Bikram Choudhury, the man who founded Bikram Yoga, is highly controversial because he decided to copyright the 26 different positions performed in Bikram Yoga. In order to become a certified “Bikram Yoga” instructor you must pay a $5000 fee to take his courses and then pay a franchising fee to open your own studio. Once you open your own studio you MUST abide by these specific guidelines:
- Carpet is the only approved flooring.
- Mirrors on the front wall.
- Temperature: 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humidity.
- ONLY Bikram Yoga certified instructors may teach at a Bikram Yoga studio.
- ONLY Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. No other styles of yoga (power, flow, etc.), Pilates, martial arts, silent classes, children’s classes, pre-natal, music, or candlelight classes.
- All classes must be 90 minutes long.
- ONLY Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class dialogue used.
- NO PHYSICAL, HANDS ON CORRECTIONS or adjustments of student.
- BRIGHT / FULL LIGHTING throughout class. (Lights dimmed only after Final Savasana)
- Water allowed between poses. Bikram suggests the 1 short water break after Eagle Pose, and then water as needed.
- Students are encouraged to STAY IN THE ROOM for the entire class.
- Teachers must teach from the podium in the front of the room.
Rigid. Controversial. But like Bikram said, he wants his studios to be like the McDonald’s of yoga – you get the same thing at every Bikram certified location and will always know what to expect. Opponents argue that yoga’s a practice that’s been around for 5,000 years, how can one man claim it as his individual property? What’s your take on Mr. Choudhury’s franchising of Bikram Yoga?
a. says:
I think the cost of teacher training is actually more like $10,000 rather than $5000 plus you’re away from home for 9 weeks. It definitely requires some commitment!
30th April 2009 at 12:37 am
Jiggly says:
Just checked again and the teacher training itself is about $6,600, but add in the $3500 hotel fees and you’re right… it’s enearly $10,000!!! This link has all the info for upcoming training seminars – http://www.bikramyoga.com/TeacherTraining/dates.htm
That is some serious commitment… wow!
30th April 2009 at 10:55 am
B says:
Con artist, complete scam.
30th April 2009 at 1:55 pm
K** says:
I don’t like McDonalds, and I certainly don’t like it blended with my spiritual/mental or physical well being.
I think that anything as rigid as this style of yoga and any physical training system where the teacher doesn’t actually physically show or physically correct students/participants needs serious consideration especially when the majority of people getting into yoga these days have little clue as to how to perform strengthening exercise and beneficial stretching correctly.
30th April 2009 at 5:56 pm
EB says:
I practice Bikram Yoga and I absolutely love it! I had only ever done maybe 5-8 minutes of TV yoga before. I bored me, was hard to follow, and didn’t even feel like I gained anything from it. My friend told me about Bikram Yoga and how intense it is. So, I decided to give it a try. I fell immediately in love with it after one class. I wont lie, it was hard. I wasn’t sure of postures and positioning but the teacher does help and there are always experts in the class that you can watch to make sure you are doing it right. I had such a cardio work out and I left feeling elated and euphoric. I wish I could go four times a week, but since it is 90 minutes long I’m lucky if I can make it to one a week. I have improved my flexibility and strength immensely. It’s great for your cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, and immune systems. I say give it a try before you immediately dismiss it. You wont regret it!
30th April 2009 at 1:19 pm
Susana Mackenzie says:
Love it!
I am 61 years old and feel as strong and flexible as when I was 25.
I am OK with the rigid rules, etc. because they help me stay focussed and really work.
I do not think and I will ever give it up
This has turned into a life commitment for me
30th April 2009 at 4:57 pm
Renee says:
This is the first physical activity that has truely taken hold of me – mind body and soul!
I started for the mental release but have found the physical benefits and changes to my body wonderfully pleasing. It is not for everyone but give a try and see if it is for you.
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!
30th April 2009 at 2:08 pm
Steve says:
it is more of an active sauna than real yoga imo…it has great benefits though.
30th April 2009 at 5:35 pm
Ravi says:
I used to eat at McDonalds when I was in college…now I can’t personally stand it. But I strongly support their right to do business.
I started Bikram yoga a few months ago and love it…for now. One day I will max out on all the benefits from Bikram, and hopefully move on to more advanced and refined yoga (the same way I did with food). Bikram has brought yoga to the masses, and has done an amazing job! I respect his contribution to the worlds of yoga and fitness and good health…whether you work out using his method or not is a personal choice.
Why would anyone call it a scam? It is like calling McDonalds or any other legitimate business a scam. These are businesses that exist to serve their customers, and they do a very good job. Who cares if the business founder likes expensive watches and cars? Bill Gates lives in a $50 million mansion, so are you going to stop using Microsoft products?
I love the rigidity, the structure and the fact that I can travel anywhere in the world’s major cities and get a familiar workout carrying just a pair of swimming shorts.
30th April 2009 at 4:47 am
V says:
Anyone who criticizes the man is crazy! No one is forcing you to pay him 10,000… that is a commitment that is only understood by those who truly understand the yoga… if it’s so crazy why have so many done it?! He is selling his masterpiece! This yoga can change anyone’s live if you so let it… and it’s worth every penny you invest (an investment for yourself)
30th April 2009 at 6:39 am
SJ says:
I really like bikram yoga for all the reasons most people seem to hate it. I like the drill-sargeanty way it’s done, the heat, and the predictability. It works for me.
30th April 2009 at 4:50 pm
Amy says:
I’m not doing anything in 105 degree heat but vigilantly watching for signs of heat stroke. Certainly not any kind of cardio workout!
30th April 2009 at 4:11 pm
kim greenway says:
I started Bikram Hot Yoga about 6 weeks ago and can not tel enough people about how wonderful it is. I have already in such a short amount of time watched and felt my body change in so many positive ways it is unbelievable. I am 45 yrs old and have at one time or another been involved in some kind of exercise this is by far the best mentally and physically. I am planning on going to the school this spring and becoming an instructor and I can’t wait to spread this goodness to everyone.
Any doubts you might have just show up and give it a try it will change your life no matter your state of health or your age.. Thre cheers from me
30th April 2009 at 10:14 am
enki says:
There are a lot of people, it seems, who have a problem with this “trademarking” of postures and his name… to those people, I would like to point out the following :
1) you don’t need to use the name Bikram to open a yoga studio – that is the choice of the individual practiitoner
2) the money involved in licensing as a Bikram doesn’t seem to be so much in the scheme of things… looks like about 500 student hours worth of fees (so maybe if you have 10 students, you are spending 50 hours of that time to pay for the training)
3) Good for him for starting this system.. .and sad for you for complaining about it… get a life… get a heart… get a soul… good luck.
30th April 2009 at 7:26 am
andrew rai says:
I am a hindu Brahmin by heritage. Bikram would not last 5 minutes in India
Lets arrange a debate with Bikram on the history and tenets of Yoga.
Yes from a person who has personal as well as academic knowlege of Hinduism Bikram is a self promoting “con artist” who is taking advantage of people of cultures who are not privy to Hinduism. Any Questions Feel free to ask
I just found about this joker! lets shut him down!
30th April 2009 at 1:13 am