/ What to Expect / Frequently
Asked Questions
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Berwyn, PA TEL: (610) 640 - YOGA (9642) FAX: 610-640-0305 |
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Expect to sweat. The room is heated and sweating is an intentional component of bikram yoga that is used to cleanse toxins from your body and to help you stretch more deeply through your muscles and joints. Expect to
be challenged. Bikram's Yoga, from the very first class, will work every part of your
body from the inside out. You will use every muscle, every
joint, every system of the body. Expect to be exhausted when
the class is over and totally energized after you leave the
room. This class is not easy for anyone, so expect to work
hard and get a great total body workout. |
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What if I
have injuries or illnesses? Please
let the teacher know if you are pregnant, had surgery, or
have any injuries, illnesses, or special conditions. You
can still do most yoga postures, with a few modifications
that the teacher will show you. Please go to the Bikram Yoga
testimonials page to read about how people just like you
with aches, pains and severe illness have improved their
lives through Bikram Yoga, How long is class? Bikram's Beginning Hatha Yoga class is 90 minutes in length. How often should I come? Come as often
as you can. A daily practice from the beginning can relax
into a regimen of 3 or 4 times per week. You'll find you
want to do this practice. It's fun! It works! You will start
organizing your schedule to fit it in. In fact, the harder
this yoga is for you initially, the more you need to do it
and the more you are going to benefit from it. The time and
effort you put into Bikram Yoga will be returned to you tenfold. |
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Drop-in any time to any class and arrive 15 minutes before class time. DON'T BE INTIMIDATED. Young/old, fat/thin - the best thing you can do for yourself is just come to your first class. Everyone is timid and nervous before their first class. Most of the Yogis at BYML have been practicing for less than a year. The classes are open to all levels of ability. When you arrive for your first class, you will talk briefly with the teacher before class. Let the teacher know that it is your first class and tell him/her if you have any aches or pains. You will fill out a brief form and the teacher will talk to you about exactly what to expect during class. In class, the teacher will guide you step by step through the entire class! Your first class will be a challenge, but 98% of BYML Yogis come back for a second class. 90% of BYML students continue the Yoga beyond the first week! Bikram Yoga is so popular because it works. Your body and your life will change.
Why the heat?
The studio is heated to a temperature between 105 and 110 degrees to help students achieve increased flexibility, detoxification, and mental clarity. Cold, stiff muscles have limited range of motion. When the room is warm, so are your muscles. Warm muscles are more receptive to transformation enabling you to get a deeper stretch. Other benefits of the heat include: body detoxification (a full body facial), blood thinning to clear the circulatory system, increased heart rate for a better cardiovascular workout, and an improved strength by putting muscle tissue in an optimal state for reorganization. Warm bodies are much more flexible which dramatically decreases the chance of injury. Using heat enables students to maximize each class by getting deeper into each posture. The result for each student is breakthrough levels of flexibility, strength, and balance.
What if I can’t handle the heat?
If the heat creates extreme discomfort for you in the beginning,
don’t be discouraged. All you need is strength and determination
to take four classes in one week. This will dramatically increase your
tolerance. You can always sit though a posture and rest on your mat for
a few seconds before rejoining the class. You will be amazed how quickly
your body adapts to the heat, and soon your body will crave it.
How hydrated should I be?
Please be sufficiently hydrated before class. Drink AT LEAST 64oz.
of water daily. You will find that class is much easier if you
drink plenty of water throughout the day. Try to avoid caffeine
and alcohol as much as possible before class. Please stop drinking 45
minutes before class so that using the bathroom will not be an issue
during class. You should drink plenty of water everyday, this is better
than just drinking water during class. But please be sure that you drink
plenty of water before, during and after class. With Bikram Yoga, you
are simultaneously cleansing all the systems of your body from the inside
out. It is important to stay hydrated so your elimination systems (bowel,
urinary, and skin) can support your efforts.
Can I eat before class? You should come to class on an empty stomach. You should not have food for 1-3 hours before class. If you need to, you can drink juice or eat an energy bar or some fruit up to 1 hour before class
What should I wear and bring to class?
Since the room is heated and the class is a vigorous 90 minutes,
it is best to wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Women
should wear tight fitting shorts, (either cotton or spandex) and
a jog bra or athletic top/t-shirt. Men should wear athletic shorts
or bathing suit bottoms. T-shirts are optional. If you own a yoga
mat, please bring your mat and a large size bath towel. If you do not
own a mat you can rent or buy one at the studio. Towels are available
for rent and water is available for purchase. Women wear a t-shirt or
yoga top and shorts (remember, you'll be sweating). Men wear athletic
shorts or bathing suit trunks, t-shirts for men are optional. You will
not be comfortable in sweat pants. If you must wear pants,
make sure they are tight-fitting and made of a lightweight,
breathable, wicking fabric. Avoid loose fitting clothes, you
need to be able to see your body in the mirror as you practice
to check your alignment. An open mind and a positive attitude.
Also, please bring a yoga mat, large towel, a water bottle,
and a washcloth. You can also rent or buy these items at the
studio (see the price list).
Do you have separate classes for beginners?
No. All levels and abilities take the class together. Having experienced
students in the class with brand new beginners is a great way to illustrate
to beginners the potential of the poses. Eventually, as you do the yoga
enough, you will be able to achieve the same fullness of the poses. The
Yoga manifests itself in your body, so be careful not to focus too much
on others. Focus on yourself and the Yoga will bloom within you, and
you will open up like a lotus flower. No one is advanced in Bikram's
Yoga. Some students are only more experienced because they have practiced
longer. Remember, they too had a very first class!
What if I’m not flexible? Can I lose weight? Will I get a cardiovascular workout? |
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