|
What
Is Yoga?
|
|
Yoga
is an ancient science of health and healing that originated in the East
more than 5,000 years ago. The teachings of this tradition suggested
that, inherent in each of us, there is a marriage between body, mind
and spirit. In the course of our daily lives, these aspects can become
disconnected and conflicted. As a result, we become subject to a host
of modern ills, ranging from stress and disease to fatigue and depression.
However, when our bodies, minds and spirits remain closely bound, we
manifest serenity, strength and wellness. The aim of Yoga is to restore
and preserve the fundamental unity of our three-part nature.
|
|
What
Is Hatha Yoga?
|
|
In
its broadest and most traditional sense, Yoga describes an eight-fold
path for achieving the union of body, mind and spirit. Hatha Yoga represents
only one of these paths-physical practice. Hatha Yoga employs precise
body postures and breathing excercises to strengthen and stretch our
physical structures while stimulating our energetic pathways. It is
believed that a regular Hatha practice may reverse the effects of aging,
heal and regenerate damaged tissues, alleviate chronic pain, normalize
hormone levels and restore the natural and abundant vitality inherent
in a healthy human body.
|
|
Why
Bikram Hatha Yoga?
|
|
|
The bikram yoga series is a challenging, 90 minute workout that improves physical strength, flexibilty and balance while enhancing mental clarity and focus. The practice is a sequence of 26 postures, including two breathing exercises performed in a heated enviroment. The heat accelerates the rate of change within the body, improves circulation, helps to eliminate toxins and significantly reduces the risk of injury during deep stretching. No special equipment, props or clothing is required. The Bikram Series was tailored for the Western person and specifically for our cultural problems of job stress, overeating, bad posture and aggressive lifestyles. Bikram scientifically formulated and demonstrated yoga's ability to regenerate tissue and cure chronic ailments. An exact technique and a series of fixed poses, the class will bring health and peace to anyone. |
 |
Click on the image for postures and benefits
|
|
Who
Is Bikram?
|
|
Bikram Choudhury began learning Hatha Yoga poses in his native India at the age of three. At five, he began studying with Bishnu Ghosh (Paramahnsa Yogananda's brother) and quickly became a yoga champion. At age eleven he was the youngest contestant ever to win the National India Yoga Competition. At 14, Swami Shivananda declared him "Yogi Raj" (King of the Yogis). At age 20, a weightlifting accident crippled Bikram. With guidance of his guru, Bikram created his 26 postures series which restored his health. In a research project at Tokyo University, Bikram helped doctors prove that yoga regenerates tissues and cures chronic ailments. Combining Eastern discipline and Western medicine, Bikram perfected his comprehensive system suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Bikram arrived in the United States in 1973 at the invitation of President Nixon and the urging of Shirley Maclane. He quickly became the foremost yoga teacher in the West as celebrities, athletes and others began to flock to him. Since that time he has been healing thousands of students at his school in Beverly Hills and traveling the world extensively, bringing the benefits of Bikram's Yoga to millions of students worldwide.
|
 |
Click for Bikram's Website |