Frequently Asked Questions

 

I HAVE NEVER DONE YOGA BEFORE. IS THIS REALLY FOR ME?  

Every class that we instruct is a beginner class.  Everyone is welcome. You may find yourself next to a veteran yogi with years of experience or a beginner just like yourself. The most important thing is that you come to class with an open mind and a willingness to try your best.  No expectations...no judgements...just a great attitude.  Everyone was a beginner at one time, so relax...it's just yoga!

 

WHY IS THE ROOM SO HOT?  

The yoga came from Calcutta, India where it is often very hot and humid. The heat is a tool to increase circulation throughout the entire body and increase the elasticity of your muscles. The heat enhances vasodilatation, so more blood is delivered to the muscles which brings more oxygen to the muscles and allows for greater removal of waste products like lactic acid and carbon dioxide. The heat allows oxygen to detach from the hemoglobin more easily. It is oxygen that fuels the process of using stored energy. Heat helps to speed up the breakdown of fatty acid and glucose. Fat burns more easily in the heat. Higher temperatures improve the function of the nervous system so that messages are carried more rapidly to and from the brain to the spinal cord.

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

The room is heated to about 105 degrees. Wear light and comfortable clothing. Men, gym shorts or board shorts. Women can wear shorts and a sports bra.  The less and lighter your clothing the more comfortable you will be.  Even a bathing suit is okay!

 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Please bring a yoga mat, a large beach towel and water. Bring another towel if you plan to shower after class.  If you forget any of these items, we can rent them to you for a small additional cost.  We also sell Manduka mats and towels, yoga clothing and a variety of drinks in the lobby area.

 

DOES THE STUDIO HAVE SHOWERS?

Yes, we have beautiful new locker rooms with three women's showers and one men's shower.  Enjoy them!

 

IS THIS A GOOD CARDIOVASCULAR WORKOUT? 

You bet! The 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises work your heart and lungs by bringing your heart rate up during the first half of the class (and keeping it there) and quickly back down (like interval training) during the second half of the class. These methods of training actually strengthen your cardiovascular system.

 

WHY DO WE DO TWENTY SIX POSTURES?

Bikram discovered and developed this scientific series of postures and breathing exercises through years of research. The series has been proven to help people with chronic diseases and injuries of all kinds. Each posture prepares your body for the next posture.

 

HOW MUCH SHOULD I DRINK TO PREPARE FOR BIKRAM YOGA?

Many students make the mistake of coming to class dehydrated. Be sure to drink a minimum of one ounce of water per two pounds of your body weight per day. On the days your are coming to class, drink an additional liter during the day. You may want to supplement your electrolyte supply by drinking coconut water or other electrolyte drinks like Ultima or Bikram Balance.  Try using Celtic salt instead of iodized salt for the trace minerals, eating seaweed or taking kelp or electrolyte tablets in addition to eating a healthy, balanced diet.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BIKRAM YOGA?

Increased strength and muscle tone, increased flexibility, increase in energy and vitality, reduction of stress and the ability to handle stress better, reduced blood pressure, better circulation, weight loss or gain (depending on what you need), healthier joints and stronger immune system, better posture and more!  This yoga also helps you sleep better, deeper and more restful.  Watch your hair and nails grow much faster from the oxygenated blood flow to the follices and cuticles and your skin glow from the release of toxins and stress!  Libido is also increased.  The benefits are truly amazing...

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PRACTICE?

Bikram recommends practicing at least 3 times a week. If you can get here more often, go for it. We do understand how hectic life can be. Do the best you can and you will see changes in your life both physically and mentally.

 

I HAVE AN INJURY OR AN ILLNESS.  CAN I STILL PRACTICE BIKRAM YOGA?

Yes, Bikram Yoga was originally designed because of its healing benefits.  It assists in recovery and healing from many different illnesses and injuries. The increased circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body helps to heal injuries faster and also works to boost the immune system. If you have injuries or illnesses that you are concerned about please come in and talk to us or refer to Bikram's website for answers to many of these questions about injuries. If needed, we can always give you modifications to certain postures until you are well enough to do them as regularly intended.

 

ARE ALL TEACHERS CERTIFIED?

All certified Bikram studios only hire Bikram certified teachers. All of our instructors were trained by Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga, and are graduates of his rigorous, comprehensive Teacher Training Certification program.  Enjoy their expertise...you are in good hands!

 

WILL BIKRAM YOGA HELP MY RUNNING?

Yes, this yoga has many benefits for runners like increasing VO2 max, increased flexibility and reductions in incidence of injury. Your tight hamstrings will thank you, too! You will also feel a difference in your stride; more upper body strength is gained resulting in a more anatomically correct gait. It will make a hug difference.