bikram yoga 
inspire body, mind and spirit
In the thirty-two years since it emerged, Bikram yoga has revolutionised yoga practice, combining Eastern philosophy with anatomic knowledge acquired from Western medicine. Its founder, Bikram Choudry was born in 1945. He began studying yoga at the age of four with guru Bishnu Ghosh, the brother of Paramahansa Yogananda. At the age of twelve he was the youngest-ever national yoga champion of India and held the title for three consecutive years.
At age twenty he had an accident which left him crippled with little hope of walking again. In response, Bikram created a series of yoga postures to restore his own health – a series which is now taught to millions all over the world. He perfected these 26 postures in consultation with western doctors and scientists at Tokyo University. They are designed to work the entire body, healing injury and instilling health. Bikram Yoga also incorporates a strong element of focus and attention which aims to still the mind and calm the body.
What specifically distinguishes Bikram Yoga from other yoga branches is that practice takes place in a heated room so that muscles, joints and ligaments are able to stretch further without risk of injury. The heat also facilitates release of toxins through profuse sweating. The postures are demanding both physically and mentally but accessible to beginners and easily learnt. By the end of the 90-minute class, the body has been exercised fully, inside (targeting each individual organ) and outside (toning and strengthening); the mind is also focussed, calmed and cleared.
The yoga series is designed to accommodate all body types, ages and levels of fitness. Primary benefits of Bikram Yoga:- Reduces excess weight
- Tones and strengthens all muscles and dramatically improves flexibility
- De-stresses and calms the mind, increasing ability to focus and concentrate
- Boosts energy levels and stabilises sleep patterns
- Increases lung capacity and overall cardiovascular fitness
- Improves stamina and endurance
- Yields a major feel-good factor
form comes before depth
Focus on the form of yoga postures (asanas) for maximum benefit; depth develops with time and regular practice.