A FEW HELPFUL HINTS...
Firstly – it’s never too late to start yoga. It’s not about flexibility. It doesn’t matter about your age, shape, or current state of health.
What matters is you begin doing yoga and begin your new life!
All classes are beginner-friendly.
- No bookings necessary – but please arrive at least 15 minutes before class. This will give you enough time to register, change, and become acclimatized to your surroundings.
- Wear something appropriate – such as light, fitted exercise clothing. (Avoid big T-shirts and long heavy tracksuit pants. A sleeveless top and shorts are best.)
- Bring a large bath towel, a yoga mat and a bottle of water. If you'd like to shower off after class bring another towel.
(We have all these things available to hire/purchase at the studio.)
- Avoid eating 2-3 hours before class – yoga is always best practiced on an empty stomach. Some people however need to have a little something in their belly (such as a piece of fruit or an energy bar). You’ll soon work out what works for you and what your body needs.
- Be well-hydrated! Drink lots of water before coming to class. We should be drinking 2 litres a day anyway – but on the days you do Bikram Yoga you should drink 3-4 litres! However it's best not to drink all the water just before class, make sure you hydrate through out the day.
- Come with an open mind and an open heart. Be ready to laugh a little, maybe cry a little, and to sweat a lot!
FAQ’s:
1.Why the heat?
The room is intentionally heated to 39o, which warms up the body, assisting circulation, promoting detoxification and providing optimum conditions to improve the function of the body’s internal systems. The heated room provides a challenging environment which increases your strength, concentration, endurance and stamina. It also allows you to work safely and more deeply into the postures, giving faster results.
2. What if I am not flexible?
Perfect! This yoga is for you. This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. Yoga isn’t about being flexible. It is about stretching your body and spine to improve your flexibility. If you are performing the exercises the right way, even if it’s only 1/10 th of the way, you will receive 100% of the benefits.
3. What if I’m over something… ie, over weight, over age, etc
No excuse. This yoga is suitable for all ages, shapes ‘n sizes. Bikram says: “You’re never too old. You’re never too sick. It’s never too late to start from scratch and do yoga!”
4. I feel sore after my first class, what should I do?
Come back! Warm up your body again and stretch out the same way to work out any pockets of lactic acid that may have accumulated. Remember, give yourself and your body a few classes to adjust.
5. I had a headache / felt nauseous after class. Is this normal?
It is quite common to feel a little strange after your first couple of classes. These are classic signs of the detoxification process taking place and/or you may have been a little dehydrated prior to coming to class. Consider using an electrolyte supplement (we sell one at the studio) to take before, during or after class. Maybe your blood sugar levels dropped. Before your next class, consider having some juice or a piece of fruit.
6. How much water should I drink?
LOTS! You can loose up to 1.5 litres of water during class. We should be drinking 1-2ltrs per day anyway. But the days you practice Bikram Yoga, you need to up this 3-4ltrs. Just make sure your water intake is not done on the way to class (this just fills your belly and may cause discomfort during class). Additionally, avoid drinking too much water during class. Most of your water intake should be at least 2 hours before and after.
7. How often should I practice?
As often as you can. “For great results, practice three times per week. For life changing results, practice six days per week” says Bikram. One class is better than nothing. But six classes per week (with one day rest) is amazing.
8. Do I need to supplement my diet?
Everyone is different. It is a matter of listening to your body. If you are feeling sluggish, dizzy or even nauseous during or after the class you may be dehydrated or mineral deficient. Again, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. You might also like to try some electrolytes or alternatively an apple and celery juice will give you a perfect ratio of sodium and potassium.
9. Can I lose weight?
YES! Whenever you are moving your body you are burning energy (calories), in a 90 minute Bikram Yoga Class you can burn between 350-500 calories. And when your body is operating at its optimum level, you begin to make better decisions with regard to your food intake. With decreased sugar, salt and caffeine cravings, you will make healthier food choices - good news for your waistline.
10. Can i start right away?
YES! See our timetable.
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