Yoga has become a popular practice amongst people of all ages and cultures all over the world, and with that popularity, it has lead to the development of all kinds of unique traditions and techniques, such as Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga. While these two systems of yoga may sound similar, there are a few key differences that allow us to appreciate their uniqueness and individual benefits.
What is Hot Yoga?
Hot Yoga is a form of yoga that is performed in a significantly heated environment (90 – 105 degrees Fahrenheit) to heighten the physical and mental benefits of the practice. It incorporates classic yoga poses, but also includes vinyasa as a series of poses that are linked together into a continuous flow. Hot Yoga typically follows a set series of postures, which can help establish a flow when done correctly. As one moves through this sequence of poses, the body naturally becomes energized, detoxified, and rejuvenated. The increased temperature of the room and increased intensity of the practice makes the body bend, stretch and move in ways that might not be achievable in a traditional, cooler yoga class.
What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram Yoga is a style of yoga that is based off of traditional Hatha yoga and is performed in a heated room (105 – 110 degrees Fahrenheit). Bikram Yoga is named after its founder, Bikram Choudhury, who was also the founder of the United States Yoga Association. This form of yoga consists of 26 specific poses (asanas), most of which are stationary, and each is done twice in a 90-minute practice. The poses are primarily designed to work the core, warm up the spine, and release tension and toxins in the body. As each posture is performed, it’s important to focus on breath and relaxation, as this will help maximize the benefits of each exercise. This practice uses constructive stillness and proper breathing techniques to help prepare the body for a full range of mobility, which can improve balance and muscle tone.
Similarities and Differences
Both Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga are performed in a heated room to improve the effects of the poses and stimulate the body’s sweat response. Bikram Yoga practices remain the same for each class and since the temperature is set high and it’s quite strenuous, it may be difficult for a beginner. Hot Yoga, on the other hand, is led by different teachers who can offer different variations and levels of intensity. This allows practitioners to adjust the practice to meet their personal fitness levels and goals. In addition, they also emphasize specific yoga poses that are beneficial to a person’s individual physical needs.
On the other hand, Bikram Yoga and Hot Yoga have some differentiating characteristics. The first is the temperature of the room. In Bikram Yoga, the temperature is kept at a consistent level throughout the entire practice, while in Hot Yoga, the room temperature is often increased or decreased according to the instructor’s preferences or the temperature of the day. The second difference has to do with the specific poses themselves. In Bikram Yoga, only 26 static poses are practiced, while Hot Yoga offers much greater variety of poses, in a much shorter practice time.
Overall, Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga both offer incredible benefits to practitioners of all levels. Both practices invite an individual to stretch, strengthen and lengthen the muscles and connect to the breath, as well as release stress and tension throughout the body. And while they each have their own unique attributes and features, the common denominator that connects them is the heat. This heat facilitates a deeper, therapeutic level of healing and transformation, both mentally and physically.
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