Are All Hot Yoga Classes Bikram? Bikram vs. Hot Yoga Explained
It’s hard to talk about hot yoga without first covering Bikram yoga. Known for its militant style of teaching, zen-like concentration and consistent posture sequence, Bikram is one of the most popular styles of hot yoga practiced throughout the world. Lovers of a strict, disciplined practice tend to gravitate toward Bikram, as everything from breathing to water breaks are scheduled throughout class. The differences can be summed up in the chart below.
| Bikram | Hot Yoga | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 105˚ | Ranges from 90s˚– 105˚ |
| Length of Class | 90 minutes | 60 minutes (sometimes 75-90) |
| Music? | Never | Sometimes |
| Type of Yoga | 26 postures, repeated 2x | Depends on studio, can vary and even include sculpt/weights |
| Flooring | Usually carpet | Commonly Flotex or another type of faux wood |
| Cost | $60-$120 monthly | $100-$145 monthly |
As to which is better — it all boils down to personal preference. I practiced Bikram exclusively for years, but now that I’ve “cheated,” the 90-minute regimen feels torturously long, albeit I do enjoy a good Bikram “knockoff” from time to time. Most hot yoga studios offer classes that incorporate Bikram postures in a super hot room, but with a 60-minute cap and a more relaxed approach. Germaphobes will appreciate that non-Bikram studios usually offer stink-free, faux wood floors, whereas Bikram should be practiced exclusively on carpet. Be prepared to have your nostrils attacked with the smells of hot, stinky feet if you go the Bikram route. But you’ll get used to it after a few minutes — I promise.
What to Expect
Your first class can be a nerve-wracking experience. Will it be too hot? What if everyone is more fit than me? Do I need to be flexible? Here’s the good news — you don’t. And despite all my fears, I found yogis to be incredibly welcoming of all different levels and abilities. Come to class 15 minutes early with an empty stomach, and avoid eating a few hours before, as the heat and a full belly can make you weary. Also, be sure to make a trip to the restroom before class begins as leaving during class is pretty discouraged. I like going in extra early, roughly 20 minutes before class starts, so I can choose the spot I want in the room and take my time to empty my mind. For your first few classes, choose a spot in the back, so you can keep your eye on the teacher in the front.
Most studios do prohibit cell phone use, so take this time to enjoy disconnecting from your phone, and adjust to the warmth and humidity of the room. Breathing in and exhaling deeply will help you relax and adjust more quickly to the temperature of the room. One of my favorite things about hot yoga is that it’s truly a time to focus on yourself, your body and what you need. So, ignore your text messages or that meeting you need to think about later, and enjoy your “you” time.
During class, be prepared to sweat — a LOT. Most hot yoga studios will also artificially increase humidity levels, so you’ll sweat from places you didn’t even know you had sweat glands (hello, sweaty inner elbows). Your heart may also race as your body warms, but keep calm and focus on your reflection in the mirror. If you start to panic, lie down on the mat and take a little break. Even the most seasoned yogis have their off days, so just wait out any bad feelings you may have and get right back into the swing of things. Focusing on your reflection in the mirror is a great way to zone into your practice. After class, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world! After a lengthy shower, of course.
