If you’ve been thinking about trying hot yoga, it might have come to your attention that there are different types and modalities to choose from. Many know of the Bikram practice, but this can be confused with other kinds of hot yoga because it is widely popular for the heated room in which it is performed. Before jumping into one practice or another, here are some points to consider so you can find the best option for your mind, body, and soul.
What Is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram yoga is a very particular practice identified by the 26 poses used throughout the class in a set order. It is also a more “modern” modality compared to its yoga counterpart, which originated in India and has been around for around 5,000 years. Bikram came about in 1974 and was invented to focus on the set poses and breathing exercises that are found in every class.
The order is not meant to be changed or modified, and the temperature in the studio is usually around 105 degrees. The humidity is turned up to 40%, which helps students sweat while they work. You won’t find any music or calming sounds to go along with your practice in Bikram, and all the instructors have memorized the proper script to recite along with each movement. If you like to learn patterns and follow a certain setup regularly, these classes are ideal because each one follows the same outline, and it is up to each individual to become stronger and more advanced in the given poses.
What Is Hot Yoga?
Hot yoga varies with every instructor and class type. You can take modalities that range from Vinyasas and Ashtangas to Yin, all of which are heated differently and to the teacher’s personal preference. Some classes may get as hot as 100 degrees or slightly over, while others may sit around 80 degrees with humidity, all of which is used to help students sweat. Music, lighting, and script are all controlled by the individual instructors’ personalities, making each class unique and fun. Trying different groups and modalities allow you to find the one that best suits your needs, so play around and explore different teachers, styles, and yoga types to find the perfect fit.
Both hot yoga and Bikram offer an array of benefits ranging from a relaxed and calm state of mind, improved flexibility, increased bone density, and better cardiovascular health. Finding the right one for you is part of the fun, so give both a try or pick from this article to get started finding your inner zen.
