Thaindian News

London, July 2 (IANS) Britain’s latest tennis hero Andy Murray has credited his transformation from a lanky lad into a muscle-bound machine to Bikram Yoga. The 20-year-old Scot entered the Wimbledon quarterfinals after a gruelling match against Frenchman Richard Gasquet that lasted two minutes short of four hours, prompting speculation about the source of his strength and stamina.

Media here reported that Murray practises Bikram Yoga - a particularly difficult and physically oriented form of yoga developed by Kolkata-born Bikram Choudhury.

The exercises are often conducted in a room heated to 42 degrees Celsius to replicate Indian conditions. The heat warms the muscles, allowing the body to stretch more.

Celebrity followers of Bikram Yoga include Madonna, Michael Jackson and Robert Downey Jr.

Jasmine Soubra, who taught Murray at the Fulham studio of Hoy Bikram Yoga, told The London Paper: “Murray’s been coming to the classes since January. There was no special treatment. He wanted to attend the classes along with members of the public. As the classes went on, his progress was impressive.”

After winning the match, Murray showed off his right bicep for photographers, and later said, “I just wanted to show that, you know, there is some muscle there.”