First time student

Every class is a beginner class!

How do I prepare for the 90 minute class?

• Eat lightly 2-3 hours before class
• Make certain you are hydrated by drinking water through out the day
• Bring a large bottle of water to class or purchase from us
• Bring 2 towels - one for during and one for after class or hire from us
• Bring a yoga mat or hire from us
• Ladies to wear fitted sports top and pants
• Gentlemen to wear sports shorts / board shorts
• Be sure to inform the teacher before class about any concerns or injuries
• Make certain you arrive 15 minutes prior to the commencement of class to register

“Never ever, ever, ever underestimate yourself
– never doubt yourself”

What if I’m not flexible?

Any movement towards the posture is the posture. In other words, no matter how flexible you are, no matter what condition you are in physically or what condition you are in emotionally, if you try the right way and give an honest 100% effort you will receive 100% of the benefits.

Bikram Yoga is for anyone and everyone!

Can I reduce stress by doing Bikram Yoga?

A regular practice calms the mind, increases mental clarity and energy and helps to reduce stress. The heated room environment also increases willpower, determination, concentration and patience.

How does Bikram Yoga work?

By the tourniquet effect: stretching, balancing (using gravity), and creating pressure all at the same time. While in a poture, the blood supply to your arteries and veins is being cut off, creating pressure. When released, a lock gate effect is created, causing blood to rush through veins and arteries, flushing them out. The heat heightens the purification and healing processes of the body and the mind.

I feel nauseous and dizzy during class and tired after my first class. Is this normal?

You may feel dizzy and nauseous during your first class. It will take about three to four classes to acclimatize, but once your body learns to adapt to the heat and you learn to be adequately hydrated, this sensation will pass. We have all been there. Just know that during the practice your body is cleansing itself, and that in the beginning, a by-product of this may be a light headed, queasy feeling during and after class.

“The spine is the source of all energy in human life.”

Is Bikram Yoga good for weight loss?

A minimum of 10 classes per month is recommended to get the benefits of Bikram Yoga. Through regular practice, you will improve your digestive, endocrine and nervous systems which in turn help to regulate your metabolism. Weight control is a natural side effect as you manage to normalise your appetite and diminish unhealthy cravings. Of course a healthy and regular diet comes hand in hand with regular practice.

How many times a week is it recommended to practise?

Any practice is good practice. But a daily practice of Bikram Yoga will produce far reaching benefits for both your body and your mind. You can never practice too much and remember the more your practice the better you will feel. Over time, you will learn to listen to your body and it will tell you just how many classes you need. Strange but true!

As Bikram says, “For great results, practice three times per week. For life changing results, practice six days per week”.

What if I have an injury or chronic physical condition?

The Bikram series has been scientifically designed to work every single part of the body and in doing so create balance and healing benefits throughout. If you have a chronic injury or physical condition, the worst thing you can do is stop moving. The movements associated with the Bikram Yoga sequence will move fresh, oxygenated blood to every single cell and organ restoring vitality to every joint, ligament, muscle and organ of your body, thus expediting the healing process. So once again, any movement towards the posture is the posture (your posture). Please make certain that you advise the teacher before class of your injury or condition as they, over time, will help you to safely increase your range of motion and work deeper into your postures.

“As long as you are trying the right way you are getting 100% benefit in every posture”

What if I am pregnant?

During the first trimester of pregnancy, it is not advisable to practise Bikram Yoga. However, if you have had a regular Bikram practise for at least 6 months prior to becoming pregnant, then you are welcome to join us in the hot room after the first trimester and continue your practise though to birth. For first hand experience of practising while pregnant, speak with Jeanne.

What should I do after class?

Make certain you drink plenty of water. If you have a regular practice of 3 times a week or more, always replenish with electrolytes after class. As you practice more, you will learn exactly how much you need to rehydrate your body. And ready yourself for a follow class – the sooner you come back the greater the benefit.