Bikram Yoga College of India

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

"The effort we make in yoga, the trying- always doing our best despite the pain, the difficulties or obstacles- is an important component; in some ways it is yoga. Remember- it's not what you do, it's how you do it. And it's only through that discipline, trying the right way that physical and mental health, peace and Self Realization can be achieved... the right way is the hard way" Bikram Choudhury

"Is this a beginner's class?"

Yes. This series is specifically designed to be accessible for beginners and yet at the same time still challenging for more experienced students.

"Are reservations required?"

No, however first-time students need to arrive 15 minutes prior to class to allow enough time for registration. You can save time by pre-registering. Go to our New Students page, read the policies and download the registration form. Class space is given on a first-come first-serve basis.

"What do I need to bring to class?"

Bring water (no colored/carbonated drinks in the yoga room), a full-length bath towel and a thin yoga mat. If you do not have these items, they are available for sale or rent at class.

"How should I dress for class?"

Wear clothes that are appropriate for exercising in a hot environment. Please do not wear long-sleeve shirts or pants that go below the knees.

"What should I eat before class?"

Avoid eating 2-3 hours before class begins. Also be sure to arrive adequately hydrated.

"Why is the room heated?"

Heat makes muscles and connective tissue more supple. This allows for increased and safer stretching.
Heat thins the blood allowing for increased circulation.
Heat causes heavy sweating which detoxifies the body.
Heat increases heart rate and dilates capillaries, which provides for better cardiovascular results.

"Can I lose weight performing Bikram Yoga?"

It is estimated that one class will burn well over 600 calories, but that's not the only reason students slim down. Bikram Yoga improves the body's ability to digest and eliminate food efficiently, while stimulating the glands responsible for regulating metabolism.

"What if I'm not very 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.

"What if I have past injuries?"

Through consistent Bikram Yoga practice, injured areas will begin to heal, scar tissue will break down and in its place healthy tissue will be regenerated. Bones that have been shifted out of alignment will be moved back to proper position relieving chronic pain.

"How often should I come to class?"

As a beginner, Bikram recommends practicing 6 days a week for 60 days. From then on a maintenace schedule of a minimum of three days a week is recommended. However, something is better than nothing so most important is to come to class any chance you get!

"What products do you sell?"

Bikram's Beginning Yoga Book
yoga mats
SmartWater
Vitamin Water
Coconut Water
Emergen-C packets
Rajashree's meditation CD
Bikram's Beginning Yoga CD
Yoga clothing for women & men

"Is there an area for storing personal items during class?"

Small lockers are provided. Please bring your own padlock for security if desired.

"Are showers available?"

Yes (soap and shampoo are supplied).

"Can I practice Bikram Yoga if I'm pregnant?"

If you have been practicing Bikram Yoga already then you can continue your practice by making a few modifications. 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.

"Why are the floors carpeted?"

Bikram Yoga Orlando is a certified Yoga College of India affiliate school. All affiliated schools must adhere to very specific guidelines as to what is taught, how it is taught, and under what conditions. These conditions can be found by clicking this link: javascript:void(0);/*1359174094511*/. One such condition is that the floor of the yoga room must be carpeted. This is to ensure the safety of the students and instructors. Our yoga room is heated to over 100° and as such there is an enormous amount of sweat released by the students. Although a towel and mat are used by each student, there is still a lot of sweat which lands on the floor. In order to prevent injuries Bikram requires the carpet. The carpet we use is an indoor/outdoor carpet which is intended to get wet and dry quickly. In addition, the carpet has a special backing which prevents the growth of any mildew/mold/bacteria. Our carpets are steam cleaned weekly to ensure they stay as clean as possible, however in a hot room where lots of people sweat daily there is no avoiding some odor. The good news is that within a handful of classes you won't even notice it anymore.

"Is there music during class?"

In accordance with our affiliation to the Yoga College of India, music is not to be played during class. The postures must be done the right way in order to get the benefits and do them without causing injury. As such, the instructor will be giving verbal instructions throughout the class on how to position the body correctly. In order to not distract from the instructions being spoken, the room is kept quiet.

"Why is the yoga room so bright?"

In accordance with our affiliation to the Yoga College of India, the yoga room is to be very well lit. Bikram recommends flourescent lighting. The postures must be done the right way in order to get the benefits and do them without causing injury. As such, the room is kept very bright so the students can easily see themselves in the mirror and the instructor can easily see all the students. The brightness also helps to create an enviroment that keeps the students more present and alert to what is being said and what they are doing with their bodies.

For more information on Bikram Yoga visit the international headquarters website at www.bikramyoga.com.



	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS "The effort we make in yoga, the trying- always doing our best despite the pain, the difficulties or obstacles- is an important component; in some ways it is yoga. Remember- it's not what you do, it's how you do it. And it's only through that discipline, trying the right way that physical and mental health, peace and Self Realization can be achieved... the right way is the hard way" Bikram Choudhury "Is this a beginner's class?" Yes. This series is specifically designed to be accessible for beginners and yet at the same time still challenging for more experienced students. "Are reservations required?" No, however first-time students need to arrive 15 minutes prior to class to allow enough time for registration. You can save time by pre-registering. Go to our New Students page, read the policies and download the registration form. Class space is given on a first-come first-serve basis. "What do I need to bring to class?" Bring water (no colored/carbonated drinks in the yoga room), a full-length bath towel and a thin yoga mat. If you do not have these items, they are available for sale or rent at class. "How should I dress for class?" Wear clothes that are appropriate for exercising in a hot environment. Please do not wear long-sleeve shirts or pants that go below the knees. "What should I eat before class?" Avoid eating 2-3 hours before class begins. Also be sure to arrive adequately hydrated. "Why is the room heated?" Heat makes muscles and connective tissue more supple. This allows for increased and safer stretching. Heat thins the blood allowing for increased circulation. Heat causes heavy sweating which detoxifies the body. Heat increases heart rate and dilates capillaries, which provides for better cardiovascular results. "Can I lose weight performing Bikram Yoga?" It is estimated that one class will burn well over 600 calories, but that's not the only reason students slim down. Bikram Yoga improves the body's ability to digest and eliminate food efficiently, while stimulating the glands responsible for regulating metabolism. "What if I'm not very 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. "What if I have past injuries?" Through consistent Bikram Yoga practice, injured areas will begin to heal, scar tissue will break down and in its place healthy tissue will be regenerated. Bones that have been shifted out of alignment will be moved back to proper position relieving chronic pain. "How often should I come to class?" As a beginner, Bikram recommends practicing 6 days a week for 60 days. From then on a maintenace schedule of a minimum of three days a week is recommended. However, something is better than nothing so most important is to come to class any chance you get! "What products do you sell?" Bikram's Beginning Yoga Book yoga mats SmartWater Vitamin Water Coconut Water Emergen-C packets Rajashree's meditation CD Bikram's Beginning Yoga CD Yoga clothing for women & men "Is there an area for storing personal items during class?" Small lockers are provided. Please bring your own padlock for security if desired. "Are showers available?" Yes (soap and shampoo are supplied). "Can I practice Bikram Yoga if I'm pregnant?" If you have been practicing Bikram Yoga already then you can continue your practice by making a few modifications. 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. "Why are the floors carpeted?" Bikram Yoga Orlando is a certified Yoga College of India affiliate school. All affiliated schools must adhere to very specific guidelines as to what is taught, how it is taught, and under what conditions. These conditions can be found by clicking this link: javascript:void(0);/1359174094511/. One such condition is that the floor of the yoga room must be carpeted. This is to ensure the safety of the students and instructors. Our yoga room is heated to over 100° and as such there is an enormous amount of sweat released by the students. Although a towel and mat are used by each student, there is still a lot of sweat which lands on the floor. In order to prevent injuries Bikram requires the carpet. The carpet we use is an indoor/outdoor carpet which is intended to get wet and dry quickly. In addition, the carpet has a special backing which prevents the growth of any mildew/mold/bacteria. Our carpets are steam cleaned weekly to ensure they stay as clean as possible, however in a hot room where lots of people sweat daily there is no avoiding some odor. The good news is that within a handful of classes you won't even notice it anymore. "Is there music during class?" In accordance with our affiliation to the Yoga College of India, music is not to be played during class. The postures must be done the right way in order to get the benefits and do them without causing injury. As such, the instructor will be giving verbal instructions throughout the class on how to position the body correctly. In order to not distract from the instructions being spoken, the room is kept quiet. "Why is the yoga room so bright?" In accordance with our affiliation to the Yoga College of India, the yoga room is to be very well lit. Bikram recommends flourescent lighting. The postures must be done the right way in order to get the benefits and do them without causing injury. As such, the room is kept very bright so the students can easily see themselves in the mirror and the instructor can easily see all the students. The brightness also helps to create an enviroment that keeps the students more present and alert to what is being said and what they are doing with their bodies. For more information on Bikram Yoga visit the international headquarters website at www.bikramyoga.com.