Differences between Hatha yoga and Bikram yoga
If you're interested in taking up yoga, you're not alone. Yoga has been practiced for centuries, and this popular form of exercise is a great way to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, relax, and rejuvenate the mind and body.
Those who aren't familiar with yoga might be surprised to know that there are many types of yoga, and each of them are very different in terms of the demands placed on the body. Some types of yoga and slow and steady and consist mainly of stretching, while other types will get your heart rate up as much as aerobic exercise. When deciding what type of yoga you want to practice, it's important to be aware of these differences.
|
|
Hatha yoga and Bikram yoga are two commonly-taught, but very different, yoga classes in health clubs and studios around the world.
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga is the term most often used to describe the practice of yoga in general. Technically, then, all types of yoga could be considered Hatha.
However, most instructors (at least in the Western World) refer to Hatha yoga as a more generic type of yoga. So if you were to go to a class described as "hatha," you could probably expect a lot of stretching and poses done on a mat. This type of class is slow-paced, gentle, and good for beginners, pregnant women, and people of all ages. It is the most basic type of yoga taught in classes and health clubs.
Hatha yoga takes the practitioners through a variety of poses, or stretching exercises, that are designed to strengthen and tone muscles, increase flexibility, and promote relaxation and awareness of the body.
Bikram yoga
Bikram yoga, on the other hand, is much more physically demanding than Hatha yoga. Bikram was founded by Bikrma Choudhury of India, a well-known and studied practitioner. Bikram yoga is also called Hot Yoga as a result of the controversy over the use of the word Bikram, as the founder was opposed to those who have not undergone his training in India referring to their classes as "Bikram."
Bikram yoga consists of a series of 26 poses that are performed in a room heated to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit (although it varies between instructors, most will keep it between 90 and 105). Each pose is held for a certain period of time and then done again, along with specific breathing exercises.
The heated room used in Bikram yoga makes the muscles more flexible, so the practitioners can bend more easily. In addition, the hot temperatures and high humidity level encourages sweating, which is thought to act as a purifier for the body.
Hot yoga is not for everyone. Those who are sensitive to humidity or prone to heat stroke or dehydration should not practice Bikram yoga. In addition, pregnant women should also avoid it, as it could raise the core body temperature and potentially cause damage to the baby. Because of the profuse sweating involved, many students wear very little clothing when compared to other exercise or yoga classes, which may make some people uncomfortable.
Hatha yoga and Bikram yoga are two very different types of yoga that will appeal to different types of people. Those who want to be challenged in a new and different way might want to try Bikram yoga, whereas those who want an easy, basic yoga class would do well with Hatha.
