bikram yoga: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized, Informal
Quick answer
What does “bikram yoga” mean?
A standardized system of yoga consisting of a fixed sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced in a room heated to approximately 40°C (104°F) with high humidity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A standardized system of yoga consisting of a fixed sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced in a room heated to approximately 40°C (104°F) with high humidity.
A proprietary form of hot yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury, often used as a general term for hot yoga, though there are differences between the original Bikram method and other hot yoga styles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, may connote a challenging, sweaty, and potentially commercialized form of yoga.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to the method's origins in the US, but well-known in UK fitness circles.
Grammar
How to Use “bikram yoga” in a Sentence
do + Bikram yogapractise + Bikram yogaattend + a Bikram yoga classteach + Bikram yogaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bikram yoga” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She prefers the Bikram yoga method.
- The Bikram yoga sequence is copyrighted.
American English
- It was a classic Bikram yoga studio.
- He teaches a Bikram yoga class.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in context of the fitness/wellness industry, studio franchises, and intellectual property disputes.
Academic
Appears in studies on thermoregulation, exercise physiology, or cultural studies of modern yoga.
Everyday
Used when discussing fitness routines, trying a new class, or describing a challenging workout.
Technical
Specific to yoga instruction, referring to the exact sequence, room temperature (105°F), and humidity (40%).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bikram yoga”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bikram yoga”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bikram yoga”
- Incorrect: 'I do Bikram.' (Too vague; 'Bikram' is a person's name).
- Incorrect: 'bikram Yoga' (incorrect capitalization).
- Incorrect: Using 'Bikram yoga' to refer to any yoga done in a warm room.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Bikram yoga is a specific, copyrighted sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises done in a room heated to 105°F (40°C) with 40% humidity. 'Hot yoga' is a broader term for any yoga style practiced in a heated room, which may use different sequences.
It was developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. The method is named after him.
The stated purposes are to warm muscles for deeper stretching, promote sweating for detoxification, and mimic the climate of India where yoga originated. These benefits are debated by medical professionals.
In informal conversation, practitioners often say "I do Bikram," but strictly speaking, 'Bikram' is the founder's first name. For clarity, especially with new learners, 'Bikram yoga' or 'a Bikram class' is preferable.
A standardized system of yoga consisting of a fixed sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced in a room heated to approximately 40°C (104°F) with high humidity.
Bikram yoga is usually specialized, informal in register.
Bikram yoga: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪkrəm ˈjəʊɡə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪkrəm ˈjoʊɡə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Bikram Yoga: Be In Karate-like Rigorous Room At Max heat.
Conceptual Metaphor
Yoga as a crucible (a container for intense transformation through heat and pressure).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of Bikram yoga?