What the Heck Is Modo Yoga? Moksha Changes the Name of Its U.S. Studios

Exploring the Renaming of Moksha Yoga Studios

The yoga community was surprised this month when popular yoga studio chain Moksha announced that it is rebranding and changing the name of all its U.S. locations to Modo Yoga. This change left many dedicated yogis wondering – what is Modo Yoga and how is it different from Moksha?

The Reasoning Behind the Rebrand

In a statement, the company explained that the rebrand brings the U.S. studios in alignment with locations across Canada, Mexico, and the GCC, which have always operated under the Modo Yoga name. The hope is to create brand consistency across North America.

“Our goal has long been to create One Studio with many locations, connecting dedicated yogis wherever they are,” said Modo Yoga president Stewart Gilchrist. “This name change helps unite our community across borders.”

Introducing Modo Yoga

Modo Yoga offers hot yoga classes focused on strengthening the body and freeing the mind through sustained postures and conscious breathing. The environment is inclusive, supportive and welcoming to yogis of all backgrounds and experience levels.

“The Modo Yoga experience remains true to the tradition of hot yoga that our members know and love,” said Gilchrist. “We continue to honor the foundations of mindfulness, transformation, and heat while evolving our brand and community.”

What’s Staying the Same

While the name over the door may have changed, most other elements of the yoga studios will stay the same. Offerings will continue to include:

Hot hatha yoga classes
Infrared-heated studios
Experienced, inclusive instructors
Mindful environment welcoming yogis of all levels

Membership rates and studio locations will also remain consistent during this transition. Most members likely won’t notice a difference in their day-to-day practice.

“Modo Yoga still holds the same ethics and vision our community has grown to trust,” said Gilchrist.

The Seven Pillars of the Modo Yoga Philosophy

While the name change from Moksha to Modo centers on brand unity, the heart of the practice is anchored in seven foundational pillars. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are the operational and ethical blueprints for every studio in the network. Understanding these pillars helps students realize that they aren’t just attending a fitness class, but participating in a global movement toward conscious living.

The first pillar, Be Healthy, focuses on the physical vitality achieved through the heat and the specific sequence of postures. It emphasizes that a healthy body is the vessel for a healthy mind. The second, Be Green, sets Modo apart from many other franchises. From the choice of non-toxic cleaning supplies to the installation of sustainable flooring like cork or bamboo, the physical space is designed to minimize environmental impact. This commitment often extends to the studio’s carbon footprint, with many locations utilizing energy-efficient infrared heating systems that provide a cleaner, more breathable heat than traditional forced-air systems.

The Be Accessible pillar ensures that yoga isn’t an exclusive club for the flexible or the wealthy. This is why you will find a wide range of modifications in every class and a commitment to making the space welcoming for all bodies, ages, and backgrounds. Reach Out involves the community’s dedication to service, often manifested through weekly “Karma Classes” where donations go to local or international charities. The remaining pillars—Live to Learn, Be Peace, and Be Community—encourage a lifelong journey of education, internal stillness, and the cultivation of a supportive local network. By integrating these values, Modo Yoga creates a culture where the practice on the mat is meant to inform the way a student lives their life off the mat.

Decoding the Modo Series: Structure and Variations

The core of the Modo experience is the signature Modo Series, a sequence of approximately 40 postures designed to work every system of the body. Unlike some hot yoga styles that follow a rigid, unchanging script, the Modo Series offers a balance between consistency and evolution. The foundational class usually lasts 60, 75, or 90 minutes and begins with a standing series to build heat, improve balance, and strengthen the lower body, followed by a floor series focused on spinal health and flexibility.

For those looking for a more rhythmic experience, Modo Flow is the Vinyasa-inspired evolution of the standard series. In a Flow class, the postures are linked together with the breath, creating a continuous movement that emphasizes cardiovascular health and mental focus. While the traditional Modo class is Hatha-based—meaning postures are held for several breaths to find alignment and depth—the Flow classes challenge students to find stability within transitions. This variety prevents physical plateaus and keeps the mental practice fresh for long-term practitioners.

Beyond these two staples, many studios offer specialized variations. Modo Calm is a slower-paced class that often incorporates restorative postures and extended periods of breathwork, making it an ideal choice for those recovering from injury or dealing with high levels of stress. Modo Yin targets the deeper connective tissues and fascia, with poses held for three to five minutes in a room that is typically less intensely heated than a standard class. This diversity ensures that a student can maintain a daily practice by alternating between high-intensity strengthening and deep-tissue recovery.

The Science of Infrared Heat and the Green Studio Standard

One of the most immediate things a student notices upon entering a Modo studio is the quality of the heat. Unlike the humid, heavy air found in some hot yoga environments, Modo primarily utilizes infrared heating technology. This is a crucial distinction for both health and comfort. Infrared heat mimics the natural warmth of the sun, heating the body directly rather than just the surrounding air. This allows for a deeper, more therapeutic sweat at a slightly lower ambient temperature, which many find more tolerable for the respiratory system.

From a physiological standpoint, infrared heat promotes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the muscles and joints. This not only makes the body more pliable—reducing the risk of injury during deep stretches—but also aids in the removal of metabolic waste products. The “Modo Glow” that practitioners often talk about is frequently attributed to this specific type of heat, which helps clear the pores and improve skin tone. Additionally, the infrared panels are silent, maintaining the meditative atmosphere of the room without the roar of a furnace.

The environmental aspect of the heating system ties directly back to the “Be Green” pillar. Traditional HVAC systems are notoriously energy-inefficient, especially when trying to maintain temperatures of 95 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared panels are significantly more energy-efficient and don’t circulate dust or allergens. Furthermore, the studios are built with sustainable materials; you will rarely find traditional PVC yoga mats or toxic paints. Many locations use reclaimed wood, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, and high-efficiency low-flow showers to ensure that the sanctuary of the studio doesn’t come at the expense of the planet.

The Path of the Teacher: Lineage and Training Rigor

The consistency found across Modo Yoga studios worldwide is a direct result of a highly centralized and rigorous teacher training program. The Modo lineage was founded by Ted Grand and Jess Robertson, who sought to combine their backgrounds in traditional yoga, environmental activism, and community building. To become a certified Modo teacher, candidates must undergo an intensive 500-hour training program, which is significantly more comprehensive than the standard 200-hour Yoga Alliance requirement found in most other styles.

This training often takes place in a residential setting, where trainees are immersed in anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology. A unique aspect of the Modo training is its focus on functional anatomy. Teachers are trained to understand that every body is built differently; they are taught to offer cues that prioritize the safety of the joints over the aesthetic “perfection” of a pose. This is why you will often hear a Modo teacher suggest keeping a micro-bend in the knees or adjusting the stance to accommodate the shape of the pelvis.

After the initial intensive, new teachers enter a mentorship phase where they continue to refine their skills under the guidance of senior instructors. This commitment to education ensures that whether you are taking a class in Los Angeles, New York, or Montreal, the quality of instruction remains high. The “Live to Learn” pillar is embodied by the teachers themselves, who are required to participate in continuing education credits to maintain their certification, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in exercise science and yoga philosophy.

The Silent Room Policy and Studio Etiquette

A hallmark of the Modo Yoga experience is the “Silent Room” policy, a practice that can be a surprise to those coming from more social fitness environments. Upon crossing the threshold into the practice room, students are asked to observe complete silence. This isn’t about being overly strict; it’s about creating a transition zone between the chaotic outside world and the internal space of the practice. This silence allows students to begin their centering process the moment they lay down their mats, fostering a collective environment of respect and mindfulness.

Preparation for a Modo class begins long before the first “Om.” Because of the intense heat, hydration is the most critical factor for a successful practice. It is recommended that students drink at least a liter of water in the two hours leading up to class, rather than trying to “catch up” by chugging water during the postures, which can lead to stomach discomfort. Most studios suggest a light snack a few hours before, but a heavy meal is generally discouraged as the heat and twisting postures can interfere with digestion.

Inside the room, the etiquette extends to the final Savasana (corpse pose). In Modo Yoga, Savasana is considered the most important posture of the entire class, as it allows the nervous system to integrate the work done during the session. Students are strongly encouraged to stay for the full duration of the final rest. If someone must leave early, they are asked to do so before Savasana begins to avoid disturbing others during their deepest state of relaxation. This communal agreement to protect the peace of the space is what creates the “sanctuary” feel that many members find addictive.

The Reach Out Initiative: Yoga as a Tool for Social Change

The rebrand to Modo Yoga has also served as a catalyst for expanding the “Reach Out” pillar, which is the brand’s philanthropic arm. Every Friday (or a designated day of the week), Modo studios host Karma Classes. These are typically donation-based sessions where the proceeds are pooled and donated to a specific charity. Over the years, the Modo community has raised millions of dollars for diverse causes, ranging from local food banks and women’s shelters to international organizations like Jungle Keepers, which works to protect the Amazon rainforest.

This focus on social impact changes the psychology of the practitioner. When a student knows that their sweat is directly contributing to a larger cause, it adds a layer of purpose to the physical effort. This is a practical application of the “Be Community” pillar, extending the sense of belonging from the local studio to the global stage. It also allows the studios to remain grounded in their local neighborhoods, as studio owners often choose charities that are directly serving the people in their immediate vicinity.

Furthermore, the Reach Out initiative often includes “Grow Your Community” grants or scholarships for teacher training, aimed at increasing diversity within the yoga industry. By providing financial support to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, Modo aims to ensure that their “Be Accessible” pillar is more than just a slogan. This systemic approach to inclusivity is part of what has allowed the brand to maintain such a loyal following during its transition from the Moksha name; the community recognizes that the core values are not only intact but are being actively expanded.

The Physiological and Mental Benefits of the Modo Sequence

Practitioners often report a unique sense of mental clarity following a Modo class, sometimes referred to as the “post-yoga high.” Scientifically, this is the result of several factors working in tandem. The sustained holds in the Modo Series trigger the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode—which counteracts the “fight or flight” response triggered by modern stress. By focusing on deep, diaphragmatic breathing while under the physical stress of the heat and the postures, students train their brains to remain calm under pressure.

Physically, the sequence is designed to promote lymphatic drainage. The combination of heat and specific compressions (such as in wind-removing pose or eagle pose) helps the lymphatic system move fluid through the body, which is essential for immune function and detoxification. The standing series provides a significant cardiovascular challenge, often bringing the heart rate into an aerobic zone similar to a brisk walk or light jog, but without the high-impact stress on the joints found in running.

For the musculoskeletal system, the Modo practice is a masterclass in functional mobility. Rather than just focusing on flexibility (the passive stretching of muscles), the series emphasizes stability and strength within a range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for the spine. The sequence includes forward folds, backbends, and twists, ensuring that the vertebrae are moved in all six directions. This helps to hydrate the spinal discs and strengthen the supporting core muscles, making it a powerful preventative tool for chronic back pain. By the time a student reaches the final Savasana, the body has been systematically worked from the inside out, leaving them feeling both exhausted and deeply rejuvenated.

FAQs

What does Modo Yoga mean?

Modo Yoga gets its name from the Latin word “modus” meaning conscious action or way. It refers to the mindful approach of the practice.

How is Modo Yoga different from other yoga studios?

Modo Yoga is unique in its focus on conscious transformation through sustained heat, mindful breathing, and commitment to personal growth and inclusion.

Is Modo hot yoga the same as Bikram yoga?

While both are hot yoga styles, Modo allows teachers to structure their own sequence while Bikram uses the same 26 postures each class.

What should I expect as a new student?

Expect a warm welcome into an inclusive community! Modo Yoga is suitable for beginners and advanced students alike thanks to a diversity of class offerings.