Bikram Yoga's benefits

MANILA, Philippines - With today’s technology and scientific advances, celebrities have never had it so easy when it comes to fitness. Yet, stars such as Lorna Tolentino, Ara Mina, Ruffa Gutierrez, Edu Manzano, John Estrada and even Hollywood biggies Madonna, Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Beyoncé and David Beckham engage in a certain kind of exercise rooted in centuries-old discipline that not only keeps them in shape but also helps prevent disease, bust stress and promote mental well-being.

Bikram Yoga is a sequence of 26 postures done in a heated room (40 degrees Celsius). The 90-minute series was developed in the ‘70s by Bikram Choudhury as a universal “prescription” of poses for everyone to do in a group setting, as taught by certified teachers. 

In the Philippines, there are only five accredited Bikram Yoga studios. One of which, Bikram Yoga Greenhills, is owned by Al Galang who, himself, is a Bikram Yoga practitioner for nine years now and is, in fact, a certified Bikram Yoga instructor.

“I graduated from teacher training at the Bikram Headquarters in Los Angeles in July, 2006. It was a very grueling 700 plus hours of training in the span of only nine weeks. These days, my schedule permits me to teach only three to four regular classes a week. This is in addition to the private classes and one-on-ones that I provide on a regular basis,” he said.

“As for Hollywood celebs, Lady Gaga is the pop star most commonly spotted going to and from her private classes. George Clooney will do Bikram anytime he’s near a studio, even when he’s traveling. David Beckham recently got into it to extend his playing career, and Beyoncé loves it so much that she brings along friends and family for private group classes,” Al enumerated.

A total body workout and a form of relaxation/meditation, Bikram Yoga can burn from 500 to 1,250 calories per session — perfect for losing weight and keeping the unwanted kilos off. The heat in the room makes the muscles more pliable, hence, Bikram Yoga practitioners are able to do the postures deeper but safely. “Bikram Yoga works. It has been proven time and time again — with weight loss, disease prevention, skin problems and other cosmetic issues. All of these benefits are even more valuable for people who live and work under the spotlight.”

No wonder that many of Al’s celeb clients were actually referred to him by their celeb friends who are into Bikram Yoga and satisfied with the results it delivers. These days, everyone does yoga at his studio: From mothers, fathers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, businessmen and politicians, to students, musicians, homemakers, chefs, athletes, couch potatoes, kids and senior citizens. They are taught by teachers from San Diego, Vancouver, Chicago and Thailand.