Bikram yoga works every part of the body and increases one’s health — all while in a 100-degree room

Yoga reshapes and constructs the body from the inside out. Therefore, the body needs to be heated to be more flexible so it can be reshaped.

And Bikram yoga does just that, unlike any other form of yoga out there.

Bikram yoga, created by Bikram Choudhury, consists of 26 different postures with two sets of each. It is performed in a heated room for 90 minutes and is said to improve emotional, physical and mental health.

The most noticeable difference between Bikram and other forms of yoga is the temperature. Bikram yoga is always performed in a room heated at between 104 and 110 degrees with 40 percent humidity.

The beauty of Bikram is that the order of the 26 postures is universal. No matter what class you go to, you will always spend the first 45 minutes in the standing position working on your heart rate, cardio, balance and strength. The second 45 minutes will be spent in postures that work on your spine and nervous system.

Bikram is designed to help work every part of the body, including muscles, bones, joints, tendons, glands, ligaments and organs.

The order of the positions is especially designed so the body eases into each position and is ready for the different muscles the position works.

“You’re not just thrown into some crazy posture that you’re not warmed up to,” says Andrea Griego, owner of the Bikram Yoga Institute in Scottsdale. “You always know what to expect.”

Bikram is one of the safest yoga practices because of the intense training instructors must go through, which includes completing a nine-week training that requires more than 500 hours of study with Choudhury in order to ensure his methods are properly taught.

During a class, instructors move about the room to make sure students are in the proper form in order to prevent injuries.

While the demographic of Bikram devotees 10 years ago was mostly women, Griego’s school now sees an almost even ratio of men to women.

According to Griego, there are more and more men doing Bikram as more athletes are learning its benefits.

“Athletes are coming in and realizing it helps the longevity of performance in whatever they are doing,” Griego says.

Aside from getting in shape, Bikram has additional health benefits. Bikram helps cure chronic ailments and relieve high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, herniated disc, scoliosis, insomnia, stress, migraines, depression and anxiety.

For those who have never tried Bikram before, the Bikram Yoga Institute welcomes students of all levels to learn and benefit from this form of yoga. The majority of the school’s students range between 30 to 50 years old, but as more athletes are getting into Bikram, there is an increasing number of younger people starting to join.

There are many different reasons why people start Bikram, but everyone benefits from it.

“If they are consistent with their practice they will receive a benefit,” Griego says. “We want people to come in and do their best and have fun with it.”

For those interested in taking a class, the Bikram Yoga Institute has several different rates. The best deal for starters is the $30 for 30 days of unlimited yoga. Classes can also be purchased per class at $17, or you can purchase unlimited month passes starting at $155.

For more information about Bikram Yoga Institute’s schedules and rates, visit www.bikramyogainstitute.com or call (480) 946-2116.

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Bikram Yoga Institute

7620 East Indian School Road, #115
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 946-2116
www.bikramyogainstitute.com[/stextbox]