Heated Vinyasa Flow Yoga Vs. Bikram Yoga

It's so hot that you're sweating from places you didn't even know could sweat. No, you're not in the middle of the Sahara desert, you're in hot yoga class. With 90-minute classes and temperatures topping 105 degrees, you're bound to sweat buckets in a hot yoga class. If you think you can handle the heat, first you'll need to know the main differences between Bikram yoga classes and more generic hot vinyasa flow classes.

  1. Vinyasa Flow Yoga

    • "Vinyasa" is a Sanskrit word that translates as "to place together in a special way." It describes the dynamic, flowing quality that directs all vinyasa flow yoga classes. Typically sun salutations -- a series of flowing poses -- connect the more static standing and balancing poses during a vinyasa flow class. Vinyasa flow classes follow a loose structure, but the actual poses taught can vary from class to class. Heated vinyasa flow classes are similar to traditional vinyasa flow classes, but with the heat and humidity turned up to encourage sweating and muscular flexibility.

    Bikram Yoga

    • Bikram yoga is the trademarked yoga brand of Beverly Hills-based yoga teacher Bikram Choudhury. During a typical Bikram yoga class you can expect to perform 26 poses and two breathing exercises. The poses are static, meaning there isn't a flowing element to the sequence. Instead after you practice one pose, you'll pause and set up for the next pose in the sequence. Bikram yoga classes are also known for their intense heat and high humidity, which the brand's website claims detoxifies the body.

    Temperature Differences

    • The temperature in a heated vinyasa class and Bikram yoga can be quite different. All Bikram classes are required to maintain 105 degrees with 38 percent humidity. Heated vinyasa flow classes don't have to follow any strict rules though, so you may find classes heated anywhere from 75 to 100 degrees, with a varying humidity level. In a hot vinyasa flow class, the yoga room's temperature is up to the yoga instructor or studio's discretion.

    Class Atmosphere

    • All Bikram yoga studios are required to have carpeted floors and wall-to-wall mirrors. Students face their mats in the same direction for every class. You won't ever experience clapping, talking or hands-on adjustments during a Bikram class, either. Conversely, heated vinyasa flow classes may include recorded or live music, incense, chanting, singing, chatting, mirrored or non-mirrored classes and a plethora of class designs. If you are looking for disciplined and predictable class, Bikram yoga provides the same experience for each class worldwide. Choose a heated vinyasa flow class if you're looking for more variety and to experience the individual style of each new teacher or studio.