Bikram Yoga or Traditional Yoga – Know Which One Is Better

Yoga is one of the most practised physical activities in the world. It has been around for thousands of years and is highly beneficial for health. 

Generally, Bikram Yoga involves going into a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius and doing all poses rigidly. 

On the other hand, Hatha Yoga is known as traditional yoga that involves more flexibility and is based on a series of postures (asanas) to strengthen the body.

In this article, we will examine both sides of the argument and see which one is better!

About Traditional hatha yoga

Traditional Hatha yoga is based on ancient scriptures practised by people in good physical condition and can do complex postures when required. 

It is based on the philosophy that students need to be strong physically before learning yoga techniques. 

There are more than 200 postures in traditional hatha yoga. About half of them require external props, while you can do the other half without any props. 

These include a chair, a chest strap, and a plantar strap used by people who need extra support when doing specific postures because of their physical condition.

About Bikram yoga

Bikram yoga is a modified form of hatha yoga developed by Bikram Choudury in Boston in 1975. He claims that the benefits of this form of yoga are more significant than traditional forms of hatha yoga and can be done quickly. 

Bikram yoga is not meant to be practised by people who are not in good physical condition. It requires people to be strong and flexible to do the poses. 

The poses are also different from traditional hatha yoga. In Bikram yoga, students have to do a series of 26 postures in a rigid order.

How are Traditional yoga and Bikram yoga similar?

Both types of yoga are based on the same philosophy, which is that all life is suffering. However, life can be made better through yoga. 

They both promote good physical fitness and healthy living, along with teaching you to control your breath and expand your lungs. Both these yoga forms also make you more aware of your body and how it moves.

How are Traditional yoga and Bikram different?

As you can see, both yoga types have similarities. When comparing them, however, there are many differences.

There is a noticeable difference in room temperature, which is very important for hot yoga. All bikram hot yoga sequence are done in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius as it helps the body get rid of toxins and break down cellulite. 

On the other hand, traditional yoga is done at room temperature because they are meant to be practised by people who need more flexibility than the students who practise Bikram yoga. 

Also, traditional forms of yoga do not require props such as a chair, chest strap, and plantar strap, which you may need in Bikram yoga.

Another difference between Bikram yoga and traditional forms of yoga is the length of time that these two types of yoga take to practice. 

Bikram yoga takes a short period, like an hour. On the other hand, traditional yoga forms take more extended periods since they require more postures and involve less flexibility.

Let us compare which one is better at different things

• Best for Fat Loss: While many activities may assist you in achieving your weight loss goals, some will help you burn more fat than others. 

Due to the greater temperatures, hot yoga allows you to burn more calories and lose fat faster than traditional yoga.

• Best for Muscle Building: All varieties of yoga are excellent exercises for gaining muscle mass without adding bulk.

• Best for Core Strengthening: While all kinds of yoga work to strengthen the core, the intensity of hot yoga may provide a more significant benefit for some, making it the category winner.

• Most calories: A 60-minute yoga session will only burn roughly 150 to 250 calories on average. A 60-minute hot yoga or 90-minute Bikram class can burn up to 450 calories in an hour. Hot yoga is the clear winner here.

• Best for busy people: Bikram yoga is the only form of yoga that can be done quickly and easily at your apartment or office. Due to its intense workout, it may help you burn more fat than traditional forms of yoga.

• Best for Back Pain: Hot yoga’s searing heat may provide relief for back pain. While this could be due to the heat or a more intense exercise, hot yoga still wins the battle here.

• Best for Tension Relief: Yoga of any kind can raise your heart rate while also relieving stress.

• Best for joint mobility and stretching is: The winner here is hot yoga, which allows for a deeper stretch and looser muscles.

So, which is better?

Traditional hatha yoga and Bikram yoga teach you to remain positive and strive towards peace and harmony with life. They also introduce you to become more aware of your body and how it is functioning. 

Both types of yoga can give you more flexibility and make your body stronger. 

However, Bikram yoga may be the better choice to lose weight and tone up your body because of its intense workout. Therefore, Bikram yoga is the winner!

If you think otherwise, let me know why in the comments below!