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The hot yoga movement continues to evolve, but its foundation remains unchanged. Rooted in discipline, healing, and transformation, Bikram Yoga stands as the original hot yoga system. Today, its legacy is being carried forward by the next generation, with a renewed sense of purpose and global reach.
As studios continue to open worldwide, the tradition lives on through Bikram Choudhury’s children and long time students. At the center of this continuation are Laju Choudhury and Anurag Choudhury, who host the renowned nine week immersive Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Program in Thailand every Spring and Fall. The next training begins April 21, 2026, welcoming practitioners from around the world into a deeply transformational experience.
In Los Angeles, the legacy remains strong at Bikram Yoga Encino, a hub for students seeking the original practice in its purest form.
Second Generation of Bikram Yoga
Raised inside the Bikram Yoga world, Laju Choudhury’s journey with the practice began before she could even walk. Yet her connection to yoga was not inherited blindly, it was discovered personally, repeatedly, and intentionally.
Laju describes Bikram Yoga as a compass. In moments when life felt misaligned, the practice brought her clarity. The heat, the discipline, and the mind body connection allowed her to disconnect from external noise and reconnect with her path.
For Laju, Bikram Yoga is not fitness.
It is medicine.
A non drug, holistic therapy that promotes healing, balance, and longevity.
Laju’s advice for new students is simple and grounding.
Pace yourself. This is not a race. Your first class may feel challenging, and that is part of the process. You have a lifetime to grow into the postures. Walk in without expectations and allow the experience to meet you where you are.
Her favorite part of Bikram Yoga is the afterglow. That unmistakable feeling after class when the body feels open, the mind feels clear, and the community feels like home.
When it comes to wellness, Laju encourages mindfulness over pressure. Listen to your body. Move slowly. Let setbacks become teachers rather than obstacles.
Her favorite sequence within the class is spine strengthening.
Healthy spine. Healthy mind. Healthy life.
Among them, Locust pose holds a special place for its intensity and powerful energy shift.
When asked about the biggest change in the yoga industry, Laju’s answer is direct.
Saturation.
In a world filled with variations and trends, her message is clear and timeless.
Do not change the yoga. Let it change you.
Despite growing up in Los Angeles and exploring countless sports and fitness routines, nothing has matched the impact Bikram Yoga has had on her body and mind. It remains unmatched in how it feels and how it heals. It also serves as a powerful complement to all other physical training and sports.
Beyond practicing, Laju is deeply grateful to share this gift through teaching. The upcoming Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Program runs from October 1 to December 3, and practitioners from all backgrounds are also welcome to join the community in Thailand for a week or more of yoga, healing, and connection in a truly magical setting.
To learn more, visit Bikramyoga.com
This is not just a practice.
It is a legacy.
And it is still unfolding.
