Previously, Bikram Yoga in NYC, may have carried connotations of extreme physical exertion, buckets of sweat, clammy heat and utter exhaustion, but for many, the far-reaching benefits, both physical and spiritual in nature, are completely worth the initial struggle.
Having reared its innovative head during the early 1970s, it has developed into a form that is now known as the yoga of Hollywood, with many celebrity followers including the likes of Madonna, George Clooney and Demi Moore. It is therefore not uncommon to see celebrity-faces amongst the masses, as Choudhury believes in equality, and does not do private sessions for the more 'distinguished', practitioners.
Its controversial founder, Bikram Choudhury is a multi-millionaire guru who is mostly unapologetic about the empire he has built on the success of his creation. Strict copyright laws apply to the teaching of this form of yoga around the world, with monthly fees for the opening of Bikram schools, forming a substantial part of the revenue - restrictions debated as being 'unspiritual'.
Consisting of a structured set of twenty-six poses performed in a heated room of approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius) in classes of 90 minutes long. The heat is considered to encourage deeper stretching and flexibility while also alleviating the strain that could lead to injury or muscle tension. Sessions begin and end with fundamental breathing exercises - the importance of deep and conscious breathing is a central theme in all forms of meditative disciplines.
The poses, are called 'asanas', and are based upon two fundamental dynamics, according to Choudhury. These are extension and compression. What is meant by these terms is that with every pose, a particular body part is compressed, thus decreasing blood flow to the area or cutting it off completely. Another part of the body is therefore completely extended. When the pose ends, a rapid rush of blood to the previously compressed areas, occurs due to the pressure, causing an increased flow of oxygenated blood to the whole body. This results in an increase in circulation and has detoxifying effects on the body.
Benefits experienced by regular practitioners include a noticeable increase in flexibility, which is felt after only a few sessions as well as weight loss, although the amount of calories burnt during each session depends greatly on the anatomy of each individual. It is also known to tone muscles and promote deeper, more relaxed sleep.
Although shrouded in controversy regarding various claims that it promotes, 'free sex', and sensuality, its fame continues to spread all over the world as well as its far-reaching benefits. Bikram Yoga NYC may not catch everyone's fancy but for the ones whom it does, it is nothing short of a wonder-worker.
Bikram Yoga NYC
Having reared its innovative head during the early 1970s, it has developed into a form that is now known as the yoga of Hollywood, with many celebrity followers including the likes of Madonna, George Clooney and Demi Moore. It is therefore not uncommon to see celebrity-faces amongst the masses, as Choudhury believes in equality, and does not do private sessions for the more 'distinguished', practitioners.
Its controversial founder, Bikram Choudhury is a multi-millionaire guru who is mostly unapologetic about the empire he has built on the success of his creation. Strict copyright laws apply to the teaching of this form of yoga around the world, with monthly fees for the opening of Bikram schools, forming a substantial part of the revenue - restrictions debated as being 'unspiritual'.
Consisting of a structured set of twenty-six poses performed in a heated room of approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius) in classes of 90 minutes long. The heat is considered to encourage deeper stretching and flexibility while also alleviating the strain that could lead to injury or muscle tension. Sessions begin and end with fundamental breathing exercises - the importance of deep and conscious breathing is a central theme in all forms of meditative disciplines.
The poses, are called 'asanas', and are based upon two fundamental dynamics, according to Choudhury. These are extension and compression. What is meant by these terms is that with every pose, a particular body part is compressed, thus decreasing blood flow to the area or cutting it off completely. Another part of the body is therefore completely extended. When the pose ends, a rapid rush of blood to the previously compressed areas, occurs due to the pressure, causing an increased flow of oxygenated blood to the whole body. This results in an increase in circulation and has detoxifying effects on the body.
Benefits experienced by regular practitioners include a noticeable increase in flexibility, which is felt after only a few sessions as well as weight loss, although the amount of calories burnt during each session depends greatly on the anatomy of each individual. It is also known to tone muscles and promote deeper, more relaxed sleep.
Although shrouded in controversy regarding various claims that it promotes, 'free sex', and sensuality, its fame continues to spread all over the world as well as its far-reaching benefits. Bikram Yoga NYC may not catch everyone's fancy but for the ones whom it does, it is nothing short of a wonder-worker.
Bikram Yoga NYC
No comments:
Post a Comment