How to Prepare for Class

general info | new students

Hatha yoga is a gas station. Come fill up. Come Anytime!
Our Bikram Yoga classes are for beginners and advanced students alike. No experience is necessary. This yoga is suitable for any age and all levels of ability. No membership, reservation or pre-registration is required. Come any day or time – see our schedule – that works best for you.

You don't have to be fit and flexible to do this yoga. Simply approach every posture to the best of your ability and you will receive 100% benefit. A certified teacher will show you how to try the right way and guide you to explore your personal edge. We guarantee that a regular Bikram Yoga practice will change your life in the most wonderful ways.

New Students
If you are preparing for your first class, we have advice specifically for new students. It is in addtion to the information below.

What To Bring
Yoga mat (not padded) - If you do not have one, we have mats available to borrow and to purchase.

Full-length bath towel - You will need a towel large enough to cover your mat. Bring an extra one if you plan to shower after class.

Large bottle of water - It's hot yoga. You may want to drink some water during class and you will definitely need to drink a lot of water after class. We sell water, coconut water and sports drinks. We prefer no colored/carbonated drinks in the yoga room.

Your smile and self-compassion - For many, it takes a while to feel fully competent in the postures. Just know everyone else in the room remembers what it feels like to be new to this yoga.

What to Eat
We recommend not eating right before your workout. This is because having a lot of food in your belly might make you feel nauseous in the heat. But it's also not a good idea to practice yoga "on empty." Your body needs energy.

A light meal eaten 2 or more hours before your visit to the studio is ideal. Avoid anything heavy for 2-3 hours before class. If you must eat something prior to your practice - especially if you have low blood sugar - a piece of fruit, a power bar or some yogurt should give you what you need to get through class.

If you are taking a morning class get up early enough to have a light breakfast so you do not come starving. If you are smoker, give your lungs a break and do not smoke at least 2 hours before you come.

How to Hydrate
Come to class well hydrated so that your body will be ready to sweat. Good hydration supports the healthy function of your body's systems and makes the heat feel comfortable rather than overwhelming.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day as you prepare for your first class (and afterwards, to flush out toxins the yoga has helped your body release). Do not drink any alcohol and also avoid drinking too much coffee, as both of these can be very dehydrating. If you are taking a morning class make sure you drink plenty of water the night before.

As you practice, you will want to drink at least 3 liters of water a day.

Why the Room is Heated to 105 Degrees
To protect your muscles from soreness and injury while allowing for deeper stretching
To detoxify your body by opening pores and letting toxins escape via your sweat
To stimulate your heart rate for a better cardiovascular workout and more efficient fat-burning

Be prepared to sweat! And know you are not alone if you don't like heat. For most, it's the heat, and not the postures, that makes Bikram Yoga challenging. Through regular practice you will learn to not just tolerate the heat but how to use it develop your flexibility, strength, and endurance.

How Often to Practice
How often you need to practice depends on the level of results you desire. Daily practice will give you the best results, however consistency is the most important factor. We recommend you take at least 10 classes in 30 days. The more you practice, the quicker you will reach your goals and the more you will understand what is going on. We offer a range of class times and packages.

What to Do about "Limitations"
Not in shape – You don't have to get into shape before coming to class. Begin your practice, and before you know it you will begin to lose weight, get in shape and feel wonderful.

Not flexible – Lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons people seek out Hatha yoga. Bikram Yoga is specifically designed for the safety and benefit of all students, regardless of flexibility.

Injuries or illness – You will practice to your own ability. Please tell the teacher in advance about any conditions you have. Feel free to call or email us if you have any specific questions.

Too old, too young – You are never too old to practice yoga and begin again. And anyone with fully developed sweat glands can safely practice Bikram Yoga.

Unsure about the spirituality of yoga – Bikram yoga is not a religion, a diet or a deprivation. There are no religious or spiritual symbols, mantras, or expectations in our studios. With the regular practice of yoga, you might find your mind to be calmer and more in tune with your body.

Pregnant – If you have been practicing Bikram Yoga already then you can continue your practice by making a few modifications. Rajashree Choudhury, Bikram's wife, developed modifications and alternate poses that can be performed during a Bikram Yoga class. To learn more about the pregnancy series ask one of our teachers or visit BikramYoga.com. If you have not been practicing then it depends on your level of health and fitness as to whether or not this is a good time to begin. In any case, you should consult your doctor.

We look forward to seeing you soon in class!

 

©2012 Bikram Yoga Winston-Salem & Bikram Yoga Greensboro | sitemap
The only affiliated and certified Bikram Yoga studios in the NC Triad.