There are many types of hot yoga which originated from Bikram Yoga. These include Moksha Yoga, Barkan Method, etc

Ted Grand, a Bikram trained teacher, founded Moksha Hot Yoga in Canada. Moksha Yoga follow similar pricicples, however, has some major differences. In Moksha Yoga, the room is not as hot or humid as Bikram Yoga; it is not a consistant length of time; it doesn't follow a script; it doesn't follow a prescribe series of postures and the training for Moksah Yoga teachers is much shorter than the 9 week training Bikram Yoga teachers are required to attend in order to become a certified Bikram Yoga Teacher.

Moksha Yoga is a form of hot yoga that is ideal for the yoga beginner as well as the seasoned practitioner. Every Moksha Yoga class takes you through a series of strengthening and toning postures in the detoxifying calm of a heated studio. There are Moksha Yoga studios across Canada and abroad.

Jimmy Barkan, creator of the Barkan Method, a hot vinyasa series of postures. The Barkan Method also shares it roots in Bikram Yoga. Jimmy Barkan began as a Bikram Yoga certified teacher before moving on.

The Barkan Method is a style of Hatha Yoga that originated from a lineage in Calcutta, India. The Barkan Method finds its roots from this lineage in Calcutta, but also integrates postures from other styles of Yoga to create variations and even greater range of motion. The yoga classes are practiced in a heated room to stretch and strengthen various areas of the body. The practice brings vital balance and restores all systems to optimal health. Consistency will create a physical, mental and spiritual harmony that will be felt in all areas of the practitioner's life.

Our instructors are trained and certified by world-renowned Yoga Master Bikram Choudhury. Bikram began practicing Hatha Yoga in his native India, at the age of three. At five, he began studying with Bishnu Ghosh (Paramhansa Yogananda's brother) and quickly became a yoga champion. At age eleven he was the youngest contestant ever to win the National India Yoga Competition.

Certification involves 9 weeks of intensive teacher training and over 500 hours of study. While at the Bikram Yoga College, our teachers spend every waking breath studying and practicing Bikram Yoga. Course study includes Asana’s, anatomy, therapeutic applications and health benefits of Yoga, nutrition and philosophy of Yoga Re-certification is required every 3 years. Teachers further their development by attending Bikram’s seminars and posture clinics and by maintaining a personal practice.

Why is certification important?

Bikram Yoga is a very specialized, precise form of yoga. To get the greatest benefit, you need an instructor that is also highly specialized. Bikram Choudhury personally trains and certifies his instructors, ensuring his methods and philosophies are preserved.

Pernille Tjelum
Studio Director and Owner

email: Pernille@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

My journey into Bikram Yoga started in the Spring of 2001. I instantly knew that Bikram Yoga would be a very useful tool to create balance in my physical body. In the Fall of 2003 my father got sick and I began to understand that my yoga was helping me stay grounded and connected mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually in order to be there for him in his process of dying.

I continue to grow and learn about myself while strengthening, stretching and challenging my body. I feel authentically ME and it is through my experiences I guide my classes, with the intention of creating a safe space for my students to discover their true authentic Body's, Mind's and Spirit's.

 

Lindsay Henderson

email: LindsayH@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

Moved here from BC in the winter of 2010. First introduced to Bikram Yoga in Nov 4, 2008. Knew within my second class that I wanted to go to teacher training and signed up for the Spring of 2009 in Palm Springs, CA. It has given me strength in both body and mind and continues to help me learn about myself. I love teaching and being able to watch others receive the benefits of yoga. It heals you "inside out, bones to skin, finger tips to the toes".
When I am not in the hot room I enjoy the great outdoors and being with good friends.
My favourite posture is triangle...yes....triangle! It works you inside out and when you find the sweet spot of feels awesome. If you can do triangle you can do anything :)
Believe in yourself, you will be surprised and all that you can do if you just believe.

 

Melissa Sebastianelli

email: MelissaS@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

I took my first Bikram class in 2003, right after Pernille had opened in Edmonton. I went a couple times but in the end I couldn't afford to go to college and pay for yoga classes. In 2005, I received my Arts degree, graduating from Concordia College with a History major and Education minor. For eight years I worked at Goose Hummock Golf Resort becoming the Food and Beverage Assistant Manager. My Auntie Shirley re-introduced me to Bikram Yoga and on October 10th, 2007, I logged onto the BYE website, checked the schedule and decided to try a class again. It was an instant love and I have been a regular ever since. In January 2008, I began to work behind the desk at the studio and in November I graduated from Bikram's Yoga College of India.
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Sharon Kyrzyk

email: SharonK@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

I came to my first Bikram Yoga class at Strathcona Studio in August, 2007. It was the most physically challenging thing I'd ever done up to that point and I wanted MORE! The high I felt after that first class is indescribable. I first started volunteering as a Karma Yogi at BYE and then working as a Studio Assistant. After finishing a 101-day Bikram Yoga Challenge, I was told that I really needed to consider going to Teacher Training if I loved the yoga that much! I went to Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Fall of 2009 in Las Vegas and I have been teaching full-time ever since. I still can't believe that after completing a BA in Psychology and BComm After Degree in Finance at the University of Alberta in my early 20's, that I would end up finding my dream job in the yoga world in my mid-30's!

 

Dave Wong

email: DaveW@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

Self-Realization. As Bikram Choudhury; the founder of Bikram Yoga states it is the ultimate destination of human life. This word holds true to the fact of the real and perfect individual and the ultimate human potential that I may carry throughout my life.

My relentless journey began during the summer season of 2008 as I took a moment to ponder what were the next steps I were to take to achieve happiness, love and many other positive aspects of life that has to offer. I had the desire to strive for something extraordinary and relate to a mindful self-discovery. After careful considerations and research, I chose to attend my first Bikram Yoga class. I had no doubts what Bikram Yoga can offer to an individual physically as all I wanted to achieve was a defined physique. After several months of practice, I realize I received more than I bargained for. The physical, mental, and spiritual challenges Bikram Yoga presented in front of my daily life was overwhelming and difficult to overcome. I struggle to accept the lack of concentration, determination and patience that I had for myself, but also gratefully understand my true destiny and joy and well-being I deserve.

Bikram Yoga is one of the most remarkable experiences I have gained as it opened a path to obstacles and self-gratifying moments. I have been inspired by many students, teachers and individuals that chose to be a part of this global philosophy. As I continue my journey with breath, focus, and strength, at the same time also pursuing to inspire and lead practitioners all around the world, but most importantly is to help someone to experience what Bikram Yoga has offered me and that is Self-Realization.

 

Brittany Stahl

email: BrittanyS@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

More information coming soon...

 

 

 

 

Ricky Brennan

email: RickyB@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

I began my practice of Bikram's Yoga because I wanted to make changes within my life. Not seeing the intention and heart with myself, I decided to take the initiative and transform my future into one with potential. I began teaching in December of 2005, and haven't looked back since.

 

Damian Kosabeck

email: DamianK@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

I needed change from the imbalance that I couldn’t see but felt inside...

In 2005 I found Bikram Yoga and started practicing twice a week. My first classes were okay. I can remember that the toughest thing during my first classes was not the heat but keeping my arms over my head. So simple, “arms over your head”! Oh, the burning numbness - my stubbornness kept my arms away from the relief at my sides. Soon, I didn’t have to huff and puff to keep my arms over my head. I began to feel... something. I couldn’t explain it other than an almost imperceptible feeling of change. That feeling grew with each class into something more real and substantial. The ‘good’ feeling lasted longer & longer, beyond my practice day. The benefits from the yoga were overflowing into my day to day life. I was calmer, stronger physically & mentally, and I could feel more balance permeating my being. It was like small pieces of something old being shed one by one; underneath glistened.
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Aimee Dumont

email: AimeeD@BikramYogaEdmonton.com

I love trying and practicing all kinds of yoga, but this unique type of yoga has been the only one that keeps me coming back several times a week. Bikram Yoga has challenged me on so many different levels - physically, emotionally, spiritually, and especially mentally (all at the same time!). It has opened up my body and mind, and taken my self awareness to a deeper level of understanding. As I have continued my practice, it is not only the yoga that keeps me coming back however, it is also the wonderful support system and network of amazing people that is the foundation of the studio. I knew from the first time that i practiced yoga that I was going to become an instructor, it was only a question of when. So when all the stars aligned and I managed to save enough money, I headed off to Bikram Yoga teacher training fall of 09 in Las Vegas baby! My main objective as an instructor is to help my students get maximum benefits from their practice which means I lead a focused class balanced with command and compassion. I have been lucky enough to teach in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and have future goals of traveling and teaching all over the world!

 

Would you like to be a certified Bikram Yoga teacher?

Talk to Pernille to find out how to start your journey on the path to teaching Bikram Yoga and visit this page on the BikramYoga.com website.