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FAQ

What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram’s beginning yoga class is a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises taught in a heated room for 90 minutes. Each pose is a challenge based on one’s personal abilities. Each pose strengthens and stretches specific muscles, ligaments and joints stimulating the organs, glands and nerves to move fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. The result is a restoration of health to all systems. As you increase strength, flexibility and balance in your body, you will be energized, your mind revitalized and you’ll be eliminating conditions of stress produced by fast paced lifestyles. For more information on the Bikram method and Bikram Choudhury himself visit BikramYoga.com.

Why so hot?
Our studios are heated to 105 degrees, which allows the body to cleanse, detoxify, and heal by stimulating the circulatory system. Heat also makes our bodies more malleable so you can stretch safely into the postures. The heat increases the heart rate for a better cardio workout, helps to improve strength by putting muscle tissue in its optimal state and softens collagen around the joints for better freedom of movement. It generally takes about 3-5 classes to acclimate to the heat.

What if I’m not flexible?
This class is not a tryout for Cirque du Soleil. Yoga is not about being flexible when you begin, but about strengthening your body and spine in all directions and, gradually, improving flexibility. Tight bodies injure easily, strong flexible bodies do not.

What kind of benefits will I see?
Check out our seriously fun Top Ten list

How does it work?
The heat in the room helps ignite our body’s own heating system. Breathing exercises in the beginning of class coupled with the heat in the room, begin to warm the body from the inside out. The metabolism starts to speed up, preparing all systems to start working. As the lungs fully expand and take in more oxygen, the heart starts to pump oxygen-rich red blood cells.

The 26 postures are sequentially designed to isolate portions of the body a section at a time by closing off circulation to a group of muscles, organs, and glands for a few seconds. Once released from the posture, oxygen-rich blood returns at a high speed to the closed part of the body, sending in nutrients and flushing out waste. By this method of stretching and contracting, circulation is improved and we open up blocked areas of the body.

By the end of 90 minutes, Bikram Yoga has given you a full body work-out: every cell has been re-vitalized, the spine is strengthened, and all systems are restored to their intended 100% working order, giving you an energized body and a relaxed mind.

What if I am pregnant? Can I still do Bikram Yoga?

• Doing Bikram Yoga during pregnancy is not only safe but also a healthy experience throughout the term of your pregnancy. With your doctor’s permission and knowing Bikram’s modifications, continuing your practice during pregnancy can be a beautiful time for you and your baby.
  Courtesy of the Portsmouth, NH Bikram studio, “Yoga has been reported to help pregnant women throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery. There are some important notes to consider before starting or continuing your practice. Women who practiced Bikram Yoga during pregnancy have reported feeling better during pregnancy, fewer complications, greater ease and less duration of delivery and calm, happy babies. You can learn to breathe, cope with stress and stay comfortable in your body through all of the changes pregnancy has to offer.”
  Some doctors worry about moms being in the hot room. To alleviate that concern, feel free to bring a thermometer to class, keep it in a thermos and take your temperature periodically during the series. You will observe that your body temperature stays in normal range due to the sweat, which is your body’s natural cooling system.
• Practice at about 50% of your capacity and never to exhaustion.
• Be sure to stay well hydrated.
• Practice in a cooler area of the room or by the door. Feel free to leave class anytime to cool down.
• From the second trimester on, practice standing postures with your feet six inches apart for stability.
• Do not push your hips forward in the backward bends. The cartilage in your hips is preparing for birth by loosening and is less stable than it was before you were pregnant.
• No forward compressions or belly-down postures while your pregnant
  • Ask your teacher for modifications
  • Enjoy yourself. This is a special time to connect with yourself and the new little yogi growing inside you.

What else should I know?
Click on the “Your First Time” link to read more about what you should know before you go and what you should know once you get here.