June 14, 2011

Just STRETCH it out...

Has anyone heard of Bikram? It's my latest exercise CRAZE.

Bikram Yoga originated in India and involved a 90 minute intense yoga session in a "hot room" of 105 degrees. It consists of 26 poses and two breathing exercises. Bikram claims (and I agree) that his system stimulates and restores health to every muscle, joint, and organ of the body. Bikram's Yoga claims to increase circulation to all organs in the body, and claims this helps in the prevention of heart disease and organ failure.

I like it because I always leave feeling of having such a deep stretch (and I feel like I never lost my dance flexibility!) and you sweat so much to the point where you don't even bother wiping your brow anymore, you just feel the impurities leaving your body- how can you not love the feeling of a 90 minute detox!? Because of the volume change and influx of fresh blood, it is said that infection, bacteria, and toxins can be released through this process.

Benefits of Bikram:
1. Weight loss- You can burn between 500-1000 calories per session!
2. Increased sports performance- you become so much more flexible, thus preventing injury!

In a room heated to over 100 degrees F, it is not uncommon to feel wary about your safety. If you do not hydrate, you WILL become dizzy and nauseus during the class. That is why it is SO important to KILL the water until you go to class! Hydrate, my friends!

Also, ANYONE can do it. There are advanced yoga-ers that demonstrate in the front of the room, but every time I go, there are always new people. With the individual poses, they are all self motivated and have "beginner" positions as well. Whatever you are uncomfortable with, there is NO PRESSURE. You are always more than welcome to have a rest on your mat if you find it too difficult!

Check it out here: http://www.bikramyoga.com/

There are studios in the following locations near you:
Georgia- Savannah and Atlanta
Alabama- Birmingham
North Carolina- Raleigh, Greensboro, and Ashville
South Carolina- Charleston

Western Australia- Perth Metro (http://www.perthbikramyoga.com.au/) : where I go! :)
Sydney- Bondi Junction

China- Beijing

Europe- Germany: Frankfurt, Hamberg, and Berlin

I encourage everyone to try it! GO BIKRAM!


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