In India, in many places we need not go looking for heat, we already have that temperature, all we have to do is to do it in shade that's all.
One can practice BY by using his Yoga book and the BY CD in our home too, either by creating the heated environment, or without the heat. Without the heat, we may not get the full benefits, but still it is better to do it for we would get most of the benefits. Also, since he has created a specific order in which the various asanas have to be performed everyday without any change, it makes it easier for us to do them effectively. Though his his classes are called Beginner's Yoga class everywhere, it is quite challenging, so in his class you would find both the beginner, as well as advanced students practicing his moves together, each at his/her level, but with every body doing it together. Also, the routine is the same always, however, the body and mind are always different so the postures, and their order, don’t ever get boring. Bikram scientifically designed the series so that one posture opens a specific area of the body in preparation for the next posture. By practicing the same order every class one will be able to mark one's improvement. Remember, this is a lifetime practice that can always improve, deepen and advance!
I just love this \Bikram Yoga, for there are no new postures to be learnt, struggling, and finally not getting any of the postures perfectly, and it is true, that the asanas are pretty tough, but one can see improvements everyday, for it needs lots of concentration, patience and dedication, and when we are able to get most of it perfect, the pleasure is simply great.
There is never anything like doing the asanas perfectly, for there is always room for some more improvement, and that is the challenge that keeps one going from day to day, always looking forward to doing better and better.
My son who lives in Chicago, is BY fan. On my request, has sent me a CD and a book which I follow everyday without fail, and I am just loving it.( though I am doing it in the cool weather of Bangalore). However, I am pretty warmed up after my Aerobics class, and also make it a point to drink lots of hot water with lemon and honey to keep me quite hot in this cool weather. I have been to many yoga classes, but after coming across BY, (years ago) I feel it really makes sense to follow this very disciplined, scientifically programmed series of Yoga asanas.
This is how BY class looks all over the world, this one is in Chicago in River North area.
The practice is so intense, that one need not go to other classes like aerobics or weight training to build muscles, one can get everything here itself
One is allowed to sit if one is feeling little tired or sick in the first few classes
Not everyone can sit with one knee folded and on the toes, but those who are able to, were also once struggling like the ones who cannot sit.
You can see the Instructor standing on the platform watching every student, correcting, encouraging them.
Here you can see Bikram with all the students from all over the world who have come to him to be trained as Instructors
The beauty of his class is that all BY trained Instructors would teach it in the same way, using the same words, ( that is how they are supposed to do, it is part of their training) so that no matter which part of the world you happen to be, you would not have any problems following them.
While you are moving very slowly: Stretching, holding, balancing, don't be shocked to feel your heart beating like you have been running for miles, for that is Bikram yoga.
People who live in naturally hot places in India should definitely, give it a try doing it in their homes following his CD.
I know this topic is too long, but I had to share this with all of you.
Tell me would you like to try this kind of Yoga if you had BY studio near your place?