Making time for exercise during the Autumn/Winter months can always seem such a chore. By the time you’ve finished a busy day, the last thing you want to do is head out for a run in the dark wet weather and your mood can sometimes reflect this. Bikram Hot Yoga is a feel good way of getting fit, de-stressing and provides health benefits to keep you smiling this winter.
Bikram Yoga is the ORIGINAL HOT YOGA, is a unique 90 minute series of 26 postures, including 2 breathing exercises, performed in a specially heated room. The Bikram series is designed to create optimal physical and emotional health and is accessible to students of all ages and abilities.
Michael Houghton, owner and teacher of Bikram Hot Yoga, Fitzroy started practicing bikram with his wife and co-owner Susan and in 2005 completed a teacher-training course with Bikram Choudhury, the original founder. A couple of years later they opened their own studio in Fitzroy. Michael explains “The practice is very challenging. That mental challenge builds mental focus and determination whilst the heat creates a change in the body more rapidly, raising heart rate and metabolism. This produces profuse sweating, helping the body to detoxify and opens up your immune system.”
An interesting aspect to the studio is the work Michael and Susan and their students do with different groups of people, from people suffering with illnesses, to substance abuse. The practice of Bikram provides an outlet for visitors to detox, sweating out their toxins and helps with determination. “They may not be able to do much at first, but even to come and be at peace and relax for those 90 minutes helps.”
At three classes in, the benefits are already showing, the class allows you to step away from busy every day life, clear your mind, challenge your body and detoxify. As Michael recalls “It teaches you to be present, focused and build determination.”
Bikram Hot Yoga has studios in the following locations: Ascot Vale, Cheltenham, Doncaster, Elsternwick, Fitzroy, Geelong, Glen Waverly, Lynbrook, Mornington Peninsula, Prahran, Preston, Richmond, South Melbourne, Tullamarine, Werribee and Yarraville.
The studios offer a 30 day trial for $30, more information about the practice and how to get involved can be found on their website: http://www.bikramyogafitzroy.com.au/
Pictures courtesy of Bikram Yoga Fitzroy
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