What is bikram

Bikram yoga is always considered hot yoga, but not every hot yoga class is Bikram yoga. Totally confused? We get it. If you’ve never done a heated yoga class, you may be wondering what the difference is between Bikram yoga and hot yoga. Here’s how you can tell the difference between these two yoga styles

The major differences between Bikram yoga and hot yoga:

Bikram 

Developed by Bikram Choudhury, Bikram (makes sense right?) follows the guidelines set out by the guru. This style is prettytTopical since the release of the documentary all about Bikram himself on Netflix. If you haven’t seen it, very interesting stuff.

Since opening his Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills, CA in 1974, Bikram’s style of yoga has grown in popularity and spread all over the West. It had its roots in California but quickly spread throughout the USA and in Canada.

Every Bikram yoga class is exactly the same – no surprises, ever! Class is always comprised of 26 poses that are performed twice over 90 minutes. The heat of the room is always 105 degrees and the humidity of the studio is set at 40%. No music is played during a Bikram class and teacher’s encourage you to take water breaks at designated times. If you like to know what is coming next, you may enjoy Bikram for this reason.

Hot yoga 

Hot yoga is a general term for any heated yoga class. Hot yoga classes may follow any sequence and unlike Bikram yoga classes do not always include the same set of postures. If you get bored of set sequences easily, this style of yoga may be more for you. Unlike Bikram classes, the temperature of hot yoga classes ranges from 80-105 degrees, and the humidity of the room also varies. Hot yoga classes can be anywhere from 60-90 minutes in length. Most hot yoga classes also play music, which can be distracting for some yogis but more enjoyable for others. 

Although very different, both Bikram yoga and hot yoga offer similar benefits. The crazy amount of sweating you do in both scorching Bikram and hot yoga classes is believed to be extremely detoxifying and helps to relieve stress. 

Speaking of Bikram… who has seen the latest documentary on the yoga guru, Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator | Netflix Official Site. Would love to hear your thoughts. It’s a very compelling documentary with loads of footage of Bikram himself and how his empire slowly dissolved under allegations of being a rapist and predator.

This is one of the few class types that can’t really be experienced through online yoga. Most others you can, and check out what we think is the best online yoga service right here!