Yoga Instructor Certification

As both hot yoga and Bikram yoga have gathered in popularity through the years for their numerous health benefits, the question has arisen about what the differences are between the two - if any whatsoever. In truth, hot yoga and Bikram yoga really are two unique practices. Their main link is that Bikram yoga is a form of hot yoga. Both practices entail similar health advantages, but Bikram yoga has come under some fire because of its comparatively rigid methods, while hot yoga has a wider choice of styles and attributes it can incorporate.

Bikram yoga was first developed by yoga champion Bikram Choudhury in the year of 1974. It involves a series of 26 yoga poses with two pranayama (breathing) exercises that are performed twice in an 80-105 degree F room for approximately 90 minutes. His precise method not only includes these specifics, but also the type of carpet and mirrors in the room and usage of his prescribed text. He has an institute that certifies practitioners to become instructors of his style called the Yoga College of India.

There was a recent lawsuit that dealt with Choudhury attempting to copyright his set of poses used in a hot room, since he didn't want other hot yoga practitioners to reference their training as "Bikram yoga" specifically. The U.S. group targeted eventually agreed not to use his name in reference to their own hot yoga, as they did not train under his methods. The majority of hot yoga instructors, however, are only too happy to forego such strictness and use heated rooms for many other types of yoga practices, with the most common being the gentle hatha yoga style.

Bikram Choudhury also uses hatha poses, and admits that other trainers may teach the same positions, but believes that his particular sequencing of the poses are what sets him apart. Despite this, advantages to doing hot yoga are present with any style performed. Aside from hatha yoga, a few other types include moksha, vinyasa, and power yoga, which can all be done in a heated room - effectively making them "hot yoga" as well. Determining the best style for you has to do with finding one that suits your current fitness level, strengths, and areas you want to develop.

Advantages of performing hot yoga include weight loss, greater core strength, improved flexibility, and building your immune system. Hot yoga tends to have a way of becoming an important aspect of many people's lives, and if you feel it's influenced you, then becoming a hot yoga teacher may be a satisfying course of action. There is certainly no need for you to study at the Yoga College of India to achieve this, either. One option is to speak with local teachers in order to see what training they may have available, or look at options online that offer courses for certification, often in beautiful locales. Whatever the path you take, hot yoga's benefits on both physical and mental levels will spread into all the aspects of your life.

If you've ever considered being a yoga teacher, get started with your yoga teacher trainings by becoming a member of an accredited program which specializes in yoga instructor training.