Have you heard the hype about Bikram Yoga? Or Hot Yoga classes? Are they the same thing, or are they different? Confused? We’re here to help.
The short answer is – Bikram Yoga is one particular style of Hot Yoga, however Hot Yoga classes in general can vary vastly between studios. Quite often those new to yoga won’t know there’s other types of heated yoga classes to explore other than Bikram in Melbourne.
Understanding the differences can help you decide which style is right for you. No one style of yoga is right or wrong, and it’s important to explore the elements that separate the different approaches.
There are many styles of hot yoga offered around Melbourne, and we can only speak to what’s offered here at Kula. Below we’ve compiled a general outline comparing our hot yoga classes to Bikram yoga.
Time
Our hot yoga classes at Kula are 60 minutes, where Bikram yoga lasts 90.
Postures
Bikram yoga classes are comprised of the same 26 set, static postures; teachers instruct using the same scripted dialogue written by Bikram Choudury himself to guide students through the poses. At Kula our teachers have freedom to create our classes in a slow, flowing, Vinyasa style. Our structure includes Sun Salutations and dynamic sequencing that changes with each class; teachers use their own creativity to offer modifications and variations.
Heat
Kula has Far Infrared Ray (FIR) heating built into the studio for a dry, healthy heat. Our hot yoga class maxes out at 35 degrees. In Bikram, the temperature can reach over 40 degrees with 40 per cent or more humidity.
Sounds
When Bikram yoga teachers aren’t speaking the room remains silent. Our hot yoga classes feature music to lead students through the practice.
To wrap up ~ all Bikram yoga is hot, but not all hot yoga is Bikram. Regardless of which type of yoga you choose, there are some essentials to remember for any heated class.
- Hydrate: Before you come to the studio and especially after your practice, remember to drink plenty of water. Coconut water is an excellent choice as it replaces electrolytes lost while sweating.
- Towel: If you’re going to a heated class, it’s going to get slippery, Bring a towel to cover your mat. If you’re a super sweater, bring two.
- Rest: Your body temperature will definitely rise during exercise; adding heat to the environment is likely to boost that temperature. Listen to your body. Find Child’s Pose or Savasana if you aren’t able to maintain a smooth, rhythmic breath pattern.
Kula Yoga has two beautiful hot yoga studios ~ In Hawthorn and Hampton, Melbourne Victoria. Kula offers Hot Yoga classes for detoxification, dynamic poweryoga or Vinyasa Flow Yoga, as well as a gentle Yin Yoga option. Beginners through to advanced students are welcome to all classes. Kula also provides prenatal & postnatal yoga classes, and provides Melbourne workplaces with group corporate yoga programs to build employee health, fitness and wellbeing, and school yoga programs. Kula also runs local VIC weekend retreats as well as an overseas retreat each year to India, Bali or Thailand. We love providing the Boroondara and Bayside communities of Melbourne with quality yoga classes. Being close to the hubs of Camberwell, Kew, Brighton & Sandringham has allowed us to build wonderful communities. Find out more on our website www.kulayoga.com.au. Or follow us:
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