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Happy Asana September 17, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing) – Hot Yoga Breath
Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September, so we will revisit a moving Pranayama technique common in all kinds of Hot Yoga Classes, that originated in Bikram studios. This breath technique is part of the opening in the classic Bikram series.
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Pranayama Day today, I recommend a Hot Yoga Style class, which will include this breath technique!
I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class. I typically practice Asana most consistently in the morning, and this is my favorite morning series! PS I keep Ocean for the background sound in my Yoga Studio App, to help remind me to use Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breath!
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bikram’s Pranayama a moving Pranayama Practice used in all kinds of Hot Yoga classes. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. I am sure you will have tried this Pranayama technique if you have practiced any kind of style at a Hot Yoga studio – this breath feels particularly great in a hot and humid environment.
This is a great technique to watch and follow along – click here for video instructions!


Bikram Pranayama / Hot Yoga Breath
- Clasp your hands together, and bring your fists under your chin with your thumbs at your throat. Squeeze your elbows together.
- Inhale through your nose into your belly, and allow elbows to float up, keeping your chin in place.
- Let your your chin float up and exhale, as you squeeze your elbows together.
- Continue the cycle – allow your chin float down and elbows to float up on your inhale.
Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!
Want more on Pranayama?
Check our Pranayama Board on Pinterest!
More Positive Practices
Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!
Related Positive Practices
Share your Practice
Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried Hot Yoga or this breath technique? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!