Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is the original 'hot yoga'--studios are heated to 105ºF, and students are guaranteed a serious sweat. It has its own trademark sequence consisting of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. They're always practiced in the same order, meaning you can walk into any Bikram studio around the world and know exactly what to expect.

The Bikram postures were chosen to work every part of the body including the organs, glands, and muscles. They include standing postures, balancing postures, twists, backbends, and forward bends. When combined, these postures are said to keep the body at its optimum health.

Why the heat? Bikram yoga explains that its warm temperatures make the body limber. This flexibility makes the yoga postures easier to practice. Plus, the heat is said to flush out impurities through the process of sweating.

Bikram classes are very structured, never veering away from its classic sequence. Each of the 26 postures is practiced twice within a 90 minute class. Bikram studios usually have mirrors so that students can correct their alignment.

Bikram is perfect if you're looking to work up a serious sweat. Although the heat can be intense, many students come to welcome its effects. It's a great fit for those who need a little routine in their lives, as the sequence is always the same. You'll be inspired by more advanced yogis as all levels are mixed together in one class.

yoga is not the best choice on hot summer days or if you're already dealing with problems of internal heat like acidity, burning sensations, or skin issues.

 

Bikram yoga has its own names for certain poses, but if a more common name exists it's been given here.

•  Standing deep breathing - Pranayama
•  Crescent moon - Chandrasana
•  Chair pose - Utkatasana
•  Eagle pose - Garudasana
•  Standing head to knee - Dandayamana-janushirasana
•  Dancer's pose - Natarajasana
•  Warrior 3 - Virabhadrasana 3
•  Wide legged forward bend - Prasarita padottanasana
•  Extended side angle - Utthita parsvakonasana
•  Tree pose - Vrksasana
•  Corpse pose - Savasana
•  Bow pose - Dhanurasana
•  Seated forward bend - Paschimottanasana
•  Toe stand - Padangustasana
•  Locust pose - Salabhasana
•  Full locust pose - Poorna-salabhasana
•  Head to knee pose - Janu Sirsasana