We all know wonders that yoga can bring to our lives. But another form of yoga, which can only be practised in a specially designed studio with proper heat, is doing the rounds of late. The global phenomenon already practised by Hollywood celebrities such as Madonna, George Clooney, Elle Macpherson, Matthew McConaughey is now in India. “Unlike normal yoga, it is performed in a studio heated to minimum temperature of 41 degrees and consists of 26 postures done in a proper sequence like the alphabets,” said Bikram Choudhury, founder of the worldwide Yoga College of India.
“A certain level of heat induces perspiration and helps get rid of toxins from the body and promotes blood circulation. That is why this form of yoga can be performed only in a studio with proper heating and ventilation,” said Choudhury. In addition, the heat helps you to ease into the asanas because it makes the muscles more flexible and pliable and in turn reduces the risk of injuries.
One thing, which again differentiates it from regular yoga, is the 26 different postures. Just like the alphabets, they have to be done in a proper sequence to enjoy full benefits. “Every posture prepares you and leads you into the next posture, giving you a full-bodywork out from A to Z.” said Choudhury.
The whole trick is to systematically stimulate the body’s internal organs and glands, strengthen and tone the muscles and bring the body back to its state of balance. “As the positions are sequenced to stretch the muscles in the order in which they should be stretched, it is bliss. In addition, it also promotes oxygen circulation thro-ugh¬¬out the body” Chowdhury said.
Each session lasts 90 minutes compared with 60 minutes for the other forms of yoga.
It is distinctive in nature because other forms of yoga do not strictly adhere to a standard sequence.
The exercise, which is comfortable for all the age groups, helps you sleep better through regulation of the sleep cycle and is a great stress buster. “For all beauty-conscious people, its helps in slowing the ageing process, and helps retain a glowing and smooth skin,” he said. Moreover, the yogic sequence helps treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, chronic indigestion and heart diseases, among others.
There is no specific diet one has to follow when practising Bikram Hot Yoga. However, it is highly recommended that you hydrate yourself well throughout the day before class and have your last meal at least two to three hours before the yoga class. “You should consume food that is high in potassium and sodium to replenish body fluids and salt, which is lost during the class,” he added.
At present, the yoga clinic is set up in a fitness spa in Mumbai but Choudhury plans to open many more centres in every major city in India over the next year. “Despite having only opened early 2009, we have seen a wonderful response. We are planning to open up standalone centres as well as flagship fitness centres, incorporating our Bikram Hot Yoga to continue to provide a ‘one-stop’ facility,” he said.
Bikram’s Hot Yoga has apparently become a choice of many celebrities and individuals. Bollywood stars such as Manisha Koirala, sisters Raima and Riya Sen, Farah Khan, Ekta Kapoor, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sushmita Sen, Harman Baweja
Sonu Niigaam and many more sweat it out with Bikram Hot Yoga.
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