Bikram Yoga is different from most typical forms of yoga. We don’t try to bend you into a pretzel or chant. We are more interested in burning away excess baggage that weighs down your body and mind than burning incense. Bikram Yoga is for everyone; it is a real life, practical style of yoga accessible to everyone from any background.
Some people assume that yoga is passive and definitely not a workout that creates physical transformation. But we are anything but sedate. Bikram Yoga is a dynamic and energetic form of exercise that sculpts, hones and tones every muscle in your body. but no matter what physical shape you are in or what limitations you believe that you have, You can definitely do this. Bikram is purposefully challenging so that you can move from where you are right now to a new threshold of where you want to be. You don’t need to be some super flexible version of Gumpy to enjoy Bikram Yoga. In fact there are no research that shows wrapping your leg behind your head will give you better health we don’t care about contortions at Bikram Yoga. Our focus is on real life flexibility, strength, stability.
When should I arrive?
First time student registration ends 15 minutes prior to class. Be on time!
What do I need to bring with me?
We provide a mat (required) for your first Introductory Special
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
- Proper hydration
- Bottle of water
- Towels
we will have water for sale and mats for rent/purchase at each studio in case you forget!
Be prepared to sweat and have a great time!
In the yoga room for everyone's comfort, please:
- no shoes
- no gum
- no pagers or cell phones
- no perfume or cologne
- no body lotion
- no excess jewellery or watches
- no talking
- listen carefully to the teach
- respect of everyone is an expectation
Why does Bikram Yoga work? back to top
Bikram Yoga works like magic. It works because it is simple and right in line with how your body is designed to move and operate. It trains your body for real life, bending, stretching, lifting, reaching twisting , so you can move through everyday with more ease, agility power and grace. In traditional fitness we tend to break down the components of strength, flexibility, stamina and cardio training into their own level of importance but at Bikram Yoga we blend all the key ingredients together in one session. The health benefits are multi layered. We sculpt the external body and go beyond the external to balance all internal body systems. Bikram Yoga works where so many other fitness and weight loss systems have failed because the results are more immediate. From your first session you tingle from head to toe, your blood is flowing, your mind is clearer you are full of breath and you fell alive. Once you get a small taste of these results, you will want to keep going.
Is Bikram Yoga a cardiovascular workout?... And will I lose weight? back to top
Definitely yes. No matter what your fitness level, you will find Bikram Yoga very challenging. Each posture combines flexibility, strength and balance to work your whole body from your bones to your skin. With persistence, patience, and dedication, you can lose inches, and develop muscle tone and strength that might never come from other forms of exercise. Most people experience weight loss because as you are losing fat and building muscle mass. What you will see is a general slimming all over: your clothes fit better, your posture is better, your skin will GLOW! The cardiovascular component of the class is different than traditional exercise, you must experience it yourself. Athletes tell us that they have more lung capacity and heart function than ever after a few months of Bikram Yoga.
How often should I attend class? back to top
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? back to top
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 you movements by warm 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 should I expect? back to top
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? back to top
- 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? back to top
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.
More Frequently Asked Questions from the Bikram Yoga Headquarters
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