Frequently Asked Questions

A:

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need to lose weight?
• Am I stressed out?
• Do I get tension headaches?
• Is my cholesterol level high?
• Do I have an injury that does not seem to heal?
• Has my doctor told me I need to get some exercise?
• Do I have back pain?
• Would I like to improve my running, golf game, marathon or triathlon?
• Do I have a good level of energy?
• Do I tire easily?
• Would I like to be able to play with my children or grandchildren more often?
• Do I travel frequently?
• 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.

A:

The heat combined with the sequence of the 26 postures is what makes Bikram's Yoga so special. In the heated environment, the muscles become more relaxed and pliable which allow you to work deeper in a shorter amount of time as well as help prevent injury. The heat expedites the flow of blood to improve circulation. Also, fatty acids are more mobilized in the heat, which helps burn fat more efficiently. As you progress, you may start to release toxins that have been stored in your system. Sweating helps flush those toxins from your body, giving you a wonderful, energized and refreshed feeling after each and every Bikram yoga class.

In short, the room is kept at 105F degrees or more for the following:

• Keeping the body from overheating (contrary to popular misconception)
• Protecting the muscles to allow for deeper stretching
• Detoxing 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
• Reorganize the lipids (fat) in the muscular structure
• Eliminates trauma and injury to the body

If the heat causes extreme discomfort for you, be assured that you can change that with a minimum of 3 classes in one week. This effort will increase your tolerance for the heat.

A:

Yes, practising Bikram Yoga with sufficient intensity can create aerobic effect. No matter what your fitness level, you will find Bikram Yoga very challenging. The Bikram Method works your whole body inside out. With persistence, patience and dedication you can lose inches and develop muscle tone and strength that might never come from other forms of exercise.

A:

Yes, but result varies depending on your condition. Some people experience dramatic weight loss, some may gain more muscle mass while losing fat. When you have more muscle mass, you burn calories more efficiently. What you will see is a general slimming all over: size of your clothes gets smaller and your body becomes a lean machine. On average, the student burns 600 calories in class.

A:

We encourage a regular practice of 2-3 times per week for good results. For life-changing results, 4 or more times per week is a must. The beauty of Bikram Yoga is that you can practise every single day. How quickly you progress will depend entirely on you. Upon your natural ability to a small extent but mostly on the time and effort you "give" to the yoga. To be "perfect" in yoga is to do the best you can do.

A:

Come right back to class the next day! Muscle soreness is 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.

A:

The most common cause is dehydration; too much of tea, coffee and alcohol will further dehydrate your body. Drinking plenty of fluid throughout the day will help make your class easier. Sometimes, toxins that built up in your system will contribute to the uneasy feeling during the class.

A:

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.

A:

With a consistent practice, you can expect the following benefits:

• Works every organ, gland, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle
• Prevents injury & improves chronic illness
• Promotes restful sleep
• Weight loss/gain depending on your body
• Improves posture & body awareness
• Improves T-cell function & immune function
• Lengthens, tones and strengthens muscles
• Decreases stress & anxiety
• Increases flexibility, energy, stamina and metabolism
• Regulates blood pressure
• Improves your heart & lung function
• Relieves & prevents pain
• Detoxifies the body
• Exercises the nervous system
• Weight bearing exercise will help prevent osteoporosis
• Ensures healthy and balanced functioning of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, elimination, respiratory, endocrine, and mental systems of the body

A frequent Bikram Yoga practice has helped many individuals who suffer from insomnia, depression, headaches, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, shoulder, knee and back injuries as well as many other conditions and illnesses.

A:

No you are not too old, Bikram says "never too old, never too sick, never too late...". People of any age and/or condition can start to do the Bikram's series. It reduces the symptoms of many chronic diseases and is a great preventitive activity for the whole body.

A:

A child who has reached puberty can do the series. Just as an adult, the Bikram's Yoga will help regulate hormones and brain chemicals so vital to our health. Anyone younger than that does not need to do Bikram's Yoga in the heat. Young children can do the Bikram's series at home without the heat.