What sort of benefits could firefighters expect to get out of practicing Bikram Yoga?
BZ: Well, I’ve done some backpacking, but I have never fought fires. A heavy backpack can place a lot of pressure on your spine, and can compress the vertebrae. With many of the postures in Bikram Yoga, you’re creating a natural human traction device. You’re helping to train yourself to stand up straight, and you’re taking pressure off your discs, and reducing pressure on the spine. For firefighters I think that’s key–creating awareness and strength in the core and lower spine so that they can work hard throughout a shift and not be crippled with pain at the end of it. I also think the breathing techniques would be incredibly beneficial for firefighters, because obviously oxygen is an issue when you’re fighting fires. Most people are only breathing in and out through their mouth during the day, using only their accessory muscles. This limits the amount of oxygen saturating the blood and causes a sympathetic or ‘alert’ response. When you practice deep breathing–drawing air in through
