Original
Hot
Yoga
Westside Hot Yoga features the classic Original Hot Yoga—a series of 26 postures performed in a heated room. The practice is sometimes referred to as Bikram Yoga or 26&2. Learn more about what makes this practice so special.
What Makes Original Hot Yoga Unique?
Unlike many flow-based classes, Original Hot Yoga follows the same sequence each time. This consistency offers several benefits:
Track progress over time
Build confidence through repetition
Develop body awareness
Reduce decision fatigue and mental clutter
Because the sequence remains consistent, practitioners often notice subtle improvements in strength, balance, flexibility, focus, and resilience that can be difficult to measure in constantly changing workouts.
Not Just Fitness—A Practice
Many students come for the physical benefits but stay because of how they feel afterward.
Original Hot Yoga offers an opportunity to:
Disconnect from distractions
Strengthen mind-body awareness
Build discipline and resilience
Reduce stress
Experience deep relaxation after effort
The practice meets you where you are—whether you're seeking better health, greater mobility, stress relief, or simply a moment to reconnect with yourself.
Benefits of Original Hot Yoga
Flexibility
The Original Hot Yoga sequence systematically moves the body through a full range of motion, helping improve flexibility in the spine, hips, shoulders, and legs.
Balance & Functional Strength
The standing postures develop stability, coordination, and lower-body strength, which can support everyday movement and healthy aging.
Cardiovascular Health
Research suggests that regular practice may improve vascular function, an important marker of cardiovascular health. Improved blood vessel function is associated with healthy circulation and heart health.
Reduced Stress
The combination of focused breathing, movement, and mindfulness can help calm the nervous system and reduce perceived stress.
Mindfulness
Practicing the same sequence repeatedly encourages concentration, self-awareness, and the ability to remain present with challenging sensations and experiences.
Quality of Life
Research has found that participants practicing Original Hot Yoga reported improvements in overall well-being, vitality, and perceptions of general health.
Why Students Keep Coming Back
While research measures physical and psychological outcomes, many students describe benefits that are harder to quantify:
Greater resilience
Improved confidence
Better sleep
Increased energy
A stronger mind-body connection
A sense of accomplishment
Connection with a supportive community
For many practitioners, Original Hot Yoga becomes more than a workout—it becomes a practice of presence, discipline, and self-discovery.
Research References
Tracy BL, Hart CE. Bikram Yoga Training and Physical Fitness in Healthy Young Adults. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2013.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23412380/Hewett ZL, Pumpa KL, Smith CA, Fahey PP, Cheema BS. Effect of a 16-Week Bikram Yoga Program on Health-Related Physical Fitness and Psychological Health in Adults. Experimental Gerontology. 2015.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26504475/Hunter SD, Dhindsa MS, Cunningham E, et al. Effects of Yoga Interventions Practised in Heated and Thermoneutral Conditions on Endothelial Function in Healthy Sedentary Adults. Experimental Physiology. 2018.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29349832/Hallgren M, Kraepelien M, Öjehagen A, et al. Physical Exercise and Quality of Life Among Adults Participating in a Hot Yoga Intervention. Experimental Gerontology. 2016.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27633625/Gard T, Noggle JJ, Park CL, Vago DR, Wilson A. Potential Self-Regulatory Mechanisms of Yoga for Psychological Health. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2014.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4609431/
This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Individual results may vary. If you have a medical condition or concerns about participating in hot yoga, please consult your healthcare provider.