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Frequently Asked Questions
- I have never done yoga before. Can I do this?
- Anyone of any age and physical condition can do this yoga. Yoga is not
a means to an end; it is a practice. Students are asked to practice
to the best of their ability. New students practice right along
side more advanced students. The goal of Bikram Yoga is not to
twist the body into bizarre pretzel shapes, but to strengthen
the body's natural range of motion. Every day is different and
every person is unique. If you are doing the posture correctly,
you are doing it perfectly at that moment.
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- What if I am not flexible?
- This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming
to a yoga class. But yoga is not about how flexible you are. It
is about stretching your body and spine in all directions. If
you simply try the right way, your balance, endurance and flexibility
will naturally increase. You will be receiving 100% of the benefits.
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- Why is the room hot?
- The room is kept between 95 and 105 degrees to keep the body from
overheating (contrary to popular belief), protect muscles and
allow for deeper stretching, detoxify the body (open pores to
let toxins out), thin the blood to clear the circulatory system,
increase heart rate for better cardiovascular workout, improve
strength by putting muscle tissue in the optimal state for reorganization,
and reorganizing lipids (fat) in the muscular structure.
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- Can this yoga help me lose weight?
- A minimum of 10 classes per month is recommended to get the benefits
of Bikram yoga, among which is weight normalization. As a beginner, it
takes three classes for your body to learn the proper approach
to the postures, and ten classes for your body to begin to work
with postures. You will realize optimization of all your body
systems. Digestion and respiration, as well as endocrine, lymphatic
and elimination systems will begin to work together. Your appetite
will normalize and your unhealthy cravings will diminish. All
of these results will help to normalize your weight if you devote
yourself to regular practice.
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- What if I have a previous injury or illness?
- During practice, focus on doing the posture correctly and to the best
of your ability. With time, you will find that you are able to
go deeper into the postures.
If you are afraid that doing a posture might aggravate an injury
or illness, talk to an instructor first. They are there to help
you get the most out your practice in a safe manner.
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- What are the higher goals of yoga?
- Deep breathing is the key to longer life. Yoga achieves union of body,
mind and spirit. It stills the thought waves of the mind and helps
achieve liberation and relief from suffering of all kinds.
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- What can I expect the next day?
- If this is your first class, you might be a little sore the next
day. However, the room is heated to allow you to stretch your
muscles without getting sore. It is recommended that you drink
lots of water both before and after class, take a bath in two
pounds of epsom salts and come back to yoga the next day. The
more consistently you can practice, the more your body becomes
used to the workout, and the better you will feel!
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- What should I wear to class?
- Women should wear a leotard or workout shorts and a tank top. Men should
wear workout shorts or a bathing suit.
Long or loose clothing is not recommended. Also, bring a towel, mat
and plenty of water to class. Mats are sold at the studio.
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- Are there any rules or "Etiquette" to follow at your studio?
- Please take your shoes off at the door.
- Come on time as an exception. Come early as a rule
to sign in at desk.
- If you are late, please make your entrance as unobtrusive
as possible.
- Deodorant is great; strong perfumes or lotions are
not.
- Be mindful of your neighbor's space and visibility
in the mirror.
- Tailor your practice by modifying the depth, not
by avoiding postures or changing them. As Bikram says, "Try
the right way." Form and placement with deep breathing always
trumps depth.
- Leave your space as you found it.
- Observe silence while class is in session, whether
practicing or not.
- Be good to yourself.
- Change your negative language to more positive i.e.
(I can't to I'll try!). Try this technique and you'll be shocked
at the results.
- Wear a happy smiling face while you're practicing
the yoga postures; if you're grimacing back off a bit.
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Do you have any more questions? Contact us.
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