Where the 90minute journey to freedom begins✨⠀ ⠀ The Bikram series begins with the pranayama breathing to allow the lungs, neck and shoulders to open and stretch. ⠀ ⠀ On the inhalation, the elbows reach all the way up to the ceiling, physically opening the rib cage while stretching through the shoulders. On the exhalation, the elbows actively stretch forward continuing the wake up call to the shoulders, physically closing the rib cage while allowing the neck to relax back in preparation for the backward bending. ⠀ ⠀ At the same time, playing with the limits of lung capacity, we inject a big dose of oxygen into our bodies which fires us up, nourishes our cells, enabling the body to be ready & willing to power through the class! ⠀ ⠀ As you become more familiar with the breathing, you become more playful and find the connection between using your throat to moderate the speed at which you inhale and exhale to achieve one full breath in 12 seconds.⠀ ⠀ Fun Fact- Did you know, that the longest living animal the tortoise, breathes only three to four times every minute (15 sec per breath), whereas human beings breathe at least 15 times every minute (4 sec per breath)... ⠀ ⠀ The Bhagavad Gita uses the tortoise as a repeated example of self control. With incredible control that we exercise in the Pranayama breathing, we humble humans take steps to bring our bodies into peace while challenging one of the very core elements of being a human, our breath.⠀