Bikram Yoga vs Baptiste – What’s The Difference?

Both Bikram Yoga and Baptiste are great ways to get in shape.

However, which is better for you depends on your goals. If your goal is to lose weight, then Bikram yoga is probably the way to go. 

However, if your goal is to become long-term healthy and robust, then Baptiste is a much better choice. In this article, I will compare the two and tell you which one (if either) is better for you.

Let’s first look at Bikram yoga.

About Bikram Yoga

This style of yoga was invented by Bikram Choudhury, a world-renowned yoga instructor. He has been called the “Father of Modern Yoga.”

Bikram yoga is practised in a room heated up to 105 degrees, making it perfect for losing weight.

Bikram yoga is a slow, uninterrupted flow of postures. It is best for people who have a lot of flexibility and want to get in shape. For this reason, many yoga outfits will have Bikram classes on their calendars.

Although Bikram yoga is mainly used for losing weight, it can also be used for muscle-building purposes, depending on the goals. Therefore, Bikram also holds classes that are specifically for building muscle. 

For example, you can go to a class called “Bikram Trifecta,” which includes weight-lifting and cardio.

Now let’s look at Baptiste.

About Baptiste

Baptiste sessions include meditation, which encourages participants to delve into their creativity, gain self-confidence, and protect their joints. 

If Bikram courses are torture chambers, Baptiste classes are group therapy, with the ultimate goal of asana practice being self-awareness. 

You’re undoubtedly familiar with Downward-Facing Dog and Sun Salutations if you’ve ever taken a hatha-based class. The teacher determines the sequence, and teachers may change their lessons to meet the needs of a specific set of students. 

There is no theme, and there are no right or wrong poses. Just like any art form, Baptiste's class is all about experimentation.

Baptiste is an entirely different style of yoga than Bikram yoga. While Bikram has its origins in India, Baptiste has its roots in the African continent.

Baptiste also includes chanting and meditation, which help make it a very meditative practice.

In conclusion, Baptiste is a unique method of yoga that is very meditative and has many benefits.

Key differences between the two

• Baptiste Yoga is usually done in a space heated to 90 degrees or above, whereas Bikram Yoga is done at a precise 105 degrees.

• Baptiste Yoga, like Bikram Yoga, offers a set of positions. For example, the Baptiste Journey into Power Sequence has around 53 poses divided into 11 designated micro sequences.

Alternatively, all Bikram Yoga classes are 90 minutes long and comprise 26 postures series and two breathing exercises. Instructors who teach Bikram Yoga are trained to preserve this structure.

• Baptiste Yoga focuses on self-exploration through meditation, whereas Bikram focuses on proper physical alignment, breathing techniques, and challenging yet safe poses.

• Baptiste yoga is a meditative practice, whereas Bikram Yoga is not.

• Baptiste Yoga is very different from Bikram Yoga but shares many themes, such as stretching and flexibility.

So which one is better?

Baptiste yoga has more postures and poses than Bikram yoga, so it’s worth considering if you want to do more poses. 

The Baptiste course contains 53 different poses or sequences, whereas Bikram only has 26 postures in their exercises. Baptiste yoga is also meditative, whereas Bikram yoga is not.

If you care about losing weight, then Bikram yoga is probably the way to go. However, if your goal is to become long-term healthy and robust, then Baptiste is a much better choice. 

In conclusion, I would recommend Baptiste yoga either on its own or in conjunction with Bikram Yoga because Baptiste has more postures. 

Also, Baptiste yoga is meditative, promoting self-awareness and reflection, which is good for your mental health.

Conclusion

Baptiste yoga is a unique method of yoga that is very meditative and has many benefits. If you like Bikram yoga and want to do more postures, I recommend trying out Baptiste. 

If you care about losing weight, then Bikram yoga is probably the way to go. However, if your goal is long-term health and strength, then Baptiste is a much better choice!

Whatever your choice may be, the most important thing is to do some form of exercise in your life. So get off the couch and start moving!