Unlocking Strength through Bikram Yoga: The Hidden Power of Holding Asanas
There’s a big misconception out there that building muscle strength only comes from lifting weights.
News flash: the power of holding yoga asanas, particularly in Bikram Yoga, offers an alternative path to strength that is both effective and scientifically supported. Through the practice of Bikram Yoga, where postures are held for mostly 30 seconds or more in a heated environment, your body engages in deep isometric contractions—activating and strengthening muscles without movement. It’s not just sweat-inducing; it’s science-backed strength training.
The Science: Why it works
Bikram Yoga is built around holding postures in a heated room, usually around 105°F with 40% humidity. These postures require sustained muscle activation and control—known as isometric training—which has been shown to improve strength and stability across the body.
Research supports the effectiveness of isometric holds in strength development. A 2018 study by Dr. Daniel M. Ogborn and colleagues, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that “isometric training produced significant increases in maximal voluntary contraction.” This highlights the potential for noticeable strength gains through holding poses.
Moreover, Dr. Liam R. West’s review in Sports Medicine demonstrated that isometric training improves tendon strength and resilience, which are crucial for injury prevention, injury healing, and long-term joint health. Which is what we all want, right?
Bikram Yoga also benefits balance and flexibility while strengthening muscles. Dr. Maryanna Klatt’s research team, writing in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that “Bikram yoga has been shown to improve lower body strength, lower and upper body range of motion, and balance in healthy adults.” These benefits compound over time — especially when practiced consistently. Think of this like the power of compounding interest in money, but for your body.
Why It Feels Different at West Coast Sweat
At West Coast Sweat, our core competency has always been Bikram Yoga for foundational strength and mental focus. This is why we offer several class options daily so you are able to tap into the power of your practice. When you do, you’ll find yourself getting stronger not just physically, but mentally through sweat, discipline, and presence.
Strength is not just about lifting heavy weights; it’s about control, consistency, breath, presence, and the ability to stay calm in any environment. Whether you're holding stillness in a posture or engaging in the heat, you're training your muscles in ways that support real-life strength, mobility, and confidence.
So come sweat with us. Try a Bikram Yoga class at West Coast Sweat and discover what your body is capable of.
Fun Facts & Tips
Isometric holds (like yoga postures) activate up to 90% of muscle fibers more than many fast-paced movements. (Hint: we do this in Bikram Yoga!)
Practicing in the heat helps increase circulation and muscle elasticity, improving performance.
Bikram yoga increases upper and lower body strength, range of motion, and balance with benefits compounding over time.
Ready to tap into the hidden power of Bikram Yoga?
Come sweat with us and discover what your body is truly capable of.
Book your class now