Also known as Hot Yoga, Bikram Yoga is practiced, much like Vinyasa yoga, as a series of positions. The most unique trait of Bikram yoga is the temperature at which it is practiced.

A Bikram Yoga session is typically practiced in a room that’s between 95-100 degrees. At this temperature it doesn’t take long to get the sweat pouring. As such, Bikram yoga is often thought of as the yoga style where everyone is dripping with sweat.

It is believed that the increased temperature used in Bikram yoga assists the body in cleansing itself of toxins. Another advantage of higher temperatures is that hot muscles are flexible muscles.

Some people say that for this very reason you may be unexpectedly sore after your first Bikram yoga session. Because you are able to stretch hot muslces farther than they would normally stretch, you may want to be careful the first few sessions.

History of Bikram Yoga

Bikram Choudhury is the inventor of Bikram yoga, a set of 26 yoga positions, including two pranayama exercises. Each of the pranayama exercises is performed twice during a 90-minute class.

Choudhury founded the Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills in 1974. Bikram Choudhury and his wife, Rajashree, were famous yoga champions in India. More recently, Choudhury was involved in a copyright case over his trying to copyright his series of 26 asanas performed in a hot room. (see Bikram Yoga Controvery)

Bikram Yoga Tips

• It is extremely important that you drink plenty of water before and after this intensive type of yoga. It is also advised that you eat nothing for at least two hours before practicing.
• Be sure that the yoga center you go to has been certified to teach Bikram yoga if you want to be sure you’re learning it as it was developed by Bikram Choudhury.
• Bikram yoga is not advised for those who are pregnant, as it can significantly raise core body temperatures.