What we mean when we say Original Hot Yoga
At Thrive, we advertise that we teach Original Hot Yoga, but we still receive a lot of phone calls asking if we teach “Bikram” Yoga.
The answer is yes—but here’s why we call it something else.
“The best I’ve ever felt in my life was when I was regularly practicing Bikram Yoga.”
We hear this statement all. the. time. Usually right after we are asked if our studio offers Bikram classes.
Because it comes up so often—and because we believe in the benefits of the Original 26+2 flow—we’re writing this article to clarify the types of Bikram-style classes we offer at Thrive, and what you can expect with regular practice.
Rest assured, regardless of the name difference—you’re going to not only get the 26+2 yoga you are seeking, but you’re also going to feel incredible after one of our classes.
WHAT IS ORIGINAL HOT YOGA?
“In a nutshell, the Original Hot Yoga practice is what was formerly known as Bikram Yoga.”
In a nutshell, the Original Hot Yoga practice is what was formerly known as Bikram Yoga. It is the classic 26 posture and 2 breathing exercise series loved by so many people, also sometimes known as the “26 and 2.” It is a style that has inspired and transformed the health of millions of practitioners around the world over the last 30 years, including so many in our Thrive yoga family.
Because it is a systemic practice, it always has the same postures in the same order, making it dependable and easy to “find your flow.” The room is always heated to 105°F which allows you to go deeper into a pose and helps release toxins as you do. With “26+2”, you always go in knowing what you are going to get and leave knowing what outcomes you can expect from your practice. The series is comprehensive in the way it works the body, creating strength and flexibility throughout.
Most of our highly trained staff have been teaching Original Hot Yoga for well over a decade, with several teaching for over 20 years—although you’d never know it to look at them!
So why not just call it Bikram Yoga?
At one point, Bikram Yoga was one of the fastest-growing fitness trends in the world.
Some years ago, it came to light that the founder of Bikram Yoga had severe integrity issues. Out of a sense of moral responsibility, most Bikram studios changed the name of their studios in an effort to separate the behavior of the founder from the life-changing benefits of the practice.
At Thrive, we call it “Original” because while many varieties of studios now turn up the heat and call it “hot yoga,” we honor the Original 26+2 flow and breathing techniques that have opened hundreds of members up to better health, stronger minds, increased self-awareness and self-actualization, and overall wellness. On a more poetic note, “original” also carries with it a calling for all of us to root back into our origins—to ground ourselves in our center and our source of the creative, the divine, and life itself.
Where can I find original (aka Bikram) hot yoga classes in metro Detroit?
We are happy to offer the original 26 + 2 flow in three class variations, all designed to help you more easily incorporate this transformative practice into your busy schedule. Every class features the same 26 transformative poses (repeated twice) in a consistent sequence plus two breathing exercises in a 105-degree room with 40% humidity.
The Hot 90: The original, original—a full 90-minute class with supportive, verbal instruction from a certified hot yoga teacher.
Hot 75: Exactly the same as Hot 90, with a slightly faster cadence to shorten the class to 75 minutes.
Hot 60 Music: In this class, we tap into our Original Hot Yoga sequence (26 poses, 2 breathing exercises, 2 set of postures) and shave 30 minutes off the time by giving minimal verbal cues. Our instructors practice right along with the class, cueing by example, like one flexibly fabulous flash mob. (Best for yogis who are familiar with the 26+2.)
Click here to view the schedule—and sign up for the next class.
What’s in a name?
After teaching and practicing for over 20 years, we know that a regular practice of Original Hot Yoga (26+2, heated room, 90 minutes) has the power to transform lives, release stress, and leave you feeling great in your own body. We wanted our name to reflect that energy, so we named our studio Thrive—it truly embodies our mission and reflects how we want everyone to feel when they walk into—and out of—our studio doors.
“A successful yoga class is always the one you go to.”
It’s not just a name we feel good about, it’s a name with integrity, and one that feels right for our practice and the atmosphere we hope to create.
At Thrive, we aspire to continually grow, evolve, and prosper—we want this not just for ourselves but for everyone who practices at our studios. That’s why we think of our community as a family—here to support your health and well-being—with a system in place that delivers results.
We know that there are lots of yoga studios to choose from and what makes one the right one for you is different for everyone, but we firmly believe that a successful yoga class is always the one you go to. We look forward to being here with you on every step of your individual yoga journey—all you have to do to thrive is simply show up on your mat.
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