About Original Hot Yoga

Yogapedia explains Bikram Yoga:

Popularized as hot yoga, this practice, taught only by certified instructors, follows a regular series of 26 yoga poses and two breathing exercises. The heat is thought to warm the muscles in preparation for the practice and the resulting sweat releases toxins and impurities through the skin. The heat is also believed to invigorate the circulatory system and improve the heart rate.

(see https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5012/bikram-yoga for more)

Why did I pick this “bikram” style Original Hot yoga? 

1)   Class is the same every time.  The same exercises in the same order, every time.  That stills the mind; there is no trying to anticipate what might be next, figuring out what the teacher wants, etc.  The result is a Moving Mindfulness experience – the benefits of both exercise and meditation in one session

2)    It allows a better and better workout as the student gets more familiar with the poses and more able to access the muscles required

3)   The 26 poses incorporate stillness to each one – a pause that prevents competitive overstretching and has an anti-anxiety  effect as a side benefit

4)   Diaphragmatic (“belly”) breathing is incorporated in every class – a key to reducing inflammation and lowering stress/anxiety

5)   It is a more athletic style of yoga than some of the types that have a great focus on meditation and calm. It is physically challenging and took me a long time to gain mastery of the poses

Many people love the heat – a purist bikram-style studio is kept at 105 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity.  While appealing to some, I think it is intimidating to other people and keeps them from getting the benefits of this type of yoga.  While a warm room loosens muscles better than a cold room, dressing warmly can have a similar effect .  My intention is to allow people to access the benefits of this yoga without the high heat.