Welcome to Bikram Yoga!
You are about to embark upon a journey to better health in mind, body and soul.
Bikram Yoga is a profound, challenging workout for everyone.
Here are a few things you need to know to get you started....
Practicalities
Arrive at least 20 minutes before the first class you want to participate in.
No need to book.
Doors open 30 minutes before each class.
Decide whether you'd like to take part in the 'New Student Offer' or buy a Drop In class.
You will need to bring in photo I.D. when you first sign up.
Register at reception and let the teacher know if you have any illness or injuries.
Please make sure you write your email address clearly on your Registration Form if you would like to be notified of up coming money-saving offers!
Get changed in the changing room.
Wear something light and comfortable.
Take your towel and your water into the yoga studio.
Pick a folded mat up from the floor and place it in the 2nd or 3rd row back from the mirrors so that you have people in front of you that you can watch till you get the hang of the postures.
Lay your towel on your mat with your water bottle close by.
On the busy evening classes the mats are already laid out, so just pick an unoccupied one, preferably near the door or window.
Pace yourself: the first class is all about staying in the room for the full 90 minutes and allowing your body to get used to the heat.
Yes, even if that means sitting on your mat for the whole class!
Be kind to yourself, you are doing something incredible for your body.
Focus on breathing slowly through your nose.
The teacher will talk you through the postures.
You can use the mirrors to check your alignment.
Each class consists of the same 26 postures, so you'll soon see your strength and flexibility improve.
No posture should be painful.
If you do feel pain, ease off and let the teacher know.
Teachers are available before and after class, if you have any queries regarding your practise.
Come to class hydrated.
It's not unusual to feel, nauseous, dizzy or out of breath during your first class, these feelings will subside as you continue to practise. One of the main reasons for feeling unwell is dehydration.
So, you will need to make sure you drink plenty of water before and after class to replenish all that you sweat out.
We sell Coconut Water and Vitamin sachets both of which contain electrolytes and potassium for efficient and rapid hydration.
Your body needs fuel to have a good class! Class is best done 2/3 hours after eating.
If you are coming to a morning or noon class, please make sure you eat breakfast.
If you are coming to an evening class, please make sure you eat lunch.
A small quantity of simple, easily digestible food is recommended for the meal prior to class.
Why the heat? Practising in the heat has many benefits.
The ideal temperature is 105 Fahrenheit / 40 Degrees Celsius with about 40% humidity.
The room is kept at this temperature to protect the muscles and allow deeper stretching.
To open the pores in your skin to allow the body to detox.
To thin the blood and clear the circulatory system.
It also increases your heart rate giving you a cardivascular workout without even having to leave your mat!
Have fun!
Enjoy your class.
This is time for you and your body will thank you for it!
After class.
You may feel tired.
This is absolutely normal and a good sign that your body is cleansing.
Your energy levels should be restored to normal after several classes.
Remember to drink plenty of water, eat well and rest.
The next day you may feel a little stiff or sore.
Come back to class as soon as possible.
You have started the process of reawakening muscles you may not have used for years.
The more often you practise the easier the class becomes although, if you are working to your edge it's always a challenge!