The 1960s American youth were largely responsible for the popularity of hot yoga, as they desperately needed an exercise to counterbalance the effect of marathon fondue parties. Melt muscles like a block of cheese with today's Groupon: for $19, you get one month of unlimited Bikram yoga classes at Bikram Yoga Sandy (a $150 value).

Bikram Yoga Sandy's team of attentive yoga instructors leads yogis through a robust schedule of 90-minute Bikram classes designed to accommodate students of all fitness levels. The studio's steamy setting melts muscles with 100- to 105-degree heat during the 26-posture routine, helping yogis to settle into deep stretches and wring human sponges free of harmful toxins and squatting clown fish.

Classes begin with two breathing exercises to acclimate bodies to the intense temperatures before yogis follow experienced instructors through standing and seated postures that push muscles and concentration to new heights and melt inhibitions into measly sweat puddles. The intense twists and compressions temporarily decrease circulation to specific areas of the body, releasing a flow of fresh blood to the muscles, joints, and organs when students let the postures go and fuel the body with the energy needed to wrestle stubborn, sticky mats back to the car.