Basics of Hot Yoga Postures

Undoubtedly, hot yoga is one of the most popular and performed yoga in the world. It is a style of yoga which is specifically performed under hot and humid conditions. One could refer it as a hot yoga if environmental temperature lies anywhere between 85 degrees to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. It is believed that heat helps to increase an individual's flexibility in the poses and sweat out toxins.

Forms of hot yoga

Ø There are four forms of hot yoga performed all over the world. But the most popular form is Bikram yoga. This form was named after its founder Bikram Choudhury. From traditional Hatha yoga techniques, this form was modified. The practice of Bikram yoga is done in the temperature of 40 °C (104 °F) with 40% humidity. Basically it consists of 26 yoga asanas and 2 pranayamas.

Ø The other form is Forrest Yoga, named after its founder Ana T. Forrest. This form is also developed from Hatha yoga. Forrest yoga focuses on holding poses for a longer duration of time. It aims to repeat asanas to form equal stretch on both sides of the body. Yoga generally brings harmony between mind, body, emotions and performing in under high temperature deepen the stretch.

Ø Power yoga is another form hot yoga derived from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.  This yoga derives mutual benefits of Vinyasa and Asthanga, like reducing stress increasing body stamina and flexibility. In warm environment, these goals become relatively easy to achieve. Different yoga teachers customize their classes and design their own set of postures.


Ø There is one another kind of hot yoga known as TriBalance Yoga which is much similar to Bikram yoga but performed in slightly warmer but in less humid conditions than bikram yoga.

Hot yoga is not very old form of yoga. Bikram choudhary was the first who developed this form in the 1970’s. Here are the top 3 poses out of 26 hot yoga poses in Bikram yoga.


·       Mountain pose- Bikram yoga poses starts from Tadasana also called as Mountain pose. This pose is relatively easy to perform but has numerous benefits such as it strengthens the thighs, knees, ankles and tones the abdomen. It also reduces stress from different parts of the body.

·       Half moon pose- this pose is known as Ardha Chandrasana in Bikram yoga. In other forms this posture is referred as Standing Side Stretch. The pose depends upon the rate of your breathing and enormously stretches your arms and abdomens, resulting in flexibility and strength in muscles.

·       Chair pose-   Utkatasana or the Chair pose has another name in Bikram yoga. In this form it is referred as ‘Awkward pose’. One has to just form a posture that he/she is about to sit on a chair. The pose provides strength to ankles, thighs as well as the spine. At the same time it tones the shoulder and chest.


Hatha Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is the best place in India to attain professional certificate to teach hot yoga postures. It is mandatory for all to be qualified before teaching yoga.s

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