I ran into a Charm City Yoga regular at a Bikram studio recently, and she asked me which practice I thought was more difficult: the hot vinyasa classes at Charm City Yoga, or the Bikram practice? We chatted for a few moments, and found that we came to completely different conclusions. She finds Bikram more difficult because of the intense heat (about 5-10 degrees hotter than a hot vinyasa class) and lack of breaks in the standing series. I find hot vinyasa classes more difficult because they are never the same, always working the parts of the body in a different way, and in a different order.

I was intrigued by the conversation both as a teacher and a student, because the real question is about what exactly makes yoga challenging. Is it the physical practice or the mental discipline? As a teacher, I often see people in my classes who have strong, flexible bodies, but still seem to struggle. I also see students whose bodies are tight and for whom the practice requires exceptional physical effort, yet they do not seem to struggle at all. Most people are somewhere in between, of course, but it is an interesting and timely reminder to me of the many, many reasons why a student may arrive in my class.

As a student, I find it most challenging to surrender to the practice. That is why Bikram is easier for me. I always know exactly where I am in the practice and what is coming next, so the only thing to which I must surrender is the heat. Like Astanga, Bikram draws “type A” personalities who take comfort in the repetition, at the same time competing with themselves to make their practice stronger.

While there are physical breaks in the hot vinyasa practice (and I use the term “break” somewhat loosely – it can take a long time for downward dog to feel like a break!) vinyasa classes are never the same twice. Even the teacher who teaches the same sequence in most classes may change the pace or change the dialogue at any time. I love the variety and creativity of vinyasa classes. Depending on the teacher and the day, some classes are athletic and fast-paced, some are slow and focused on alignment, and some are a little of both.

For me, hot vinyasa is my first yoga love and great challenge. For others it is a welcome break from an otherwise regimented practice. I look forward to hearing from other students who practice both: which is more challenging for you?