BIKRAM YOGA VICTORIA

Please arrive at least fifteen minutes before scheduled class time. You will need enough time to register, meet the teacher, and change.

Bring a bottle of water, one or two large towels (required), your outfit, and a positive attitude. We provide a mat for your first two classes when you purchase the Intro Special. Mats, towels, and water are also available for rent or purchase at the desk, in case you forget.

Come to class well-hydrated and with an empty stomach. Drink 2-3 litres of water throughout the day before class, and avoid eating a heavy meal 2-3 hours before class. Be prepared to sweat and to have a great time!

Wear something light and fitted that allows you to move freely, to observe your body alignment in the mirror, and to sweat. Avoid sleeves, long pants, and heavy t-shirts. Feel free to browse our boutique.

First, be proud of yourself! You just completed your first ninety minutes in the hot room—the first step of a life-changing journey. After your first class, your instructor will want to check in with you briefly. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and plan to come back again as soon as you can for your next class.

We heat the room for a few different reasons. The heat makes you sweat, which regulates your core temperature as well as flushing waste from your body. It also makes your body more lubricant, which allows for safer and deeper stretching than you would be able to achieve otherwise. In addition, the heat places a demand on your cardiovascular system, giving you a challenging workout as you perform the postures.

It’s normal to feel dizzy or nauseated during and after class, especially for new students. The most common reason for this is dehydration. As you develop your practice, you’ll learn what works for you to stay hydrated. Also, the yoga has a rapid detoxifying effect. The heat and postures combined prompt the body to send metabolic waste from the tissues into the blood stream and the digestive system, which can bring on headaches, dizziness, and nausea. These feelings will pass as your body becomes healthier. Class by class, your body will become stronger, more supple, and energized, and your skin will glow!

Bikram Yoga is challenging, and it works your whole body. Like any new activity, it will make you feel sore at first. Your muscles become sore due to lactic acid build-up, and the best treatment for this is stretching—so come back the next day and take another class!

Your practice schedule depends on what results you want. We recommend taking class at least 2-3 times per week. Once a week will give you a good stretch and sweat session, and will contribute to maintaining your health condition as it is right now. Twice a week will allow you to assimilate the class and to start to see some health benefits within about 20 sessions, over about three months. If you really want to see results happen fast, then we recommend coming to class three times a week or more. A dedicated Bikram Yoga practice is not just a yoga class; it’s a change of lifestyle.