Yoga with warm bodies and fast hearts

By ALAN PERROTT

Floppy-limbed fans came from as far as the Bay of Plenty for a rare chance to learn from one half of a contentious duo who have the yoga world tied up in knots.

Five-times all-India yoga champion Rajashree Choudhury held a class in Newmarket yesterday during a 10-hour stopover.

Her husband Bikram Choudhury has created a stir among yoga traditionalists who have accused the pair of "McDonaldising" the ancient art of fusing mind, body and spirit.

The couple have accumulated a tidy fortune from their international chain of 400 franchised Bikram Yoga training centres, where about 2500 instructors offer exactly the same range of 26 postures.

The Bikram website (bikramyoga.com) touts them as the most exciting, effective, amusing and glamorous yoga class in the world.

"Some people are stuck in their ways," said Mrs Choudhury. "If they believe in other ways, then that's fine, we'll be okay. They are also getting money for what they do and are looking to be famous by being different. But they're not improving anything by criticising us."

The mother of two left Calcutta to join Bikram in Los Angeles in 1984. The pair are now an established feature in Beverly Hills where they host rich and famous students such as Madonna, Shirley MacLaine and basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

While their critics claim yoga principles dictate austerity, Mr Choudhury proudly flaunts his bling-bling lifestyle of Rolls-Royces and flash clothes. He has claimed he works in Beverly Hills because that is where he is needed most.

Mrs Choudhury said travelling the world promoting women's health had shown her yoga was on the rise, benefiting from rising interest in spiritual issues, and a surge in men rolling up to roll around.

"Yoga is very sexy right now, it is. Look at all the sports stars, the supermodels, all trying to shape up through yoga. It is the rhythm of life ... harmony of the soul."

About Bikram Yoga

It is the fastest-growing yoga style in the United States.

Practised by Madonna, Shirley MacLaine and basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Done at speed, in a room heated to 40.5C with 60 per cent humidity.

The heat is supposed to warm muscles, improving flexibility and increasing the heart rate.

The poses aim to cut blood supply, creating pressure, which when released causes blood to rush, flushing out veins and arteries.

New students are recommended to attend daily classes for the first two months.