Bikram Yoga, which is also called hot yoga, is a fast growing yoga style. The classes consist of twenty six yoga positions or asanas and two breathing execises, all carried out in a room at a temperature of 105 degrees farenhiet! Also, all through each class the instructor intones a standard monologue.

It was first developed by a charismatic and colorful yogi by the name of Bikram Choudhury from Beverly Hills, California. Bikram Yoga is not embraced by more traditional yoga instructors and professionals as they feel that the high temperatures used increases the risk of injury due to greater flexibility in the body due to the high heat.

But, according to Choudry, Bikram Yoga is not only a perfectly viable form he goes even further by stating that it is the only pure form of hatha (physical) yoga being practiced in the west. These claims, along with his attempts to claim a trademark and copywright on hot yoga has further alienated him from mainstream western yogis, indeed they claim he is infringing on their rights by trying to copywrite this ancient art.

Despite all this Bikram Yoga has definitely developed a large and faithful following, inspiring many to a healthier body and mind.

If you are considering trying out hot yoga please read on for a few pointers you may want to keep in mind:

- You should look for a fully qualified instructor in a proper studio setting. Bikram Yoga should not be practiced from a book or video, at least not when you are first starting out. If there are no qualified yogis in your area you may try and teach yourself via one of these methods but please proceed cautiously. Do not over do things or push yourself too hard, as an injury may occur.

- Be very aware of your body's limitations, especially when learning a new position. Also use caution when changing from one pose to another. Remember many critics of this form feel that the high heat increases your risk of injury. However the styles proponents claim it is far safer than other yoga forms. Better to err on the safe side.

- Bikram Yoga is a highly structured style, the movements are followed in a set order. Also it does not have any inverted poses, unlike other yoga styles. The aim in hot yoga is, with your body nice and warm, to stretch your muscles, tendons and ligaments.

- Pace yourself, don't rush. The time taken to work through the full set of asanas is 90 minutes. Rushing things will lead to poor execution and form which will lead to injuries.

- Don't worry what the others in the class are doing (other than the yogi of course) nor compare on how far they have advanced. All people are different and will advance at a different rate, just measure your progress against your own performance.

- Build a routine, make time to practice. Bikram Yoga, like any other form of exercise, requires regular practice to show improvements. If you practice regularly you WILL begin to notice better muscle-tone, flexibility, weight loss, as well as an all round better feeling of health and well-being. Four times per week is a good goal.

- Be sure to drink plenty of water. Remember it is hot in the class and you will be exerting a lot of energy, which will cause you to prespire. If you don't keep hydrated you will get cramps and may feel nauseous.

- If possible try doing some form of strength training or aerobic exercise on your off days maybe some swimming or bike riding for your aerobics and some resistance traing for strength.

I hope this has helped you understand a little bit about Bikram Yoga. Be healthy and happy.