First Timers and FAQ's
First Time Students:
Be prepared to sweat and have a great time!
When most people think of yoga, images of chanting and people maneuvering into seemingly impossible positions comes to mind. Yoga is NOT just for the fantastically flexible. In fact, if you cannot touch your toes, or perhaps even see your toes, you are a perfect candidate for the benefits of yoga.
When should I arrive?
First time student registration ends 15 minutes prior to class. We need the extra time so we can make sure you are all set for your first class with us.
What do I need for class?
- We provide a mat (repuired) for your first class
- We provide towels (required)
What do I need to bring with me?
- Proper attire: wear something light and fitted such as: sports bras, shorts, swimwear. Avoid sweats, long pants, heavy t-shirts, as we heat the room
- Positive attitude
- Empty stomach
- Proper hydration
- Bottle of water*
* We have water for sale and mats for
rent/purchase at the studio in case you forget!
We provide a free mat for your first class.
What should I do after class?
- Cool down
- Drink plenty of water
- Come back the next day, even if you’re sore.
In the yoga room for everyone’s comfort, please:
- No shoes
- No gum
- No pagers or cell phones
- No perfumes or cologne
- No body lotion
- No excessive jewelry or watches
Ask yourself the following questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Bikram Yoga for me?
- Do I need to lose weight?
- Am I stressed out?
- Do I get tension headaches?
- Do I have an injury that doesn’t seem to heal?
- When I play weekend sports, am I in pain at the end of the day?
- Do I have trouble sleeping?
- Has my doctor told me I need to get some form of exercise?
- Do I have back pain?
- Would I like to improve my surfing? Golf game?
- Do I lack energy?
- Do I tire easily?
- Would I like to be able to play with my kids/grandkids more?
- Do I travel?
- Do I sit at a computer for long periods of time?
- Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Do I feel tension and stress in my back, shoulders, or neck?
If you answered “YES” to any of the above, them Bikram Yoga is for you.
What are some of the benefits of Bikram Yoga?
- Reduce stress
- Increase vitality, energy, relaxation
- Increase blood circulation
- Keeps joints juicy, increases muscle strength around joints to support under pressure
- Increases strength and flexibility which reduces the risk of injury, or re-injury
- Improves immunity (i.e. getting sick less often, if at all)
- Can reduce symptoms of many chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis and thyroid conditions)
- A sense of well being that spreads into your daily life
Is Bikram yoga a cardiovascular work out and can I lose weight?
No matter what your fitness level, you will find Bikram Yoga very challenging. Each posture combines flexibility, strength, and balance to work your whole body from your bones to your skin. With persistence, patience, and dedication, you can lose inches, develop muscle tone and strength that might never come from other forms of exercise.
Most people do not experience dramatic weight loss according to a scale because as you are losing fat, you are building muscle mass. What you will see is a general slimming all over: your clothes will fit better, your posture is better, your skin will GLOW!
How often should I attend class?
For good results, we encourage a regular practice of 3 times per week minimum. For life changing results, 4 or more times per week.
Why the heated room?
The heat combined with the sequence of the postures is what makes Bikram Yoga so special. The room is heated intentionally to warm muscles, which allows you to work deeper in a shorter amount of time, seeing results faster. Heat takes the trauma out of stretching, heals and helps prevent injuries. Also, your skin is the largest elimination organ in you body. Yoga is not just about working muscles. You are massaging deep tissues, glands, organs as well. As you work deep within your body, you may start to release “poisons” or “toxins” that have been stored there for a long time. Sweating helps flush toxins from your body, giving you a wonderful glow from head to toe. What if I feel sore after class? Do I need to drink water before class?
How much is enough?
The most typical excuse for not drinking water is the increased visits to the restroom. Your body will adjust to the increased water intake. You may also find benefits of decreased body odor, smoother skin and shinier hair.
Didn’t know you had a muscle there? Congratulations! You have utilized 100% of your body. You are on your way to regaining your birthright: using your body in the full range of motion that it was designed for. Muscle soreness is a buildup of lactic acid. What’s the best way to get rid of lactic acid? Stretching. It may seem impossible to imagine that coming back for more will help, but it is THE BEST way to relieve the soreness. If you wait too long to come back, then you will be starting all over again.
Drink plenty of water. You can lose up to 3-5 pounds of water weight during class. This is NOT good weight to lose. It is easy to get dehydrated, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water after class and the entire day before you come to class. You are less likely to feel lightheaded or dizzy during class if you’ve had enough to drink in the hours preceding class.
This is going to vary on a person by person basis. Typically a good formula is to take your body weight and divide it by 2. This is how many ounces you should consume daily. Here’s an example: 140 lb/2 = 70 oz. 64 is half a gallon. Seem like a lot? Remember our bodies are mostly water. Being fully hydrated take pressure off organs allowing them to do their jobs more efficiently and helps flush the body and keep it running smoothly.
