Introduction
Stepping into a yoga studio and feeling a wall of humid, heavy heat can be a shock to the system. You might have heard friends talk about sweating through a "torture chamber" or perhaps you have seen a schedule listing something called "26 & 2" and wondered if it was a math class. The terminology around heated practices can be confusing for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. At Hugger Mugger, we have seen yoga trends come and go since 1986, but the popularity of heated practice remains a constant. This guide explores the various names for hot yoga, the history behind the labels, and how to choose the right style for your practice. We will clarify the distinctions between branded sequences and general heated classes so you can step onto your mat with confidence.
The Broad Umbrella of Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is not a single specific style. Instead, it is an umbrella term used to describe any yoga practice performed in a room heated above normal room temperature. Typically, these classes range from 80°F to 105°F. The humidity levels also vary, often sitting between 30% and 50%.
While the term "hot yoga" is used as a catch-all, the actual experience can differ wildly depending on the specific name on the studio door. Some classes are fast-paced and athletic. Others are slow, focused on long holds and deep alignment. Understanding the specific name of the class helps you prepare for the intensity and the structure of the session.
Quick Answer: Hot yoga is a general term for any yoga practiced in a heated room. It is most commonly associated with Bikram Yoga, 26 & 2 Yoga, Hot Vinyasa, and Power Yoga.
The Original Name: Bikram Yoga
For decades, the name most synonymous with heat was Bikram Yoga. This style was founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. It became a global phenomenon, recognizable for its rigid structure and intense environment.
A traditional Bikram class follows a strict set of rules:
- The room is heated to exactly 105°F with 40% humidity.
- The class lasts for exactly 90 minutes.
- The sequence consists of the same 26 postures and two breathing exercises.
- The teacher delivers a scripted "dialogue" rather than improvising instructions.
- The room typically features mirrors and carpets.
The consistency of this style was a major part of its appeal. A practitioner could walk into a Bikram studio in London, Tokyo, or New York and know exactly what to expect. However, in recent years, the name has become less common on studio schedules.
The Shift to 26 & 2 Yoga
If you look at a modern yoga schedule and see "26 & 2," you are likely looking at what was formerly called Bikram Yoga. Many studios have moved away from the founder’s name due to legal and ethical controversies. Despite the name change, the practice itself usually remains identical to the original sequence.
The "26" refers to the 26 asanas (postures). The "2" refers to the two pranayama (breathing) exercises. One breathing exercise opens the class, and the other closes it.
The sequence is designed to move systematically through the body. It begins with standing poses to build heart rate and balance. It then transitions to floor poses to focus on spinal strength and flexibility. Because the sequence never changes, practitioners use the repetition to measure their progress over months and years.
Hot Vinyasa and Flow Yoga
Another common name you will encounter is Hot Vinyasa or Heated Flow. This is fundamentally different from the 26 & 2 style. Vinyasa is a breath-centered practice where one movement flows into the next.
In a Hot Vinyasa class, the sequence is rarely the same twice. The teacher chooses the postures and the "flow" based on a theme or a specific physical focus. The temperature is often slightly lower than a 26 & 2 class, usually ranging from 90°F to 98°F.
Key differences in Hot Vinyasa:
- Movement: There is less stillness and more continuous movement.
- Music: Many Vinyasa teachers use music to set the pace.
- Creativity: The practice feels more like a dance and less like a military drill.
- Heat Source: Many modern Vinyasa studios use infrared heat, which warms the body directly rather than just the air.
Key Takeaway: If you prefer variety and a faster pace, look for Hot Vinyasa. If you prefer discipline and predictable repetition, look for 26 & 2.
Power Yoga and CorePower
Power Yoga is another name frequently associated with heated environments. Originally developed in the 1990s as a Westernized version of Ashtanga yoga, it focuses on strength and stamina. When practiced in a heated room, it is often called Hot Power Yoga.
CorePower Yoga is a specific brand of studios that popularized a fitness-based approach to hot yoga. They offer levels like "C2," which is a heated vinyasa flow. Their classes often incorporate more traditional fitness elements, such as core-focused work or even light weights in some formats. These classes are designed to be high-energy and physically demanding.
Other Common Names and Brands
As the wellness industry has grown, several other branded names for hot yoga have emerged. You may see these on schedules depending on your location:
Modo Yoga (Formerly Moksha)
Modo Yoga is a popular franchise, especially in Canada and the Northern US. It features a set sequence of about 40 postures, but it is less rigid than the 26 & 2 style. It emphasizes "green" studio practices and community support. The heat is usually around 100°F.
Baptiste Power Yoga
Founded by Baron Baptiste, this style focuses on five pillars, including heat and vinyasa. It is intended to be an empowering, transformative practice. The temperature is typically kept between 90°F and 95°F.
Forrest Yoga
While not always heated, many Forrest Yoga classes take place in a room warmed to about 85°F. Created by Ana Forrest, this style focuses on core strength, long holds, and emotional release. It is less about "sweating for the sake of sweating" and more about using warmth to access deeper tissues.
Why Do People Practice in the Heat?
The reasons for the many names of hot yoga often come down to how the heat is used. For some, the heat is a tool for flexibility. For others, it is a mental challenge.
Many practitioners find that the heat allows their muscles to warm up faster. This may support a deeper range of motion in stretches. Others enjoy the "detoxifying" feeling of a heavy sweat, although it is important to remember that the primary way the body detoxes is through the liver and kidneys, not just sweat.
Practicing in the heat also raises the heart rate. This turns a standard yoga session into a more intense cardiovascular workout. However, the most significant benefit many regular practitioners cite is the mental focus required to stay calm in a challenging environment.
Note: If you have heart conditions, low blood pressure, or are pregnant, consult a doctor before trying any heated yoga style. The heat can be a significant stressor on the cardiovascular system.
Comparing Hot Yoga Styles
| Feature | 26 & 2 (Bikram) | Hot Vinyasa | Hot Power Yoga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 105°F | 90°F - 98°F | 95°F - 100°F |
| Sequence | Fixed (26 poses) | Variable | Variable |
| Duration | Usually 90 mins | 60 - 75 mins | 60 mins |
| Music | No | Usually Yes | Often Yes |
| Primary Focus | Discipline/Therapeutic | Flow/Breath | Strength/Stamina |
Essential Gear for Heated Classes
When you choose a class, the name will tell you what to bring. A 26 & 2 class requires a lot of water and a very grippy surface. A Hot Vinyasa class requires gear that allows for quick transitions without slipping.
Because you will be sweating heavily, your standard mat might turn into a slip-and-slide. We have been making yoga mats for nearly 40 years, and we know that the right surface is the difference between a focused practice and a frustrating one. Explore our hot yoga mats for high-traction options.
For hot yoga, you generally have two choices for your mat:
- Natural Rubber: A mat like our Para Rubber Yoga Mat provides excellent dry and wet grip. Natural rubber is the gold standard for staying grounded when things get sweaty.
- The Mat and Towel Combo: Many people prefer to use a standard mat, like the Tapas® Ultra, and cover it with a full-length yoga towel. Our Yoga Mat Guide can help you compare mat thicknesses and materials.
Don't forget smaller props. A yoga strap can help you maintain alignment in floor poses when your limbs are slippery. Some practitioners also use a foam or cork yoga wedge under their wrists to reduce the strain often felt in the frequent planks and downward dogs of a Vinyasa class.
How to Prepare for Your First Class
If you are trying hot yoga for the first time, preparation begins long before you enter the studio.
Step 1: Hydrate early. Do not try to catch up on water ten minutes before class. Drink water steadily throughout the day. Aim for at least 16-20 ounces in the two hours leading up to your session.
Step 2: Eat light. Practicing twists and inversions in 100-degree heat on a full stomach is a recipe for nausea. Have a light snack two hours before, but avoid heavy meals.
Step 3: Wear the right clothes. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics that fit close to the body. Baggy cotton t-shirts will become heavy and uncomfortable once they are soaked with sweat.
Step 4: Arrive early. Give your body at least 10-15 minutes to acclimate to the room temperature before the teacher starts the first breathing exercise.
Step 5: Listen to your body. There is no shame in sitting down on your mat. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or see spots, sit or lie down immediately. The goal is to build resilience, not to push yourself into heat exhaustion.
Myth: You must stay in the room for the entire 90 minutes or you have failed. Fact: Your safety is more important than "finishing" a class. If you need to step out for air, do so. Most teachers prefer you stay and rest on your mat to stay acclimated, but listen to your physical signals above all else.
The Role of Humidity
When searching for "what is hot yoga called," you will often see humidity mentioned. Humidity is just as important as the temperature. In a "dry" hot yoga class, your sweat evaporates quickly, which helps cool you down. In a "humid" class (like 26 & 2), the sweat stays on your skin.
High humidity makes the class feel much more difficult because your body’s natural cooling mechanism is less effective. This is intended to raise the core body temperature more quickly. If you are sensitive to humidity, you might prefer a Hot Vinyasa class in a studio that uses radiant heaters rather than steam humidifiers.
Evolution of the Practice
The names of hot yoga will likely continue to evolve. What started as a niche practice in a single Los Angeles studio has blossomed into a diverse landscape of fitness and wellness. Today, you can find "Hot Yin," which involves long-held, passive stretches in a warm room, or "Hot HIIT," which combines high-intensity interval training with yoga postures.
Regardless of the name—whether it is Bikram, Modo, or simply "Heated Flow"—the core of the practice remains the same. It is an invitation to find stillness and breath in the midst of intensity.
Choosing the Right Style for You
If you are unsure where to start, consider your personality and your goals. If you are also deciding which surface best suits your practice, take the Yoga Mat Quiz for personalized guidance.
- For the Goal-Oriented: If you like to track your progress and master specific movements, 26 & 2 is your best bet. The consistency allows you to see exactly how much deeper you are getting into a pose every week.
- For the Creative: If you get bored easily and like music, look for Hot Vinyasa or Flow. The variety will keep your mind engaged.
- For the Athlete: If you want to build muscle and sweat as much as possible, Hot Power Yoga or a brand like CorePower will provide the workout you are looking for.
- For the Rest-Seeker: If you want the benefits of heat without the frantic movement, look for Hot Hatha or even a warmed Yin class.
Bottom line: Every style of hot yoga has its own benefits. The "best" one is the one that you enjoy enough to return to consistently.
Conclusion
The world of hot yoga is vast and often confusingly labeled. Whether it is called Bikram, 26 & 2, Vinyasa, or Power Yoga, the central element is the use of heat to challenge the body and focus the mind. Since 1986, Hugger Mugger has been committed to providing the tools that support these diverse practices. We believe that whether you are in a 105-degree room or a cool home studio, the right gear helps you stay present in your practice. Nearly 40 years of teacher trust means our mats and props are built to handle the heat.
If you are ready to start your journey into heated yoga, your next step is to find a local studio and see which name resonates with you. Ensure you have a high-traction mat and a reliable towel, and remember to breathe through the heat. You can explore our high-grip yoga mat collection or take our Mat Quiz to find the perfect match for your new hot yoga habit.
FAQ
What is the difference between Bikram and hot yoga?
Hot yoga is a broad category that includes many different styles practiced in a heated room. Bikram Yoga is a specific, branded style within that category that always consists of the same 26 poses and two breathing exercises performed in a room heated to 105°F for 90 minutes.
Why do some studios call it 26 & 2?
Studios use the name "26 & 2" to describe the traditional sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises without using the trademarked "Bikram" name. This allows studios to teach the classic sequence while distancing themselves from the founder or offering a wider variety of other classes.
Is hot yoga the same as Vinyasa?
Not necessarily. While some Vinyasa classes are heated (Hot Vinyasa), not all hot yoga follows the Vinyasa "flow" style. Many hot yoga classes, like the 26 & 2 sequence, are static, meaning you hold a pose, rest, and then perform the next pose rather than flowing continuously between them.
How hot is a typical hot yoga room?
The temperature depends on the style, but most hot yoga rooms are kept between 90°F and 105°F. Classes like 26 & 2 usually sit at the higher end (105°F), while Hot Vinyasa and Power Yoga often range between 92°F and 98°F to allow for more vigorous movement.
