Jump Into the Fire With Bikram Yoga - Basic Principles of "Hot" Yoga

Of the many types of yoga currently in practice, Bikram yoga is one of the most popular. It is often called "hot" yoga because it is meant to be performed in a heated room with a humidity level of around 40%. Exercising in the humid heat is believed by the founder, Bikram Choudhury, to do two things for the body: increase flexibility and cleanse the body of built up toxins.

Flexibility with Hot Yoga

All types of yoga will increase flexibility with time, but this type of yoga in particular is believed to loosen and free the muscles through the humidity, thus making them more flexible during each individual workout. This in turn greatly reduces the risk of injuries that may occur when stretching tight, cold muscles.

Cleansing with Hot Yoga

The human body collects toxins inside the organs with time, especially within in the colon. It is becoming common now for people to go through detox diets or use colon cleansers, but the natural way of relieving toxins from the body is to sweat them out. This is another purpose of the humid temperature while doing this type of yoga.

Essentially, those who follow Bikram yoga believe that all of the benefits of yoga are greatly enhanced by the heat and steam of the room. Of course, you do not have to mimic that exact same temperature setting if you are doing this form of yoga on your own, though you may see some enhanced benefits of your practice if you do.