Why is the room heated?
The yoga room is intentionally heated to 40 Celcius/105 Fahrenheit with 50% humidity. Practicing yoga in the heat facilitates a deeper and safer stretch which minimizes the risk of injuries. The room is kept at this temperature for the following reasons:
  • Keeping the body from overheating (contrary to popular misconception).
  • Protecting the muscles to allow for deeper stretching.
  • Detoxifying the body (open pores to let toxins out).
  • Thinning the blood to clear the circulatory system.
  • Increasing heart rate for better cardiovascular workout.
  • Improving strength by putting muscle tissue in optimal state for reorganization.

Why do you have carpet?
We use special state of the art antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal carpet. The use of carpet virtually eliminates slippage from perspiration thereby reducing student accidents. We also have a fresh air system that circulates oxygen in our hot room. The hot room is cleaned and aired out every single day. The use of carpet also facilitates the strengthening of many muscles.

Can I lose weight doing Bikram Yoga?
Results vary depending on your condition. 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 about 3 classes for your body to understand 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 harmoniously. Your appetite will normalize and unhealthy cravings will diminish. All of these results will help to normalize your weight if you devote yourself to regular practice at least, but preferably more than, 3 times per week. With regular and consistent practice, you can simultaneously tone muscle mass and lose inches. The result will be an overall slimming of the body and a proper distribution of body weight.

What if I’m not flexible?
Perfect! This yoga is for you! This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to yoga classes. Yoga is not about how flexible you are; it’s about stretching your body and spine to develop and increase your flexibility. The more inflexible you are the more reason you have to try yoga! Your flexibility will evolve and improve with your practice. Naturally, the more dedicated your practice the quicker your flexibility will improve.

What are the benefits?
With regular practice you will enjoy numerous benefits including: improved strength, flexibility and balance, tones muscles, improves immune system, reduces stress, increases lung capacity, increases bone density, aids digestive & circulatory systems, flushes lymphatic system, promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being.

What if I have injuries or illnesses? What if I am pregnant?
Please inform the teacher if you are pregnant, have had surgery or have any conditions or illnesses. You will most likely be able to practice, but the teacher must be aware so that he or she can help you with specific postures. If you have never done Bikram Yoga before we do not recommend that you start when you are pregnant. We sell a Pregnancy DVD that you can purchase at the studio. We recommend that you wait until after your first trimester to start the modified sequence. If you have been practicing regularly before you became pregnant, you can practice the yoga during your first trimester and then follow the pregnancy DVD throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before performing Bikram Yoga when pregnant. Keep in mind that Bikram Yoga is an excellent way to get back into shape postpartum.

Can children practice Bikram Yoga as well?
Yes, children are welcome to practice at the studio. However, because their sweat glands are not yet fully developed, it is recommended that they only do half the class. They should stay closer to the door and join the class for the floor series.

What time should I arrive at the studio?
All of our classes are drop-in so there is no pre-registration required. Just arrive 15 minutes early and bring a large towel, yoga mat, bottle of water, and change of clothes (water, yoga mats and towels are also available at the studio). Wear light, breathable clothes to practice in. Classes are 90-minutes and latecomers are not admitted. Avoid eating 2-3 hours prior to class and be sure you are well hydrated. Be prepared to work and have fun!

How often should I come?
Come as often as you can. To see maximum benefits from Bikram Yoga, a regular practice of 3 to 4 times per week or at least 10 times a month is suggested. The more you do it, the quicker you will see the results! Bikram recommends that in the beginning to do class every day for two months until you are performing all but the very difficult poses such as the Standing Bow Pulling and Stretching Pose eighty percent correctly. If you are restricted by any medical condition or have any chronic disease, you should continue daily until your condition is resolved

I’ve never done yoga before; can I come to any class?
Yes! Bikram Yoga is a beginning class, yet is challenging for even the most advanced practitioner. Anybody can do it – any age, size, shape, condition or background. You may drop in for any class, no reservations are required. Visit our Schedule page for information on class times. Please keep in mind, if you are under 18 years old you will need a parent's or guardian's signature to participate.

When do you have your beginner’s classes?
If you are taking your first step in yoga, don't be scared! Everyone was at the same starting point at one time. All of our classes are designed for beginners. The teacher will guide you through the class. Furthermore, most classes have more than one new student so you are not alone. Don't compare yourself to anyone else in the room. You will soon find out that it’s all about you!

What should I wear?
You should wear comfortable workout clothing, but remember you will be sweating quite a bit. For women, shorts and sports bras or tank tops. For men, wear shorts and T-shirt (optional). Avoid loose fitting clothing and long pants as it is important that you are able to see your knees.

What should I bring to class?
A yoga mat, a large towel and water are required for each class. An extra towel is suggested to dry off with after class. The studio is equipped with private, comfortable change rooms and showers. Mats, towels and water are available for rent or sale at the studio.

Should I eat before class?
It is recommended to practice Bikram Yoga on an empty stomach. As a general rule, refrain from eating 2 hours prior to class. Also, be sure to hydrate well before coming to class.

How long is each class?
Each class is 90 minutes long.

Is Bikram Yoga for me?
Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I need to lose weight?
  • Am I stressed out?
  • Do I get tension headaches?
  • Is my cholesterol level too high?
  • Do I have an injury that just won't seem to heal?
  • Has my doctor told me I need to get some form of exercise?
  • Do I have lower back pain? Or any back pain?
  • Would I like to improve my running, golf game, marathon or triathlon?
  • Do I need a boost in energy?
  • Am I tired easily?
  • Do I sit at a computer for long period of time?
  • Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • Do I have arthritis?
  • My current fitness program does not deliver the result I want.

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then Bikram Yoga is for you.

How does Bikram Yoga work?
By the tourniquet effect: stretching, balancing (using gravity), and creating pressure all at the same time. The blood supply in arteries and veins is being cut off, creating pressure. When released, a lock gate effect is created, causing blood to rush through veins and arteries, flushing them out. Also, pressure is applied to the heart by its relative position to the rest of the body.

What if I feel sore or stiff after class?
Come right back to class the next day! Muscle soreness or stiffness is caused by a build-up of lactic acid, which means your muscles cannot extract enough oxygen from your blood. Instead of burning oxygen, your muscles burn dirty fuel sources such as sugar and creatine to create lactic acid and other by-products that build up in the blood to make you "feel the burn". The best way to get rid of lactic acid is stretching. Also, when you build up more muscle mass, your body will efficiently increase oxygen consumption during exercise.

Why do I feel dizzy, nauseous and light-headed during the class?
The most common cause is dehydration; too much tea, coffee and alcohol will further dehydrate your body. Drinking plenty of fluid throughout the day will help make your class easier. If you hold your breath, you will also feel dizzy. Make sure to breathe THE WHOLE TIME!! Sometimes, toxins that built up in your system will contribute to the uneasy feeling during the class as they work their way out of your body. It is not unusual to feel nauseous or dizzy during your first class. Practicing yoga in a heated room reveals to us our present condition, and inspires us take much better care of ourselves. Usually the problem is that we do not drink enough water for daily living, let alone for exercising in a heated room. Nutritionists tell us that we need 64-80 ounces of water a day to help the body function properly. In the heated yoga room, your body needs adequate fund of water to allow perspiration to release heat from the body as you practice. So we estimate you need another 64-80 ounces (sometime during the day) to allow for your 90 minutes in the room. Once you are drinking enough water your body will tolerate the heat better and you will actually enjoy the heat. If you feel disoriented or like you need a good nap after your first few classes, this is likely because your body has begun to cleanse itself as a result of the yoga practice. Don't be scared. After the first few classes this sensation will pass. The more you can relax as you give your 110% honest effort during class, the more energized you will feel throughout the class and throughout the rest of your day.

Would I ever get tired of doing the same postures?
No, the practice is never the same because you are continuously being changed by it. The daily practice challenges you on many levels. Character issues of patience and perseverance come up each time. The practice offers a chance to explore deeper levels of self and develop awareness of emotions and thoughts that the postures evoke. We also have a wide variety of teachers with all different levels of ability and experience. Listen, practice the right way, and you'll never get bored!

Should I practice when menstruating?
It is perfectly safe to do Bikram's yoga when menstruating. Inverted postures are normally the postures contraindicated for menstruation. But there are no inverted postures in Bikram's yoga. So in fact, Bikram's yoga is very good for toning the reproductive system as it directly affects the reproductive organs and the endocrine glands--pituitary, pineal and thyroid gland in particular. The women's cycle becomes regular; complaints of irregularity and PMS decrease.

I have high-blood pressure. Is it safe to practice Bikram Yoga?
Unstable high blood pressure responds so quickly to diligent Yoga practice that doctors sometimes doubt their instruments. (This quick response of the blood pressure is one of the most telling demonstrations of Yoga's ability to regulate and synchronize body systems.) If you are tested about a week after starting Yoga, you may see a slight rise in pressure. Don't be alarmed. By the second week, that pressure will be normal or close to normal and will stay there as long as you maintain your yoga regimen.

Consult your doctor, use common sense, and don't push hard in any of the poses the first three days. The poses in which high blood pressure patients must continue to exercise caution until their blood pressure checks out normally are these: the backward bending portion of Half Moon, the Standing Bow Pulling, Balancing Stick, Cobra, and the third part of Locust, Full Locust and the Camel.

Depending on the severity of your condition, the above should be done for a count of no more than five at first, building to ten counts only after two weeks. If you are supple enough to do the Fixed Firm fully the first few days, limit that to five counts as well. Be absolutely sure to rest between each set. It is also essential for heart patients to breathe normally during the postures. As for the Bow Pose, (on the floor) a beginner with high blood pressure must never perform the pose without a qualified teacher present.

It is because these backward bending positions create pressure in the chest, and on the heart, that high blood pressure patients must use caution. Do not eliminate them though--with the exception of Bow Pose. They are the very friends you need to control your ailment.