What is the New Name for Bikram Yoga? All You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of Bikram Yoga, you may have heard that the practice has undergone some changes in recent years. One of the most significant changes is the rebranding of Bikram Yoga studios to distance themselves from the controversial founder, Bikram Choudhury.

This has resulted in a new name for Bikram Yoga, which is now known as “Sweat Central” in some studios.

The decision to rebrand Bikram Yoga came after Bikram Choudhury was accused of sexual harassment and assault, which led to his fleeing the United States in 2016. Many people were understandably uncomfortable with the association between Bikram Yoga and its founder. This is why some studios have chosen to change the name of their classes to “original hot yoga” or “Sweat Central.”

It’s worth noting that not all Bikram Yoga studios have changed their name, and some still operate under the original name. However, the trend towards rebranding suggests that many studios are keen to distance themselves from the controversy surrounding Bikram Choudhury and create a more welcoming environment for all practitioners.

Evolution and Renaming of Bikram Yoga

Historical Context and Controversy

Bikram Yoga is a popular form of hot yoga that was founded by Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. The practice consists of a fixed sequence of 26 postures that are performed in a room heated to 105 °F (41 °C) with a humidity of 40%.

Despite its popularity, Bikram Yoga has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of sexual assault against its founder, Bikram Choudhury.

In recent years, many practitioners and studios have distanced themselves from the Bikram Yoga brand due to its association with Choudhury. This has led to a transition to new nomenclature and a rebranding of the practice.

Transition to New Nomenclature

One of the biggest Bikram Yoga studios in New York City, Bikram Yoga NYC, rebranded to BODĒ NYC after almost two decades. The name change was a response to the controversy surrounding Choudhury and an attempt to distance the studio from the Bikram Yoga brand.

Other studios have followed suit, adopting new names and distancing themselves from the Bikram Yoga brand. However, many still practice the original sequence of postures in a heated room, which is still known as hot yoga.

One example of this is Bikram Yoga Decatur, which still offers hot yoga classes but has removed all references to Bikram Choudhury and the Bikram Yoga brand from its website and marketing materials.

Practice and Health Benefits

Core Elements of the Yoga Style

Bikram Yoga, now known as Hot Yoga, is a style of yoga practiced in a heated room. It consists of a sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, which are performed twice within a 90-minute class.

The room is heated to around 100°F (37.8°C) with a humidity level of 40%. The heat and humidity help to warm up the muscles, increase flexibility, and promote sweating, which is believed to help detoxify the body.

Jane Benson of Bikram Yoga Mornington highlights “The sequence of poses is designed to work out different parts of your body, making you strong and flexible. The poses are performed in a specific order to create a balance between strength, flexibility, and endurance. The breathing exercises are aimed at improving lung capacity and increasing oxygen flow to the organs and tissues.”

Physical and Mental Health Advantages

Hot Yoga has numerous physical and mental health benefits. The heat in the room helps to warm up the muscles and increase flexibility, allowing practitioners to safely deepen their poses.

The increased heart rate and sweating help to improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and promote weight loss. The practice also helps to tone the muscles, improve posture, and increase bone density.

Hot Yoga is also believed to have positive effects on mental health. The practice is known for its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

The breathing exercises and meditation techniques used in Hot Yoga are aimed at calming the mind and promoting relaxation. The practice is also believed to improve overall well-being, happiness, and quality of life.

Practitioners should drink plenty of water before, during, and after class to maintain hydration levels and electrolyte balance. Those with kidney problems or high blood sugar levels should consult with a doctor before practicing Hot Yoga.

Overall, Hot Yoga is a safe and effective way to improve physical and mental health. The combination of heat, humidity, poses, and breathing exercises creates a unique and challenging practice that promotes overall well-being.