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New Student Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bikram Yoga?
This class is a 90 minute beginning yoga class comprised of 26 asanas (postures) and 2 breathing exercises practiced in a 105*F room with 40% humidity. The room is intentionally warm so muscles will stretch more easily. The series works equally well for beginning or advanced students.
Also known as hot yoga, Bikram Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram Choudhury was born in Calcutta in 1946. He began yoga at the age of four with Indias most renowned physical culturist of the period, Bishnu Gosh, who was the younger brother of Paramahasa Yogananda, author of the popular book on Yoga, The Autobiography of a Yogi, and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship.
What Should I Bring?
• Yoga mat*
• Large bath towel*
• Bottle of water*
• Dress in cool comfortable clothes* - such as sport bra, tank top, running shorts, swimwear. Avoid sweats, capri pants, heavy t-shirts. No shoes or socks.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day so you're well hydrated before coming to class. Come with an empty stomach - wait at least two hours after a meal before taking class.
• Please arrive at the studio 15 minutes before your first class to register
*For your convenience mats, towels, water and clothing are available to rent or purchase at the studio
Who Can Practice Bikram's Yoga?
Bikram's Yoga is for everyone. To quote Bikram's teacher, Bishnu Ghosh, it's never too late, you're never too old, you're never too sick, to start again from scratch. Come to class, and with the guidance of your teacher, simply approach every posture to the best of your ability and you will receive 100% benefit.
At every experience level you will feel challenged by the yoga during class, everyone does. Always work to your edge, but listen to your body and your inner wisdom. As a beginner, never be afraid to sit down if you need to. It's normal, especially when you first get started, to feel dizzy or lightheaded. It's temporary, and as your body acclimates and detoxifies, these sensations will disappear.
If you feel nervous, scared or a little intimidated, no problem, many people feel that way initially. Just don't let it stop you from coming to class. Bikram designed this class for beginners and with a little practice and experience, you'll quickly feel right at home.
Don't think you have to get in shape before coming to class. That puts the cart before the horse! Come take your first class, and then take class as often as you possibly can and you will quickly lose weight, get in shape, and feel absolutely wonderful.
Pregnant students are welcome to practice after the 1st trimester. The pregnancy series is practiced within the regular class.
How Often Should I Practice?
Yoga is a 5000-year-old science and it is the best way of improving the body and the mind. Yoga is meant to be practiced daily. Yoga is the only exercise you can do in any place, any position, any condition of health, and at any age.
After your first class take your second class within 24 hours. The second class is the equivalent of 2 to 3 classes, and you will bypass much of the soreness you'd experience otherwise.
Make up your mind to take 10 classes as quickly as possible. Then no one has to tell you how good this yoga is for you. Your own personal experience will guide you.
Remember, everyone had their very first Bikram Yoga class, even the people on the front row who have been coming for years. They make it look easy because they persevered, and you can too.
Yoga Etiquette?
These rules of good yoga etiquette will help you and the people around you feel comfortable when entering the yoga room. They are based on common sense and courtesy, but deal with some issues that are specific to yoga classes and studios.
BEFORE CLASS:
• Consider being prompt as part of your practice. We
start class on time.
• Remember to properly hydrate. Drink plenty of water
throughout the day.
• Have clean feet and be perfume and lotion free.
• No watches, cell phones or pagers in the Yoga room.
• Before entering make sure the previous class has
completely vacated the room.
DURING CLASS:
• Have Fun!
• Enter the yoga room in silence.Your practice begins
once you enter the room.
• Do your very best to stay in the Yoga room for the
entire class. Check with the teacher if you feel you need
to leave.
• Bring only bottled water into class with you. No food or
other beverages are allowed in the room.
• Practice stillness between the postures.
• Honor the silence of the room by moving quietly.
• Focus only on yourself in the mirror.
AFTER CLASS:
• Observe silence during final savasana - meditation.
• Leave the room quietly being respectful of others.
• If you have rented a mat or towel, please place them in
the laundry bins
• Be mindful of the time. We open the studio 30 minutes
before and close 30 minutes after each class.
• Enjoy the peace and energy you are taking with you
from class and make the commitment to return
tomorrow.
View 26 Postures
