This is a beginner's class - anyone can do it. You don't need to know anything about yoga to attend class. Instructors give very detailed, easy-to-follow instructions in all classes.
Come to yoga! Both of these issues lend to the practice of Bikram Yoga. Increased flexibility and a toned, healthy body are both possible with regular practice. Yoga is a process, your flexibility and level of fitness will improve as you continue to come to class.
The room is quite hot - typically 105 degrees with 40% humidity. There are several reasons for the heat:
An excerpt from Smart Exercise by Covert Bailey further describes the benefits of heated exercise:
Note: Muscles aren't the only beneficiaries of the heat. Higher temperatures improve the function of the nervous system, meaning that messages are carried more rapidly to and from the brain or spinal cord. Warm muscles are more elastic and are less susceptible to injury. Warmer temperatures produce a more fluid stretch, allowing for a greater range of motion. Cold muscles don't absorb shock and impact as well and do not stretch as easily, so cold muscles get injured more readily.
The only way to know if Bikram yoga is for you is to come and try it. Our instructors will guide you and help you to work safely within your own personal limits. We believe this is the most effective, life-changing method of yoga - come and take a class and see how it feels to you.
Medical benefits are usually evident with 3 practices per week, minimum. The more you practice, the greater the health and well-being benefits. We suggest you practice as often as you can. Many of our students aim for 5-6 classes a week. Every day is not too much!
It is common to feel a variety of impacts when you first start practicing Bikram Yoga as the body takes some time to adjust to a new form of exercise. For some, a feeling of fatigue is normal in the first few weeks, while others report extra energy and exhilaration. Each person is different. For all new practitioners, it is recommended that you increase your daily water intake considerably and be well-hydrated throughout the day. You'll find this easy to accommodate, as you will crave water. Once you've practiced for a while, your hydration will balance out and the heat will be less noticeable. At this point, many practitioners who had difficulty adjusting begin to enjoy the heat.
Depending on your level of fitness when you begin to practice, you may feel especially tired after your first few classes. This is also quite normal. Your body is cleansing itself as a result of the yoga practice - don't be scared of this process. Keep coming, and after a few weeks, you will find this sensation passes, creating a new sense of vitality in your body and mind.
Bikram Yoga will help you regulate your weight and bring your body to a healthy weight. For some it is weight loss, and others it is weight gain. Note that the 90-minute class burns between 650 - 1200 calories, depending on your weight and fitness level.
At the Fremont Studio there is ample, free 2-hour street parking in the blocks surrounding the studio. Pay attention to signs to avoid short-term (30-minute) zones. Additionally, parking is available in a pay lot in front of the studio for $5.00 cash, or if you come in and purchase a token from us, the cost is reduced to $2.00.
The yoga class is a series to be taken in its entirety; late arrival results in missing the critical warming-up postures, thus we lock the door as class begins.
The door opens 30 minutes prior to class time. Many of our classes are very full, arrive early to get a spot in the room and have time to adjust to the heat. New students must arrive 20 minutes early for their first class.
The Fremont studio has two showers in each locker room. Additionally, we have large changing rooms with sinks, mirrors and counters for getting ready. Bring an additional towel for showering, as re-use of your practice towel is not advised since it will be wet from perspiration during class.
Unfortunately, we do not have space to accommodate mat storage. Mats left at the studio are placed in our lost and found.