Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 yoga postures, that is essentially practiced in a steam room.  The steam isn’t as thick as your typical steam room, but it exists nevertheless.  Most Bikram Yoga studios turn the temperature up to 110 degrees and create an environment with 100% hummidity by using powerful humidifiers and the effect of sticking 20-50 people in a confined space.  The heater, humidifier, and body heat combine to create an environment almost exactly identical to a steam room.  The only thing missing from a giant steam shower is a drenching ceiling rain, although as you can imagine that affect is created by the sweat of the practicioners.

So why do people practice yoga in a steam room?  Well, Bikram Heat Yoga was invented by Bikram Choudhury, the founder of the Yoga College of India.  Studio’s with Bikram’s name on it can be found in almost every city in the country — even small towns.  All of these people believe in two things not completely supported by science: the benefits of yoga and the benefits of steam.  One thing is certain – the feeling of peace and satisfaction achieved after a heated yoga class is one of the most unrivaled highs that mankind can achieve. Unlike drugs, it is a high of pure health and wellness.  The first thing you will notice when you walk into a Bikram Yoga Studio is that everyone is shirtless, everyone has great skin, and everyone is in pretty good shape.  You run into 50 year olds who look 32, and 32 year olds who look 17. 

The purpose of this article isn’t to tell you about yoga.  There is enough information about that all over the Internet.  I’m just looking to make a point: the benefits of doing in a steam room are non-debateable.  They exist.  Try it, and you will believe.