| Developed by Bikram Choudhury, Yoga is practiced at | | | | Lock the knee has a number of benefits for yoga |
| a higher temperature in a room for two main | | | | practitioners. Bikram yoga increases mental potency |
| objectives; first to relieve the body off its toxins and | | | | and the mind gains strength along side improving |
| secondly to make the body more flexible. There are | | | | concentration. Not only will lock the knee technique use |
| 26 postures which are sub divided into Asanas | | | | all major muscles by unifying the mind and body it will |
| (postures) and Prayanama (breathing exercises). | | | | also build up the back muscles. For people with desk |
| These interdependent exercises involve better | | | | jobs, this pose helps by building up the hamstring |
| consumption of oxygen to affect lungs, circulation, | | | | muscles, so even prolonged sitting does not hamper |
| muscles, brain activity and mental capacity. Among | | | | their physical activities. This practice engages the |
| Asanas postures Dandayamana - JanuShirasana | | | | digestive and reproductive organs as well. Those |
| (Standing Head to Knee Pose) or locking the knee is a | | | | suffering from diabetes can benefit themselves with |
| very important part of Bikram, as it is utilized in many | | | | this exercise. As this posture primarily works to build |
| postures. | | | | the quadriceps, once they are strengthened by routine |
| How to Perform: | | | | practice of lock the knee, it lessens previous knee |
| In Bikram yoga the standing head to knee posture | | | | injury pains and also helps to reduce the risks of |
| tends to straighten your legs to a 90 degree "L" shape | | | | Osteo-Arthritis. |
| form while straightening the thighs, hips and knees. | | | | Risks: |
| Concentrating on the knee of the standing leg first; | | | | The risks associated with any form of yoga should be |
| focus on keeping the knee pushed back and the thigh | | | | given due consideration. In Bikram's lock the knee, |
| muscles contracted. Bikram called this Locking the | | | | dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can |
| knee because it engages the quadriceps and diverts | | | | affect the yogi as the exercise is performed in a very |
| the strain from the knee to protect it from injury. In | | | | high temperature room. The presence of a certified |
| order to gain maximum, benefit from this posture, one | | | | instructor is a must due to an increased risk of muscle, |
| must hold it for the prescribed duration. Once you have | | | | ligament, and lower back injuries. Beginners usually |
| achieved locking both knees bend your elbows down | | | | experience dizziness and nausea due to the high |
| and tuck your stomach in around the shins to touch | | | | temperatures. |
| your forehead to your knee. Normally, instructors | | | | Lock the knee should be made a part of all Bikram |
| recommend practicing this technique by standing in | | | | followers regime, as the advantages far outweigh the |
| front of a mirror in the high temperature room so that | | | | risks, and even the few that are possible can be |
| optimum results can be achieved. | | | | overcome with proper instructor oversight and keeping |
| Advantages: | | | | yourself hydrated. |