Can i practise if i have a heart condition?
For anyone wishing to practise with a diagnosed heart condition we ask that you first check with your doctor as to whether Bikram Yoga is a suitable form of exercise for you. When you come to practise your first class, please bring in a note from your doctor confirming that you are well enough to participate in Bikram Yoga classes. We ask all Angina sufferers to carry their spray on them at all times while practising in the studio.
Do you provide parking?
We are unable to provide parking at the studio. Meter parking is available on the streets around the studio. As we are close to the end of a 'no-through' road, please be extra careful that you are not blocking in local residents. We are within walking distance of three stations and many buses stop outside the studio.
You may park in Sainsburys Euro Car Park for up to 2 hours. This will cost either £2 or you can spend £5 in store.
You can NOT park over 2 hours or you will be charged £50.
With astute planning you can practise a class with time before to get to class on time and after to get your ticket validated.
Once you become a member of BYC (you have bought a block of classes) you may park in Sainsburys for up to 3 hours, if you spend £5 or more in store. You will need to take your shopping receipt and your BYC barcode to Sainsburys Customer services and they will validate your parking for the 3hrs.
Please check opening times with Sainsburys.
Do classes ever get full?
Yes.
We have a set capacity which we do occasionally reach at the busier evening classes.
Once we reach that capacity, which has been set for your comfort and safety, we are unable to admit anyone else into class.
We cannot offer refunds or extensions if you are unable to get into these classes, but we have recently increased our timetable to offer you as much choice and opportunity to fit your practise in.
Please make sure you arrive in good time for weekday evening classes at 6.15pm and 8.15pm, as these are our busiest sessions.
What if I'm late for class?
Latecomers Policy at Bikram Yoga Chiswick
Latecomers, who have practised at Bikram Yoga Chiswick before, are admitted up to 8 minutes into class at the discretion of Managers and Reception staff.
That means they have to physically be in the Yoga room within 10 minutes of the class start time.
This is for your own safety and to cause least disruption to the class.
If it is your first time practising at Bikram Yoga Chiswick, you need to be in the Yoga room from the very beginning of class.
This is to ensure that the teacher knows you are new and if you are working with any illness' or injuries so they can take good care of you.
What if I'm not flexible?
Perfect! This Yoga is for you! This is one of the most common misconceptions that prevent people from coming to Yoga classes. Yoga is not all about how flexible you are, it is about stretching your body and spine in all directions. There are very few people that start Yoga perfectly healthy and flexible.
You just need to try the right way and go to your own edge and you will get 100% benefit.
There are so many more benefits from practicing Yoga as well as improved flexibility.
Can I lose weight and is it a cardiovascular workout?
Yes absolutely! In time the yoga will help you lose weight; with regular practice you will lose inches and develop muscle tone. Do not be surprised if at first you do not seem to be losing weight on the scales even thought you look lighter, do not forget muscle weighs more than body fat.
As you are losing weight you are building strength and stamina with the Yoga.
The Yoga provides a strong cardiovascular work out. Some of the postures speed up the heart rate in the first few seconds thus strengthening the heart. A good sign of health is that you can speed the heart rate up quickly and then slow it down quickly. You will learn to practice the postures with your breath.
The heat in the room supports your cardio work out.
Why the heat?
Muscles, fascia and connective tissues become more elastic allowing for greater flexibility with less chance of injury.
It promotes sweating which assists the detoxification process using the body's largest elimination organ: the skin.
Your blood becomes thinner, which clears the circulatory system.
When the body is between three and five degrees above normal temperature, T-cell output from the thymus gland is multiplied 20 fold. T-cells fight infection which in turn helps to keep the immune system functioning properly.
Warmer temperatures produce a fluid stretch that allows for greater range of motion in the joints.
Heart rate becomes elevated improving the cardiovascular system and fitness.
Warm muscles burn fat more effectively. When we stretch, the fat has no room to sit, so it redistributes to the blood stream. We can then use it as energy.
Capillaries respond to the heat by dilating. This allows more oxygen to muscles, tissues, organs and glands helping to remove waste products from the body.
Higher temperatures improve the function of the nervous system, meaning that messages are carried more rapidly to and from the brain or spinal cord.
The heat improves strength because proteins can be utilised more effectively.
It speeds the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
It strengthens willpower, self control and determination through the challenging environment.
All this giving you a wonderful glow from head to toe. The heat combined with the sequence of the postures is what makes Bikram Yoga so special.
What should I bring?
We supply Yoga mats but you are welcome to bring your own.
You need plenty of water. You will notice the water we sell is from a specially selected company called Belu. This water is the first carbon neutral bottled water, the bottle is compostable and all their profits are donated to charity. For more information on this company visit our Links page.
Two bath size towels - one for during class and one for a shower afterwards. We rent towels.
What should I wear?
Avoid loose fitting clothes. Women mostly wear sports tops and shorts or leggings. Men wear shorts. T shirt optional.
Please dress appropriately for class, make sure you are properly covered!
For inspiration on Yoga workout clothes, take a look at our Links page.
How long is class?
The yoga class lasts an hour and a half.
How often should I come?
Come as often as you can.
Yoga is the type of exercise you can do daily. The more you come the greater the benefits. Bikram advises a daily practise for the first two months to allow your body to really get used to the heat and build the strength needed for postures.
Don't be put off if that seems like a daunting prospect, the harder this Yoga is for you initially, the more you need to do it and the more you are going to benefit from it. The time and effort you put in to Bikram Yoga will be returned to you tenfold. Its fun, it works!
You will find that lots of positive changes take place which will keep you wanting to come back. The key is to listen to your body. The teachers are always available before and after class if you want to talk about your practise.
What about drinking water before class?
You should drink plenty of water everyday.
It is estimated, for optimal well-being, we should drink at least 2 litres a day.
When you practise Bikram Yoga you should aim to drink more. It is important to stay hydrated so your elimination systems (bowel, urinary, and skin) can support your efforts.
Though you will drink small sips of water during class, the real hydration happens before and after. Herb teas, fresh fruit and vegetable juices and coconut water can all aid hydration.
Can you eat before class?
You should come to class on an empty stomach but not hungry. It is best not to eat anything heavy 1 to 2 hours before class. For more information about nutrition, drop us a message please see our Links page.
What is happening to my body when I practise?
* Muscles are contracted, strengthening at a cellular and biochemical level. When the muscles increase in strength, they become balanced. This then returns the skeleton to its original balanced position. We all loose this through age, bad posture, injury or sports.
* Lipids and proteins reorganise optimally in stretching, allowing better circulation.
* Joint mobility is increased, reducing the risk of arthritis, aches and pains.
* Blood and calcium are brought to the bones; by working against gravity they become strengthened, without additional weight and stress.
* Lymph nodes are massaged, pumping lymph into the body, making the lymphatic system work more efficiently.
* Organs of the immune system are boosted.
* Circulation to the nervous system is improved.
* Endocrine glands are encouraged to secrete appropriate hormones.
* Communication of hormones amongst various glands and systems of the body is perfected.
* The thymus, spleen, appendix and intestine are compressed and extended.
* Toxins are flushed out and waste excreted.
* Lungs, heart and arteries are flushed out by increased blood circulation.
* The brain is stimulated by increased circulation and varying blood pressure.
* Nerves are stimulated by compression and extension, supplying fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients to the body.
* Strength is built by using the body's own resistance against gravity.
Is there anyone who cannot do Bikram Yoga?
Bikram Yoga is suitable for all ages and levels of ability above 14 years old (the ability to sweat is essential to prevent overheating). It may be more challenging to some and certain modifications may need to be made. Always check with your doctor if you have a concern and inform the instructor prior to the class.
The only times that it is not recommended doing Bikram is:
* If you are fasting
* If you have a fever
* If you are already doing an intense detoxification
* If you are pregnant and have less than 6 months of regular practice of Bikram Yoga
* If you have had recent chemotherapy
What if I am pregnant?
Please let the Teachers and Staff know.
During the delicate and critical time of your first trimester we ask you to refrain from practising at BYC.
If you are pregnant and have never practised Bikram Yoga before, we suggest that you find a gentle pregnancy yoga class and come to regular Bikram Yoga classes about eight weeks after the birth of your child.
If you've had a regular Bikram Yoga practise of no less than 1 year before becoming pregnant, please talk to a senior teacher after your first trimester, about resuming regular classes. Any less than this and we would again advise you to find a gentler yoga class for the duration of your pregnancy and begin Bikram Yoga approximately eight weeks after the birth of your child.
If the senior teacher says you are okay to practise, please ask the reception staff give you the modification sheet to take into class with you.
When you are pregnant your body temperature is already higher; therefore you would need a cooler part of the room. In addition, compressions or lying on your back are not recommended.
Please inform your instructor to enable them to work with you. Rajashree's Pregnancy DVD is available for purchase at BYC for £25.
We always recommend that you speak to your doctor and any health workers supervising your pregnancy about what type of exercise is right for you and your baby.
What if I have high blood pressure?
Unstable or high blood pressure responds very quickly to diligent Yoga practice.
Initially, when tested a week after your first class you may see a
slight rise. By the second week this should be closer to normal and will
remain there with regular practice.
Speak to your doctor and use common sense.
Don't push too hard initially.
Use caution in the following postures until the blood pressure normalizes:
* Half Moon, backward bend
* Standing Bow Pulling
* Balancing Stick
* Cobra
* Third part of Locust (both legs)
* Full Locust
* Camel
* Floor Bow
In the beginning only hold these postures for 5 seconds, building up to
10 seconds after 2 weeks' continual daily practice. For the first few
days if you are flexible enough to go all the way back in Fixed Firm
pose, only stay there for 5 seconds also.
Make sure that you rest in between postures. It is also essential to
breath normally (in and out through the nose) throughout the class.
Never practice alone or without the aid of a qualified instructor.
What if I have Asthma?
Bikram Yoga will be good for you in several ways:
The heat helps to relax the muscles and nerves.
The intensity at which you practice is up to you, appropriate for your needs.
If you are concerned about overexertion triggering an attack, use less effort. Sit down and relax whenever you need to.
It will relax your mind, letting go of tension, toxins and negativity.
Your lungs and heart are strengthened, improving our lung function.
In the long term you will be able to breath easier and deeper.
We ask all Asthma sufferers to keep their blue inhalers with them when they practise.
Do I need to book in advance?
Bikram Yoga Chiswick operates on a first come, first served basis.
There is no need to book.
Doors open 30 minutes before class starts (45 minutes for 6.15pm classes). If you are new to class please come 20 minutes early so you have time to fill out a Registration Form. You can save time by printing and filling out our Registration Form from the website.