Bikram yoga works the body from the inside out- from the micro to the macro level. Each posture stretches and strengthens the specific muscles, ligaments and joints needed for the next posture.
People of any age and condition can do this yoga. Some acutely ill have been cured of chronic disease (including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic back pain, etc.) as a result of practicing Bikram's yoga.
Many athletes including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and John McEnroe attribute lack of injuries and longevity in their sport to this yoga. Professionals say it gives them mental clarity and increased energy helping them to excel in their fields. And all Bikram yoga students agree that it helps them look and feel great, lose weight and reduce stress. Physically, it is the perfect blend of strength, flexibility and balance. Mentally, it trains the mind in five key ways: to have faith in one's self, gain self control, increase determination, improve concentration and build patience.
About Bikram Choudhury
Bikram Choudhury founded the Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills, California, in 1974. He is one of the pre-eminent hatha yoga masters living today. His physical fitness guru was Bishnu Charan Ghosh, younger brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of self-realization fellowship. Bikram started studying yoga at the age of four. At 12, he was the youngest-ever national yoga champion of India, holding the title for three consecutive years.
Combining Eastern doctrine with Western doctors and scientists at Tokyo University Hospital, Bikram perfected his comprehensive system of 26 postures, designed to work the entire body for all ages and levels of fitness.