Advanced Series

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porthacking
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June 24, 2011 at 6:26 am

Post count: 1

#2149

Hi All,

I am in my late 20s and recovering from significant illness 7 years ago. I was sick for two and half years and it has left me weak and with an unstable left knee and shoulder. I am now in better shape than most, but I still cannot run or swim (I used to compete). Enough of that…

I have started Bikram Yoga as well as some other training to try and fix this for once and for all. I am quite flexible and have strong legs and think I am half decent for a beginner…but I am confused.

Is someone able to give me the rough run down of the Bikram method. I know he has the 26 beginner postures and that there is an advanced series. I know that this has something to do with Hatha Yoga, and there is a picture of someone doing the 84 Asanas at my local studio. How does all of this fit together?
Is Bikram a type of Hatha Yoga? What does this mean?
Is the beginner series drawn from the 84 postures? etc etc.

Specifically about the Advanced series, how long could I expect it takes me to get to a sufficient level to do the Advanced series (ignoring getting an invite etc). I know this is a very open question.

I don’t find that the beginner series gives me enough specific training to help with stabilising my shoulder, nor does it give me support for my knee during dynamic exercise (running, jumping etc) and so I will be doing other training on the side. I know Bikram says that his system is complete, but do people competing at an international level do other forms of exercise to supplement their practice?
And finally, how do they practice? Surely it just isn’t class after class after class. Do they break the postures down, practice them in isolation, like any other sportsman preparing for something?

Sorry for all the questions. I hope someone can point me in the right direction.

I look forward to hearing from someone.

Coryogi
Participant

June 26, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Post count: 12

#8678

Bikram is a form of Hatha Yoga, yes. The 26 postures are picked from the 84 and put into a specific order. Hatha Yoga is a physical yoga, not the chanting, mediative styles. I found that Bikram Yoga has helped start my journey into learning about ALL forms of yoga, a good base in physical postures to start the demands of the rest of the postures. When I’ve asked my instructor about the Advanced series, she recommends most people have a solid practice for about 5 years before they are ready, espically their knees. (and she is a VERY high level insturctor who teaches the Advanced Class regularly) Even the Beginning Bikram Series postures have a full level that most cannot do (myself included) I personally would love to try the advanced class…….once I can Do a full standing splits in standing bow, and make a tear drop shape in bow, and put my head on my feet in camel…… It takes time and practice, and more and more of it =)
Never having competed, I would assume you would have to do class after class after class while practicing at home and isolationg the postures while doing other exercises like pilates, running, ju-jitsu, weightlifting or anything else to build strength. At least I would =)
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