Yoga has become one of the most popular ways to exercise for all different people.
Since there are so many different types of yoga, everyone can find something that suits them.
But one has started to stand out from the rest: Bikram.
Bikram Yoga is a new trend that’s catching on for people who want intense workouts. This form of yoga was started in the early ‘70s by yoga instructor Bikram Chouhury.
Bikram started to practice yoga at age four.
By age thirteen, he won the National India Yoga Contest.
He then went on to pursue a career as a marathon runner and weight lifter, which took him to the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.
After receiving a significant knee injury in a weight lifting accident at age twenty, European doctors predicted Bikram would never walk again.
He headed back to India where he and his yoga guru, Bishnu Ghosh, practiced six months of yoga therapy and his knee fully recovered.
Bikram created Bikram Yoga based on his own healing processes.
Bikram classes run exactly 90 minutes and have a set series of twenty-six postures and two breathing exercises.
It is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The warmth in the room causes deeper stretching and prevents injury.
Bikram yoga has been used for sports rehabilitation just as Bikram Chouhury used yoga after his knee injury.
Today, celebrities like Madonna, George Clooney, and Lady Gaga have discovered this form of exercise as a way to relieve stress and get a good workout.
“After a session at Bikram Yoga, I feel very relaxed and peaceful. Despite the heat, it is enjoyable way to exercise and get your mind off of things,” said junior Monica Watson.
Bikram has been catching on everywhere, with studios showing up all around Santa Barbara. Monica goes to Bikram Yoga, Santa Barbara located at 3891 State Street.
Senior Jess Davis, who goes to the same studio, says “Although it is challenging, Bikram is also an incredibly meditative, calming experience.” Bikram has been used for many years as a way of meditation and exercise.
So the next time you think about hitting the regular yoga studio for a morning work-out, try Bikram instead, you might be pleasantly surprised.