Hot yoga is an exercise in extremes. Bikram and Moksha are two of the most popular hot yoga classes, and they use the same kinds of poses and exercises. So what’s the difference between them? Here’s everything you need to know about Moksha vs Bikram Yoga, from their origins to their philosophy to their differences in effectiveness, so you can find the perfect hot yoga class for your body, your goals, and your mind!

Bikram vs. Moksha

• Both Styles of Yoga Share Similarities: Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a beginner, you’ve likely heard about both Bikram yoga and Moksha yoga. Both styles of yoga are named after their founders, Bikram Choudhury and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. While they have some similarities, some fundamental differences between them may influence your decision on which to practice. The goal is to help educate you on what each style offers so that you can make an informed decision when deciding which class is right for you. Most people who attend a Bikram class find it challenging at first; especially when first practicing poses like Headstands and Shoulderstands.

Differences in practice

• While both are Hatha-based practices, there are notable differences between hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga or Bikram’s yoga, and Moksha yoga. Both practices consist of many of the same postures, but that’s where similarities end. Practice duration: The average session for a Bikram class is roughly 90 minutes, with 26 postures. The average Moksha class lasts for three hours; it includes breathing exercises (pranayama), as well as 108 postures. Location: While both schools offer classes in heated rooms to facilitate deeper stretching (and they both encourage people to drink plenty of water), they differ in their choice of temperature.

Differences in philosophy

• The schools of hatha yoga developed by Krishnamacharya (Mysore) and Iyengar (Light on Yoga) focus on different principles; however, both teachers influenced Bikram Choudhury. The primary principle in hatha yoga is that you can only progress with a teacher who can teach you. While Iyengar focused on alignment, Krishnamacharya emphasized bandhas or locks that engage certain muscles as a way to create heat, which aids in flexibility. The philosophy of Bikram yoga places more emphasis on a specific 26 postures as a routine to help heal ailments such as chronic pain, high blood pressure, and depression.

Differences in teacher training, certification, and qualification

• While you can become a teacher of either type of yoga through 500- to 800-hour programs that focus on anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, alignment principles, etc., those with a certification from Bikram’s Yoga College of India are more highly regarded by many practitioners. The most common complaint about non-Bikram yoga classes is that teachers aren’t properly qualified to teach or have not undergone proper training. But even some hardcore practitioners in New York told us they prefer certain studios over others simply because their teachers are trained by Bikram—which is ironic since it’s possible to take teacher training for Moksha. You just have to travel outside NYC.

The popularity of each type of yoga

• The two types of yoga are popular for very different reasons. While both are excellent forms of exercise, their differences make them appealing to very different sets of people. Bikram yoga is based on 26 postures and two breathing exercises (the Breath of Fire, or Bellows Breath; and Reverse Breathing) performed in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity. This set routine allows anyone to practice regardless of fitness level, age, or flexibility—for example, it’s a great form of therapy for those suffering from joint pain. It also helps some people develop focus by focusing on each pose individually.

The cost factor

• While it's true that a Bikram yoga class can cost more than a Vinyasa or Hatha class, it may be worth it to you to invest in a yoga studio that offers both hot and non-hot classes. It's also important to remember that yoga is an investment in your health. The number of people who complain of not having enough time to do everything they want in life but still make time for yoga regularly is significant because for many people, investing money into their health is worth their time. Some research has even shown that those who practiced Bikram over several months had an increase in immune function, compared with practitioners of other styles of yoga; long-term study outcomes have yet to be seen though.

Which type of yoga is better for you?

• While both types of yoga offer different benefits, one might be a better fit for you than the other. For example, while they are both practiced in a heated room, moksha offers more variety of poses than Bikram—meaning it's more accessible to new practitioners. On top of that, moksha also incorporates meditation. If you’re looking for an intense workout where sweating is encouraged, then Bikram may be your best bet; conversely, if you’re interested in a less strenuous experience but still want to work on your fitness and flexibility, moksha may be just what you need. Either way, it never hurts to try different styles until you find something that works for you.

How to get started with each type of yoga

• One of your first steps, when you’re getting started with a new yoga routine, is deciding which type of yoga will be best for you. Many people don’t know that there are several different types of yoga—which can make choosing even more difficult. So, to help, we have provided an overview of what each type offers so that you can decide which one is best for you and your needs. If possible, it’s recommended that you try out several styles to determine which one works best for your body and personality. The journey to finding your true self isn’t something anyone should jump into alone—you need others to share in your experience, so let us be a part of it!