Higher Ground Hot Yoga

By: Camille Twitchell

Higher Ground Hot Yoga, formerly known as Bikram Yoga Ogden, has experienced many changes and  tremendous success over the past few months. In addition to the location on historic 25^th Street in Ogden, it has opened a new location at 1776 North Hill Field Road in Layton, Utah.  

Bikram Yoga is traditionally a yoga style that requires 26 postures, 90 minute classes, 105 degree heat and 40 percent humidity. Higher Ground Hot Yoga offers traditional Bikram Yoga and other classes with varying class lengths and heat temperatures. Below are the four different types of classes currently offered.

The first, “Hot 90”, is the traditional “Bikram Style” that includes 26 postures and two breathing exercises. It is a 90 minute class that is conducted in a room full of heat and humidity. The second class type is the, “Hot 60 Express”, which is conducted by using the same 26 postures and two breathing exercises. However, this style moves at a slightly quicker pace and is only a 60 minute class. This class would be most beneficial to advanced students.

The third class type to be offered is “Hot Yin 60.”  This class type is known as a gentler style and runs for 60 minutes. This type of yoga is most closely associated with the traditional yoga that often comes to mind. The name is derived from the Chinese Taoist concept of Yin and Yang. This practice consists of floor postures that are held longer (2-5 minutes) to get the muscles relaxed. The heat is still an attribute, though not as strong as the three other types.

Lastly, “Hot Vinyassa 60” features concentration in a 60 minute class time. The room is heated to 105 degrees for intuition and creativity to shape every class differently. This type is Ashtanga inspired and allows for flexibility to shape the body.   

Why the heat?  The required temperature helps facilitate the detoxification of the body. The heat helps with breathing and enables stretching further than yoga done at a lesser temperature. This in turn enables that oxygen-filled blood to enter throughout all parts of the body.

Higher Ground Hot Yoga is a great place to head to if school is a big form of stress!