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Faizan
If working out in minimal clothing in a 107-degree sauna-like environment seems totally unappealing, consider the many benefits of Bikram yoga. In addition to the traditional yoga claims of improved clarity of mind, better concentration and improved balance, practicing Bikram yoga can build muscles of the body without the use of free weights. Almost every one of the 26 postures strengthens at least one set of muscles, and the heated workout environment allows muscles to be stretched to a great degree with decreased risk of injury.
Shoulders and Arms
The Half Moon pose and Triangle pose strengthen the shoulders' deltoids by forcing these muscles to help bear the weight of half the body while at least one palm stays planted on the floor. Although it is not a weight-bearing pose, the Balancing Stick is strengthening because it requires that arm muscles remain contracted while fully extended in order to maintain stability during the Balancing Stick pose. Standing Bow extends one arm to maintain balance while the muscles of the alternate arm engage to keep the leg on the same side of the body elevated.
Quadriceps and Hamstrings
Runners, cyclists and athletes who need strong leg muscles to excel can benefit from several Bikram yoga poses. In addition to arm muscles, quadriceps also help bear body weight in the Half Moon pose. Toe Stand pose builds the quadriceps while balancing on the toes of one foot from a squatting posture. Other poses do double duty by simultaneously strengthening the quadriceps and the hamstrings. Awkward pose, also known as Utkatasana, builds the quadriceps and hamstrings by forcing both legs to support the upper body in a standing squat. Standing Bow, Tree pose and Balancing Stick poses strengthen the legs one at a time by forcing one leg to balance the entire body from a standing position.
Back
Several Bikram yoga poses are recommended by yogis for the relief of back pain, specifically sciatica. They each require exercisers to maintain a straight spine in order to maintain balance for the duration of the posture, which engages various muscles of the back. These poses include Half Moon pose, Awkward pose, Eagle pose, Standing Bow, Balancing Stick, Standing Separate Leg Stretching pose, Triangle pose and Toe Stand pose. Other poses strengthen the back by bending it backward. These are the Cobra, Locust, Bow, Camel and Full Locust poses. Finally, as its name implies, Spine Twisting pose places the spine into a complete left-to-right or right-to-left turn, which relieves sciatica.
Knees, Calves and Ankles
Eagle pose, Balancing Stick and Standing Bow pose build the knees, calves and ankles when practitioners stand on one foot at a time. The Triangle pose and Standing Separate Leg Head To Knee pose lower the torso to one side, causing greater strain on the knee, ankle and calf on the side of the body over which the body hovers. The added weight-bearing builds strength. Toe Stand pose balances the entire body's weight on one leg at a time while squatting.l
Shoulders and Arms
The Half Moon pose and Triangle pose strengthen the shoulders' deltoids by forcing these muscles to help bear the weight of half the body while at least one palm stays planted on the floor. Although it is not a weight-bearing pose, the Balancing Stick is strengthening because it requires that arm muscles remain contracted while fully extended in order to maintain stability during the Balancing Stick pose. Standing Bow extends one arm to maintain balance while the muscles of the alternate arm engage to keep the leg on the same side of the body elevated.
Quadriceps and Hamstrings
Runners, cyclists and athletes who need strong leg muscles to excel can benefit from several Bikram yoga poses. In addition to arm muscles, quadriceps also help bear body weight in the Half Moon pose. Toe Stand pose builds the quadriceps while balancing on the toes of one foot from a squatting posture. Other poses do double duty by simultaneously strengthening the quadriceps and the hamstrings. Awkward pose, also known as Utkatasana, builds the quadriceps and hamstrings by forcing both legs to support the upper body in a standing squat. Standing Bow, Tree pose and Balancing Stick poses strengthen the legs one at a time by forcing one leg to balance the entire body from a standing position.
Back
Several Bikram yoga poses are recommended by yogis for the relief of back pain, specifically sciatica. They each require exercisers to maintain a straight spine in order to maintain balance for the duration of the posture, which engages various muscles of the back. These poses include Half Moon pose, Awkward pose, Eagle pose, Standing Bow, Balancing Stick, Standing Separate Leg Stretching pose, Triangle pose and Toe Stand pose. Other poses strengthen the back by bending it backward. These are the Cobra, Locust, Bow, Camel and Full Locust poses. Finally, as its name implies, Spine Twisting pose places the spine into a complete left-to-right or right-to-left turn, which relieves sciatica.
Knees, Calves and Ankles
Eagle pose, Balancing Stick and Standing Bow pose build the knees, calves and ankles when practitioners stand on one foot at a time. The Triangle pose and Standing Separate Leg Head To Knee pose lower the torso to one side, causing greater strain on the knee, ankle and calf on the side of the body over which the body hovers. The added weight-bearing builds strength. Toe Stand pose balances the entire body's weight on one leg at a time while squatting.l
Posted in: Yoga & Meditation
