Jenny McCarthy's favorite workout: Bikram Yoga

What is Bikram yoga?

Bikram yoga is also called hot yoga because the yoga workouts are done in a heated room. However, Bikram isn't just any yoga practice. "Bikram Yoga is a 90-minute series of 26 beginning yoga postures (asanas) and 2 breathing exercises (pranayamas) that are done in the same order," Birrell explains. "Most poses are done twice — the first set acts as a diagnostic, and the second set is where you push a little more and create change in the body and the mind."

The beauty of the Bikram practice is that it works the whole body, with each pose warming you up and preparing you for the next posture and the postures to come. It not only promotes health and strength, it is also very healing, according to Birrell. "A state-of-the-art ventilation system brings fresh pre-heated air into the room throughout class to ensure that there is plenty of fresh oxygen to breathe," she says. "The heat provides many benefits, including increased blood flow throughout the body, and helps detoxify the body through the sweat."

Benefits of Bikram yoga

Bikram yoga is an intense form of hatha yoga that offers many health benefits, including strength, flexibility, balance and a cardiovascular workout. Birrell got into Bikram after suffering running-related knee injuries. "I thought I would just do the yoga for a few months while training for a marathon, but after experiencing the physical, mental and emotional benefits of the yoga, I became hooked," she recalls. "Many people find that they receive increased healing benefits from Bikram due to the scientific design of the posture series, as well because of as the heat."

Bikram for mind-body fitness

In addition to gaining strength and flexibility, many students also experience weight loss. But Birrell says Bikram isn't just good for your body. It also gives you an overall sense of well-being. "Many students find that the intensity of the practice helps them get more out of their own mind," she explains. "We call it a '90-minute moving meditation' that is great for stress relief and bringing balance back to the mind-body connection."