Myths vs Facts
Myth #1: Hot yoga is basically the same thing as Bikram Yoga, right?
Facts: No, not at all. Click here for our detailed chart which explains the differences.
In summary: although Bikram Yoga was the original hot yoga, they are not equivalent. Some former Ghosh lineage/Bikram Yoga schools have changed their name to “hot yoga”. However, most “hot yoga” studios are not part of the Ghosh lineage at all. In these cases, the heat was mistakenly thought to be the most beneficial part of the yoga, rather than the method and the core principles of the lineage. Read a blog post on the topic here.
Myth #2: Bikram Yoga is a franchise, but hot yoga is independent.
Facts:
To the best of our knowledge and based on extensive surveys, there is no operating franchise. Every school we know of called “Bikram Yoga” is just as local a business as any other yoga studio. We are not part of a franchise and do not pay fees to any corporate or franchising organization. Contrary to popular myth and journalistic error, there is no “global empire” of schools owned by Bikram Choudhury or anyone else!
We the owners of Bikram Yoga Simsbury and many other leading schools in the lineage operate solely for the public health of 0ur communities.
Myth #3: Bikram Yoga is competitive, but hot yoga is not.
Fact:
There is nothing inherently competitive about Bikram Yoga. Read more thoughts here on the nature of competitiveness and competition in yoga practice.
At the same time, there is a tradition in India of yoga demonstrations and championships, which were supported by yoga great B.K.S. Iyengar. As part of an Indian lineage, some Ghosh lineage and Bikram Yoga practitioners participate in the USA Yoga championships and the International Yoga Sports Federation events held each year. The goal is to inspire youth to take up a hatha yoga practice as their physical activity of choice.
Bikram Yoga Simsbury
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Bikram Yoga Simsbury is a small business wholly owned by Richard and Laurie. We have never been part of any franchise and have never paid any corporate fees.
Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.
BKS Iyengar