What Are the Hot 26 Postures? A Comprehensive Guide to the Popular Yoga Sequence
If you’re new to the world of yoga, the term “hot 26 postures” might be unfamiliar to you. These 26 postures are a key component of Bikram yoga, a practice that involves performing a specific sequence of poses in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity.
Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, has gained popularity in recent years due to its intense physical workout and potential health benefits. Look for a bikram yoga near me.

The hot 26 postures are designed to work every part of your body, from your head to your toes. Each posture is held for a specific amount of time, ranging from 6 to 60 seconds, and repeated twice to allow for deeper and fuller expressions of the posture.
The heat and humidity of the room help to increase your flexibility, promote detoxification, and improve circulation.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, the hot 26 postures can be a challenging and rewarding practice. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Bikram yoga, the specific postures that make up the hot 26 sequence, and how to get started with this unique form of yoga.
Fundamentals of Hot 26 Postures
If you are looking for a challenging and transformative yoga practice, the Hot 26 postures, also known as Bikram Yoga, may be just what you need, see bikram yoga near me. This sequence consists of 26 specific postures and two breathing exercises that are performed in a heated room.
In this section, we will explore the origins and philosophy of Hot 26, as well as the physical and mental benefits of the practice. We will also discuss some key elements of the practice that can help you get the most out of your Hot 26 practice.
Origins and Philosophy
The Hot 26 postures were developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Choudhury was a yoga champion in India before moving to the United States and opening his first yoga studio in Los Angeles in 1974.
He developed the Hot 26 sequence to help heal his own injuries and to help others improve their health and well-being.
The philosophy behind Hot 26 is based on the concept of “yoga therapy.” Choudhury believed that the sequence of postures, when performed in a specific order and in a heated room, could help heal and strengthen the body, as well as improve mental clarity and concentration.
Physical and Mental Benefits
The physical benefits of Hot 26 are numerous. The heat and humidity of the room help to increase flexibility, strength, and balance.
The postures are designed to work every part of the body, from the muscles to the bones to the internal organs. The breathing exercises help to improve cardiovascular endurance and detoxify the body.
The mental benefits of Hot 26 are also significant. The focus required to perform the postures and breathing exercises can help to improve concentration and mental clarity.
The practice can also help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental health.
Key Elements of Practice
The Hot 26 postures are a challenging and transformative yoga practice that can help improve your physical and mental health. To get the most out of your Hot 26 practice, pay attention to some key elements of the practice. These include:
- Breathing: The breathing exercises are an essential part of the practice. They help to oxygenate the body and improve circulation.
- Focus: The postures require concentration and focus. Try to stay present in the moment and avoid letting your mind wander.
- Alignment: Proper alignment is important to avoid injury and get the most benefit from the postures. Listen to your body and make adjustments as needed.
- Mental Clarity: Hot 26 is a challenging practice, but it can also be meditative. Try to stay present and focused throughout the practice to get the most out of the mental benefits.
Posture Breakdown and Execution
The Hot 26 sequence is a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises designed to work the entire body. Here’s a breakdown of the postures in the sequence and how to execute them:
Standing Series
The standing series includes 12 postures, starting with Standing Deep Breathing (Pranayama) and ending with Toe Stand. These postures are designed to build strength, balance, and flexibility.
The first posture, Standing Deep Breathing (Pranayama), is a simple breathing exercise that helps to calm the mind and prepare you for the rest of the sequence.
From there, you move on to Awkward Pose, Eagle Pose, and Head to Knee Pose, which all work the legs and core.
Next up is Balancing Stick Pose, which challenges your balance and strengthens your legs. This is followed by Tree Pose, Triangle Pose, and Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose, which all work to stretch and strengthen the legs and hips.
The final four postures in the standing series are Cobra Pose, Locust Pose, Full Locust Pose, and Fixed Firm Pose, which all work to strengthen the back and improve posture. Half Tortoise Pose and Camel Pose are also included in this series to stretch and open up the spine.
Balancing Series
The balancing series includes 4 postures that challenge your balance and focus. These postures are Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose, Tree Pose, Toe Stand, and Savasana.
Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose and Tree Pose both work to improve balance and focus, while Toe Stand challenges your balance even further. Savasana is a relaxing posture that allows you to rest and recover before moving on to the floor series.
Floor Series
The floor series includes 10 postures. It starts with Janushirasana and ends with Spine Twisting Pose. These postures are designed to stretch and strengthen the body, with a focus on the spine and hips.
The first four postures in the floor series are Pavanamuktasana, Salabhasana, Sasangasana, and Ardha Kurmasana. They all work to stretch and open up the hips. Ardha Matsyendrasana and Ustrasana are also included in this series to stretch and strengthen the spine.
The final four postures in the floor series are Backbend, Half Tortoise Pose, Camel Pose, and Rabbit Pose. They all work to stretch and open up the spine. The sequence ends with Spine Twisting Pose, which helps to improve digestion and relieve lower back pain.
Modifications are available for each posture to make them accessible to all levels of practitioners. Remember to always listen to your body and work within your own limits.
Blowing in Firm Pose is the final breathing exercise in the sequence. It helps to calm the mind and prepare you for the final relaxation posture, Dead Body Pose (Savasana).
The Hot 26 sequence is a challenging and rewarding series of postures that work the entire body. With regular practice, these postures can help to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.