The benefits of Bikram yoga go beyond challenging the body; they also challenge the mind. Each class begins with pranayama, which is the practice of controlled breathing exercises. These exercises help you to bring the mind, body and spirit under control as you focus inward and release the worries of the day.
After you master pranayama, you launch into the series of standing positions, many of which are so challenging that it will require every bit of mental power you have to concentrate enough to maintain the poses. This intense focus helps you learn how to quiet the monkey mind of anxious thoughts, anger or sadness as you focus intensely on your breathing, your posture and your grace. As a result, those who practice Bikram yoga on a regular basis find they are able to concentrate on tasks more effectively.
Bikram yoga also teaches you to control your thoughts and emotions in times of high pressure. If you are someone who has trouble thinking rationally in high stress situations, you will find Bikram yoga enhances your ability to put aside emotional reactions and insert well-thought out, rational, calm strategies. This is because the classes require you to remain focused on the sequence of 26 poses and the proper breathing and flow of the class while you hold very difficult positions.
You will also notice a feeling of serenity and empowerment after you have participated in a Bikram yoga class. This sense of accomplishment will spill over into your everyday activities, improving your mental attitude.
 | Bikram Yoga is style of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury after his emigration from India to the United States. Not only is the sequence of asanas designed to generate heat to warm the body, these 26 bikram yoga poses or postures are practiced in rooms heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Often called hot yoga, Bikram finds its roots in traditional hatha yoga and is designed to support the increase and movement of fresh, oxygenated blood throughout all parts of the body. |
 | Bikram devotees swear by the 105-degree temperate and specific yoga moves that separate Bikram yoga from the rest of the pack. Read on to learn what is making this brand of yoga so hot right now. |
 | Twenty six poses? Ninety minutes of challenging asanas? Temperatures of up to 100 degrees? Forty percent humidity? How can any of that reduce stress? How does that relieve tension? What are the stress relieving benefits of hot yoga? |
Bikram yoga classes always consist of the exact same 26 Bikram yoga poses, called asanas, each of which is held for 10-60 seconds apiece during the twice-through routine of the class. If you want to be in the know, learn these poses. |
For busy, professional adults, finding methods for fitting a productive fitness program into a hectic schedule can be stressful enough. For many, Yoga offers an opportunity for a unique physical and spiritual work out offering a reduction in stress as well as leaner and more tone bodies. |
