Read part 2 of Paige Williams 60 day makeover featured in O Magazine - Click Here! What is Bikram Yoga? Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 yoga postures and two breathing exercises taught in a 90 minute class. Each pose(asana) is a challenge based on one's own individual abilities. The postures are done in the safe environment of a heated room under the guidance of a Bikram certified teacher; one immediately experiences the deep penetration of heat and humidity that relieves one's resistance without risking injury. By the end of a class session, each individual will have worked every muscle, tendon, joint, ligament, internal organ, and gland while systematically moving fresh, oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. The result is restoration of health to all of your internal systems. As you keep practicing Bikram yoga, you will increase strength, flexibility and balance in your body, you will be energized, you will revitalize your mind, and you'll be working on eliminating conditions of stress produced by fast paced lifestyles. These postures work synergistically and cumulatively to put the body back on track and in balance. This yoga builds strength, balance and flexibility by gently stretching and massaging the spine, muscles, tendons, joints, and all internal organs of the body. Lung capacity is expanded, leading to greater vitality. Bones are strengthened. Joints are opened and lubricated. Muscles are strengthened, toned, and made more flexible. Regular practice of this series of postures results in the healing and repair of injuries and illnesses, weight loss, and peace of mind. For testimonials, pregnancy guidelines and other information regarding Bikram Yoga, please visit Bikram Choudhury's web site Bikram International Headquarters FAQ’S Q. How does Bikram Yoga work? By the tourniquet effect: stretching, balancing (using gravity), and creating pressure all at the same time. The blood supply in the arteries and veins is being cut off, creating pressure. When released, a lock gate effect is created, causing blood to rush through veins and arteries, flushing them out. Also, pressure is applied to the heart by its relative position to the rest of the body. Q, What is happening to my body during a Bikram Yoga class? Muscles are contracted and stretched at a cellular, biochemical level. Lipids and proteins reorganize optimally in such stretching, allowing for better circulation. Joint mobility and range of motion is increased, and strength is built by the use of gravity. Muscles and joints are balanced. Blood and calcium are brought to the bones. Working against gravity strengthens the bones. The organs of the immune system within the bones (red marrow) are boosted. The lymph nodes are massaged, blood is pumped throughout the body, and white blood cells are distributed throughout the body as the lymphatic system works more efficiently. There is compression and extension to the thymus, spleen, appendix and intestines; lungs are stretched and flushed out by increased blood circulation. The endocrine glands are encouraged to secrete appropriate hormones, and the communication between hormones and various glands and systems of the body is perfected. Toxins and waste are eliminated through the organs of elimination. The nerves are stimulated by compression and extension, improving communication within the systems of the body and supplying fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout. The brain is stimulated by improved circulation and by varying blood pressure. Q. What are the benefits of the heat & humidity in the practice of Bikram Yoga? The recommended temperature is minimum 105F degrees and about 40% humidity. The room is kept at this temperature or more for the following: • Keeping the body from overheating (contrary to popular misconception) • Protecting the muscles to allow for deeper stretching • Detoxing the body (open pores to let toxins out) • Thinning the blood to clear the circulatory system • Increasing heart rate for better cardiovascular workout • Improving strength by putting muscle tissue in optimal state for reorganization • Reorganize the lipids (fat) in the muscular structure Q. Is Bikram Yoga beneficial for emotional balance? Bikram Yoga helps balance the emotions in several ways. Physiologically, regular practice harmonizes the nervous and endocrine systems, two systems which figure heavily in emotional well-being. In addition, practicing Bikram Yoga cultivates the mental faculties of faith, selfcontrol, concentration, determination, and patience. As we become more aware of our inner life, we notice how events, interactions, and even the atmospheric pressure effect us. When we are aware, we can exercise choice in our response. This helps us balance our emotional life.