Bikram yoga was created in the late 20th century and has been growing in popularity in the last decade. This stringent style of yoga consistent of the same number of postures practiced in the same exact sequence while standing in a room heated to the same temperature, each time. Bikram’s strict enforcement of rules on students has caused quite a stir in the yoga community. This style of yoga, while loved by many, has had many critics deem it unsafe. So, you may be asking who would subject themselves to 90 minutes in a 105°F room?
Foucault might describe the student’s in these classrooms as numbers of docile bodies and in this case the instructors are the source of disciplinary power, or a regulator of behavior (187). Using Foucault’s concept of the docile body gives a unique perspective on the practice of Bikram yoga. He described the docile body as pliable, subject to being used, transformed and ultimately improved. Foucault wrote that this molding was done through discipline or self-control which can be exercised both internally and externally (190). There is a sense of control over the body and the body becomes a tool for performing a specific action.
Each time students step foot into a Bikram class they are becoming docile bodies. Foucault’s work discusses three specific principles for controlling the docile body, all of which are prevalent in a Bikram environment. The first area of concern is the “scale of control,” or treating the body as a sum of parts (189). One must manipulate the parts in order to improve the whole. The goal of a Bikram class is to strengthen the body, increase flexibility and maintain a clear mind. All three of these goals have a certain ideal of improvement that the students should strive for. Through the use of unique postures that are challenging different areas of the body at different times during the class, this Bikram sequence works individual areas of the body with the goal of improving the overall body.
The second principle for controlling the docile body puts emphasis on the “object of control.” Within this principle Foucault discusses the importance of manipulating movements through repetition (189). Bikram yoga is all about repetition. Each class the students will go through the same series of 26 postures in the same order, holding each pose for the same amount of time. The teachers of these classes strictly impose the sequence but after a few classes the students know what is coming next and will go there without instruction. This action is an example of the self policing concept discussed by Foucault, no longer does the teacher have to watch the student but the student has now internalized these expectations and perpetuates the value of a perfect half pigeon pose or triangle pose on their own will.
This last point touches upon the last principle for controlling the docile body which focuses on “modality.” It is through repetition and uninterrupted constant cohersion and supervision that the body becomes pliable and ultimately improved (189). In Bikram this is seen as soon as the student’s are checked into class. There is a sign in sheet holding them accountable and constant supervision and direction is given during class. Some instructors even single out beginners. And while one on one attention is needed at first, as the student comes to more classes they need less attention and begin to go through the motions without much thought.
Yoga isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when we think of a disciplinary power, but through the use of Foucault’s concept of the docile body and his principles for enforcing the docile body we begin to see Bikram yoga in a unique way.
After thinking about the unconscious controlling effects yoga has on our bodies, what other athletic activities or workouts create and enforce docile bodies? Are there any that don’t?
Foucault might describe the student’s in these classrooms as numbers of docile bodies and in this case the instructors are the source of disciplinary power, or a regulator of behavior (187). Using Foucault’s concept of the docile body gives a unique perspective on the practice of Bikram yoga. He described the docile body as pliable, subject to being used, transformed and ultimately improved. Foucault wrote that this molding was done through discipline or self-control which can be exercised both internally and externally (190). There is a sense of control over the body and the body becomes a tool for performing a specific action.
Each time students step foot into a Bikram class they are becoming docile bodies. Foucault’s work discusses three specific principles for controlling the docile body, all of which are prevalent in a Bikram environment. The first area of concern is the “scale of control,” or treating the body as a sum of parts (189). One must manipulate the parts in order to improve the whole. The goal of a Bikram class is to strengthen the body, increase flexibility and maintain a clear mind. All three of these goals have a certain ideal of improvement that the students should strive for. Through the use of unique postures that are challenging different areas of the body at different times during the class, this Bikram sequence works individual areas of the body with the goal of improving the overall body.
The second principle for controlling the docile body puts emphasis on the “object of control.” Within this principle Foucault discusses the importance of manipulating movements through repetition (189). Bikram yoga is all about repetition. Each class the students will go through the same series of 26 postures in the same order, holding each pose for the same amount of time. The teachers of these classes strictly impose the sequence but after a few classes the students know what is coming next and will go there without instruction. This action is an example of the self policing concept discussed by Foucault, no longer does the teacher have to watch the student but the student has now internalized these expectations and perpetuates the value of a perfect half pigeon pose or triangle pose on their own will.
This last point touches upon the last principle for controlling the docile body which focuses on “modality.” It is through repetition and uninterrupted constant cohersion and supervision that the body becomes pliable and ultimately improved (189). In Bikram this is seen as soon as the student’s are checked into class. There is a sign in sheet holding them accountable and constant supervision and direction is given during class. Some instructors even single out beginners. And while one on one attention is needed at first, as the student comes to more classes they need less attention and begin to go through the motions without much thought.
Yoga isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when we think of a disciplinary power, but through the use of Foucault’s concept of the docile body and his principles for enforcing the docile body we begin to see Bikram yoga in a unique way.
After thinking about the unconscious controlling effects yoga has on our bodies, what other athletic activities or workouts create and enforce docile bodies? Are there any that don’t?