Bikram yoga is a variation of basic yoga that is performed in a hot environment. The benefits of bikram yoga can be broken down into two separate, but equally important, categories. As with any type of exercise regimen, the most common benefit is physical and the level of health that can be obtained. The second of the benefits of bikram yoga is upon the mind, which is an area of physical fitness that is often overlooked.
Some of the most basic benefits of bikram yoga are to help people meet personal health goals. Even though yoga does not require any type of weight resistance training, it is great for losing excessive weight and toning the muscles throughout the entire body. Yoga enables the muscles and tendons to stretch, as well as working on a principle similar to isometric workouts. This means that the muscles used are contracted, and then released, which works the muscles in such a way as to tone them. And since bikram yoga elevates the heart rate, it is an effective way to lose weight, and to keep it off. It also causes the health of the heart and lungs, as well as all the other internal organs and functions, to work in a more optimal manner.
The main difference between the benefits of bikram yoga and the others is that the classes are performed in a heated environment. It basically has all of the positive benefits of exercise, but slightly elevated because the heat will promote sweating. The more sweat that is produced and expelled by the body, the more weight that will be lost, and the healthier that the body will be. It basically acts as a sauna by removing any impurities from the body, through the sweat, while allowing the person to increase their overall strength and endurance, as well as their overall flexibility.
The benefits to the mind are also present in bikram yoga. Tranquility and calmness can easily be achieved, which helps to relieve stress and tension that builds up through everyday life. It will also increase the level of concentration within a person, which aids in other areas, besides just during yoga class. The final healing benefit that can be achieved through bikram yoga is a feeling of well being, and being more content with the body and the health that it is in. This helps eliminate depression, anxiety, and even anger, which is one of the biggest benefits of bikram yoga since these medical afflictions are on the rise throughout the world.