The Science Behind the Heat: Hot Yoga Proven to Boost Strength, Balance & Flexibility
At Southern Om, we’ve always known that hot yoga transforms lives — but now the science is catching up. Researchers at Colorado State University have produced some of the very first scientific evidence that Bikram style yoga, a type of hot yoga practiced in a heated room, offers measurable benefits for fitness.
The First Groundbreaking Study
Back in 2008, Dr. Brian Tracy, Associate Professor in CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science, led the very first scientific study on Bikram yoga. Published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, this study found that people who had never practiced Bikram before experienced:
Improved balance and stability
Greater muscle control
Noticeable strength gains
In just eight weeks of practice, participants showed significant improvements that translated to real-life benefits — standing taller, moving with more confidence, and feeling stronger from the inside out.
Building on the Findings
Dr. Tracy’s lab continued its research, presenting additional results at the American College of Sports Medicine’s national conference. In a 2013 follow-up study, healthy young adults who practiced Bikram style yoga regularly experienced:
Increased hamstring and shoulder flexibility
Improved lower back strength
Modest reductions in body fat
In other words: practicing in the heat doesn’t just feel good — it’s scientifically proven to reshape how your body moves, performs, and recovers.
Why This Matters for You
Hot yoga is more than a workout. It’s a whole-body reset that builds strength, opens up flexibility, and helps you find balance both physically and mentally. The heat amplifies the effects by allowing muscles to stretch more deeply and encouraging a powerful detox through sweat.
At Southern Om, we see these results in our community every day — and now, thanks to pioneering research, we have the data to back it up.
Step Into the Heat
If you’ve been curious about what Bikram-style hot yoga can do for you, there’s never been a better time to try. Whether you’re looking to improve strength, enhance balance, or increase flexibility, the science is clear: hot yoga works.
Come roll out your mat at Southern Om, breathe deep, and discover what your body is truly capable of.