Stretch for a Bikram's Yoga Class

Bikram yoga is a series of 26 poses that Bikram Choudhury adapted from hatha yoga. Hot yoga is another term used for Bikram yoga, the theory being that a warm body is more flexible. Adherents practice Bikram yoga in a 104-degree-Fahrenheit studio. The heat encourages sweating and the flushing out of impurities, which speeds up the inner cleansing process. It is important to perform a few stretches and warm-up poses to prepare your body for the class.

Do the Yoga Bridge Pose
The Bridge pose in yoga benefits several muscle groups. The pose's first stage stretches and strengthens the thighs, buttocks and abdomen. The second stage works the upper body.

Make a Yoga Bolster
Yoga props can help relax the body in specific yoga postures. Yoga bolsters are a yoga prop used aid relaxation in supine postures and forward bends. Bolsters can help ease the body into more difficult postures and allow the body to release tension. They are made of a thick fabric in either a rectangular or circular shape and can be filled with cotton or foam. Making your own yoga bolster is a fun and money-saving project that can be completed in under an hour with minimal supplies.

Improve Lung Function with Yoga Breathwork
Patients who suffer from chronic lung disorders like asthma, COPD or cystic fibrosis could benefit greatly from yoga breathwork. Yoga helps to improve lung function by opening up lung passages and releases stale air accumulated at the base of the lungs. By exhaling out toxins, it allows the lungs to circulate fresh, clean air.

Make Yoga Pants
One of the tricks to being able to do yoga --- and do it well --- is to wear clothing that will move and bend with you. Clothing that restricts your movement in any way will not be suitable for yoga, as your body and your energy must be allowed to move as freely as possible. However, if you are an odd size, or if the price of yoga pants is too much for you to afford, you can make your own, guaranteed to fit and likely to be cheaper than what you can purchase online.