When I first heard about Bikram Yoga, I only knew it as “that really hot yoga” where people sweat a lot for 90 minutes. Maybe you’ve heard the same. But what I didn’t know back then was the story behind it—the Bikram Yoga history—and that’s a big part of what makes it special.
The problem is, a lot of people practice Bikram Yoga without knowing where it came from. They follow the poses, enjoy the benefits, but miss the deeper reason why it was created. Without that background, it can feel like “just another workout.”
But once I learned the history—how it started in India, who created it, and why every pose is there for a reason—everything changed. I saw Bikram Yoga not just as exercise, but as a method built on tradition, healing, and purpose. In this article, I’ll take you through that journey, so you can understand and appreciate Bikram Yoga in a whole new way.
The Roots of Bikram Yoga in Traditional Hatha Yoga
To understand the history of Bikram Yoga, we need to start in India—where yoga was born. Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga, was trained in traditional Hatha Yoga from a very young age. His teacher was Bishnu Ghosh, the younger brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, a famous Indian yogi who wrote the Autobiography of a Yogi.
Hatha Yoga is the base of many yoga styles we know today. It focuses on physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and balance between the body and mind. This is where Bikram learned the power of discipline, alignment, and healing through movement and breath.
Bikram didn’t just take random poses and put them together. He practiced intensely, competed in yoga championships, and suffered a major knee injury in his youth. Doctors told him he would never walk again—but through yoga, he recovered. This experience shaped his belief: yoga could heal the body when practiced in the right way.
That’s where the Bikram Yoga history really begins—with the idea that a structured, therapeutic yoga method could help people around the world, just like it helped him.
The Creation of the 26 Posture Series
One of the most important parts of Bikram Yoga history is the creation of its famous sequence—26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, always done in the same order, in a heated room.
Bikram didn’t create this series overnight. After his recovery, he worked closely with his teacher Bishnu Ghosh to develop a system that could help heal the body in a safe, repeatable way. They tested many poses and studied their effects. In the end, they chose 26 postures that worked together to improve every part of the body—from the inside out.
Each pose in the series has a purpose. Some focus on flexibility, others on strength, balance, or digestion. The two breathing exercises help with lung capacity, circulation, and mental clarity. When done in sequence, the postures are designed to warm up, challenge, and cool down the body—like a full system reboot.
This is what makes Bikram Yoga unique. It’s not about doing your “best flow” or picking your favorite poses. It’s about following a proven method, trusting the process, and letting the routine work its magic over time.
Today, this 26 & 2 sequence is still used in studios all over the world—and it’s a big reason why Bikram Yoga became such a global movement.
The Rise of Bikram Yoga in the West
Another key part of Bikram Yoga history began when Bikram Choudhury moved to the U.S. in the early 1970s. He brought his 26 & 2 yoga sequence to California and opened one of the first hot yoga studios in Los Angeles. At the time, yoga was still new to most Americans, but Bikram’s heated classes were intense, structured, and unlike anything they had seen.
His strong teaching style and motivational energy attracted attention. Soon, celebrities like Madonna and top athletes from the NFL and NBA joined his classes. They praised the practice for its ability to improve strength, flexibility, and mental focus—bringing Bikram Yoga into the spotlight.
As word spread, studios began opening across the U.S. and eventually in Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. With its consistent method and proven results, Bikram Yoga quickly grew into one of the most recognized yoga styles worldwide.
Controversy and Challenges
Even though Bikram Yoga became popular, the story behind it is not all sunshine. A major part of Bikram Yoga history includes controversy—especially involving its founder, Bikram Choudhury.
Over time, Bikram became known not just for his yoga, but also for his strong personality and strict teaching style. Some students loved it. Others said it was too harsh. Then, things got more serious. In the 2010s, several women came forward with legal complaints, accusing Bikram of sexual harassment and misconduct. These cases made headlines around the world.
As a result, Bikram left the United States and stopped running his official training there. Many studios that once used his name chose to remove it and rebrand their classes as “26 & 2 Yoga” or “Original Hot Yoga.” They wanted to keep the practice but separate it from the man who created it.
This was a hard time for the Bikram Yoga community. Students and teachers were divided—some stayed loyal to the method, while others felt betrayed. But despite the drama, one thing stayed true: the power of the 26-posture sequence.
Today, many people still practice Bikram Yoga or the 26 & 2 method without any connection to Bikram himself. The practice has grown beyond the person. It now belongs to the teachers, students, and community who believe in its benefits.
Bikram Yoga Today
Today, Bikram Yoga is still practiced worldwide using the same 26 & 2 sequence. While some studios continue to use the name “Bikram Yoga,” others prefer terms like “Hot 26” or “Original Hot Yoga.” The method remains consistent, no matter the label.
Despite past controversies, many still credit this practice for transforming their health—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some teacher trainings now focus on the sequence itself, without personal ties to Bikram Choudhury, allowing the method to stand on its own.
Programs like YogaFX continue to share the original sequence in a supportive, respectful environment. This chapter in Bikram Yoga history shows how a powerful method can evolve and live on—guided by those who genuinely believe in its benefits.
The Legacy of Bikram Yoga
Looking at Bikram Yoga history, we see more than a fitness trend—we see a structured method that redefined hot yoga and helped people heal both body and mind. The 26-posture sequence gave students a clear system to follow, leading to real, lasting results.
While Bikram Choudhury introduced the method, his personal controversies have made some question the connection between the practice and the man. But many believe the sequence has value beyond its creator and should continue to grow independently.
Today, thousands of teachers and students still practice and teach 26 & 2 with care and integrity. The legacy now belongs to the global community that shares this practice with purpose and heart.
The Future of Bikram Yoga
The future of Bikram Yoga now rests with a global community of teachers and students who value the practice and want to carry it forward with more awareness and integrity. Many are creating safer, more respectful spaces, and offering teacher trainings focused on compassion and ethics.
New generations are embracing the 26 & 2 sequence with fresh energy, combining it with modern teaching styles and a stronger focus on wellness. Technology—like online classes and hybrid trainings—is helping more people access the practice no matter where they live.
While the past holds controversy, the future of Bikram Yoga looks bright. The method is evolving—not by changing what works, but by building a culture that’s more open, inclusive, and healing for everyone.
Conclusion
Looking back at Bikram Yoga history, we see a journey filled with both light and shadow. It started with one man’s passion for healing and discipline, and grew into a global movement that touched millions of lives. Along the way, there were major challenges—but also powerful lessons.
This story teaches us that even when something begins with controversy or conflict, it can evolve. The true strength of Bikram Yoga is not in the name, but in the people who practice and teach it with heart, purpose, and care.
Whether you’re new to Bikram Yoga or have been practicing for years, understanding its history helps you connect more deeply with the method. It reminds us that yoga is about growth—on the mat, in the mind, and as a community.
As Bikram Yoga continues to move forward, one thing remains clear: the heat, the sequence, and the discipline still change lives. And that’s a legacy worth continuing.
