Bikram yoga will result in the realization of the true meaning of yoga: a union of the body, mind and spirit.

Bikram Choudhury began learning Hatha Yoga poses in his native India at the age of three.  At five, he began studying with Bishnu Gosh (Paramahnsa Yogananda’s brother) and quickly became a yoga champion.  At age 11, he was the youngest contestant ever to win the National India Yoga Competition.  At 14, Swami Shivananda declared him “Yogi Raj” (King of the Yogis).  At age 20, a weightlifting accident crippled Bikram.  With the guidance of his Guru, Bikram created his 26 posture series that restored his health.

In a United Nations sponsored research project at Tokyo University, Bikram helped doctors prove that yoga regenerates tissues and cures chronic ailments.  Combining eastern discipline with western medicine, Bikram perfected his comprehensive system suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.  Bikram arrived in the United States in 1973 with an invitation from President Nixon and the urging of Shirley MacLaine.  Since that time, he has been healing thousands of students at his school in Los Angeles and traveling the world extensively, bringing the benefits of Bikram Yoga to millions of students worldwide.