For some reason, I had the time to sit down and watch a little television, and as luck would have it, Bikram Choudhury was being interviewed on 60 Minutes Wednesday.
My wife, Marie and I don't often get home at that time of the night, as we are usually closing up the wellness center, so this was fate and a bit of luck.
Our center does not have 105 degree Bikram classes or hot Yoga classes, but we are familiar with Bikram's style and his wife's many accomplishments. Rajashree Choudhury is a five-time winner of the All-India Yoga Championship competition.
I am not a Bikram fan, but I am not swayed by some of the anti-Bikram articles that work their way into the world of Yoga. Before I touch some of the finer points of his interview, I must concede that he snatched the lime light with exuberance and now I know why some love him, while others don't feel so warm and furry about him.
I laughed at his rhetoric, equally, as much as watching Jerry Seinfeld or Ray Ramano, do a stand up comedy routine. The man is pure entertainment and he has a point.
In reference to his style of yoga, he said " I don't sell cheesecake, you know that." The fact is anyone who visits a Bikram style Yoga class knows what they are getting into. How could you miss 105 degrees Fahrenheit?
More to the point, America is a country of extremes and there are estimates that only 10% of the population exercises regularly. While, another 35% of the population, drift in, and out, of exercise, depending upon the season, a fad, or a whim.
The remaining 55%, of America's population, have taken a pledge to avoid exercise at all costs. Maybe the "couch potatoes" can only grasp the concept of a "kick in the pants."
Some people need a drill instructor personality and as Bikram would say, "torture chamber" to understand Yoga. America made him the "Guru of the Stars," and he understands public relations.
Let's give credit, where credit is due. If you love Yoga and missed this interview, see if you can catch the re-run. There is a strange need, on a massive scale, for "stern but loving parent" type teachers in Yoga classes.
Now if you'll excuse me, I am about to organize the Extremely Hot Navy Seals Power Yoga Boot Camp.
Paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..Unlike some other sports, you don't need a lot of... Read More
Are you one of those folks who have never tried... Read More
One more study tells the world, that Yoga can help... Read More
For some reason, I had the time to sit down... Read More
I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue... Read More
Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in... Read More
After five thousand years of written documentation, Yoga may well... Read More
In order to find a quality yoga instructor, you need... Read More
In most forms of Yoga there are three components to... Read More
To continue with our overview of the physical component of... Read More
Yoga is an ancient proven tradition that exists for thousands... Read More
You finally made the decision to practice yoga, but which... Read More
Every woman wants to have a healthy baby. Yogic practices,... Read More
Yoga is controlling of thoughts arising in the mind. When... Read More
The great sage Patanjali in his work Yogasutra codified all... Read More
Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences that have been united... Read More
The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition.... Read More
EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More
Senior Yoga / Chair YogaIs it possible that grandparents are... Read More
The Sanskrit word 'Yoga' has two meaning, because it is... Read More
Pilates can benefit your overall health and sense of well-being... Read More
I absolutely love using yoga DVDs and yoga videos during... Read More
Stress levels around the world are on the rise. In... Read More
Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..In order to understand the basics of Pilates and why... Read More
I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More
Time is valuable and there are a number of successful... Read More
Experienced Yoga practitioners often feel discouraged when a naturally gifted... Read More
After five thousand years of written documentation, Yoga may well... Read More
Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More
You finally made the decision to practice yoga, but which... Read More
The following is an excerpt from the book "Om Yoga:... Read More
The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition.... Read More
It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such... Read More
Stress is very common in all walks of life and... Read More
For some reason, I had the time to sit down... Read More
Many people wonder if yoga can improve their muscle fitness.... Read More
In most forms of Yoga there are three components to... Read More
Initially, enlightenment is living in the present moment and accepting... Read More
Many people feel that there is a limited amount of... Read More
Yoga mats are a basic part of every practice. What... Read More
Internal defeat is a state of mind, where you begin... Read More
Now, let's cover the last component of self-mastery, which is... Read More
EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More
Every process of Yoga... neigh Meditation that frees us from... Read More
The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual... Read More
Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in... Read More
I often wondered what the value of each type of... Read More
Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if... Read More
Yoga |