Bikram yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury, a yoga instructor born in Calcutta, India in 1946. This type of yoga, which has become tremendously popular in recent years, is composed of traditional yoga poses performed in a very specific manner.

Bikram yoga is done in a room that is heated to 105 degree fahrenheit. Water breaks are allowed at certain intervals. The routine consists of 26 yoga postures and two breathing exercises. There is no variation in the routine and only certified instructors may teach the classes. The classes run for exactly 90 minutes. The yoga must be performed on carpet and the instructor must stay in the front of the room.

Practitioners of this yoga claims that it has three main health benefits. First, because the room is heated, the muscles are relaxed and less prone to injury. Second, practitioners claim that the body sweats out more toxins due to the heated room. Finally, Bikram enthusiasts claim that all the benefits of yoga are multiplied because the body is relaxed and better able to reach and hold the poses.

Bikram yoga is gaining popularity with new centers opening around the world. If you are looking for something a bit different, Bikram yoga may be right for you.