First Timers
Bikram’s Beginning Yoga class is for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Feeling nervous, scared or a little intimidated by the demands of Bikram Yoga? No problem! Even certified Bikram teachers started their journey with jitters. Bikram designed this class for beginners, so with a little practice and experience, you will quickly feel right at home. Get the tips to help you kick-start the most wonderful yoga program in the world. And of course, it helps to bring a big bottle of water (available for sale at the studio in case you forget), a positive attitude and an open mind to your class. Finally, be prepared to sweat a bucket and have a great time!
When should I arrive & What do I need to bring with me?
For first–timers, please arrive 20 minutes before class to complete your registration and to give our staff time to answer all your questions.
Bring:
- Proper attire: wear something light and fitted such as: sport bras, shorts or any other light clothing. Avoid sweats, long pants, heavy t-shirts, as we heat the room.
- Positive attitude
- Empty stomach (don't eat anything heavy 2-3 hours before class)
- Proper hydration (drink 2-3 litres of water throughout the day)
- Bottle of water
What do I need for class?
- we provide a mat (required) for your 2-in-5 Introductory Special
- bring your own towels* (required)
We will have water for sale and mats for rent/purchase at the studio in case you forget!
In the yoga room for everyone's comfort, please:
- no talking
- no shoes
- no gum
- no pagers or cell phones
- no perfume or cologne
- no body lotion
- no excess jewellery or watches
How often should I attend class?
For good results, we encourage a regular practice of 3 times per week minimum. For life-changing results, 4 or more times per week.
Why the heated room?
The heat combined with the Bikram sequence of the postures is what makes Bikram Yoga so special. The room is intentionally heated to build and maintain a liquid quality to your movements by warming up your muscles, which allows you to protect your body from injury. Your body is like cold glass, if you warm it up you can form it, bend it and shape it with more ease.
The "healing heat" of Bikram Yoga happens when breathing, movement and heat come together.
Also, heat helps you sweat and sweat is one of the most important mechanisms of natural healing, since it enables the body to release toxins, metabolic debris and excess fluid. Your skin is the largest elimination organ in your body, so the more you sweat the more toxins you release.
Bikram Yoga is not just about working muscles. You are massaging deep tissues, glands, organs as well. As you work deep within your body, you may start to release "poisons" or "toxins" that have been stored there a long time. Sweating helps flush toxins from your body, giving you a wonderful glow from head to toe.
What if I feel sore after class?
Didn't know you had a muscle there? Congratulations, you have utilized 100% of your body. You are on the way to regaining your birthright: using your body in the full range of motion that it was designed for. Muscle soreness is a build-up of lactic acid. What's the best way to get rid of the lactic acid? Stretching. It may seem impossible to imagine that coming back for more will help, but it is THE BEST way to relieve the soreness. If you wait too long to come back, then you will be starting all over again.
What should I do after class?
- Cool down
- Drink plenty of water
- Talk with your instructor
- Come back the next day, even if you're sore
Do I need to drink water before class?
Drink plenty of water after class and the entire day before you come to class.
How much is enough? This is going to vary on a person by person basis. Typically a good formula is take your body weight and divide by 2. This is how many ounces of water you should consume daily. Here's an example: 140 lb/2 = 70 oz. 64 oz is a half gallon. Seem like a lot? Remember our bodies are mostly water. Being fully hydrated helps take pressure off of organs to do their jobs and helps flush the body and keep it running smoothly.
The most typical excuse for not drinking water is the increased visits to the restroom. Your body will adjust to the increased water intake. You may also find benefits of decreased body odour, smoother skin, and shinier hair.
What are some of the benefits of Bikram Yoga?
- Reduces stress
- Increases vitality, energy, relaxation
- Increases blood circulation
- Keeps joints juicy, increases muscle strength around joints to support under pressure
- Improves strength and flexibility which reduces the risk of injury, or re-injury
- Improves immunity (i.e. getting sick less often, if at all)
- Can reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis and thyroid disorders)