First Timers

Bikram Yoga Oakville Business Profile

Bikram Yoga is a series of Hatha Yoga postures including 2 breathing exercises. Each class is considered a “Beginners” class and conducted in a room which is heated to 40 °C (105 °F) with approximately 40% humidity. The purpose of the heat is to allow a student’s body to warm up more and allow for a deep and safe stretch. In addition the heat creates sweat which helps in detoxification. In each Bikram class the same 26 postures and breathing exercises are done, this allows the student to master the postures over time.

There are a few things to keep in mind for attending your first Bikram Yoga class. Remember the series is conducted in a hot room (40 °C (105 °F) with approximately 60% humidity) you will sweat a lot and therefore it is important to be well hydrated when practicing. Also you will need water, I suggest 2 litres of water and it is better to have too much water than not enough. If you find that you don’t need this much you can bring less the next time.

• A yoga mat, towel to cover your mat with and another towel to dry off with after class are great. If you do not have a mat we rent them at the studio for $2.00 in addition to
• Towels one for over your mat and another for after if you plan on having a shower
• Water I recommend 2 litres. It is better to have too much than not enough, if you find that you need less then you can plan accordingly for your next class. We also have water available for sale.
• Wear comfortable shorts, yoga pants and a sports bra for women, men can wear a t shirt or go without. We also sell men’s and ladies yoga wear.

It is my goal to make your first experience a pleasant one as a part of our service we will have you fill out an information sheet, if there are any physical conditions or concerns that you have please feel free to discuss them with the teacher as this may be important to know before you begin the class. It is best to show up for your first class 15 minutes early. As you are a novice it is good to keep in mind that there will be people in the room with various skill levels.

While you are instructed to observe others to get an idea or grasp of the posture it is not advisable to compare your own ability with those around you. Instead use the opportunity to see where your own practice can go and learn the form of the individual postures.

There are three key points to keep in mind,

1. First is consistency. At the start come as often as possible this will aid you in understanding the form of the postures.
2. Second is form, the form of the postures is very specific and the teacher will do their best to help you achieve this form. Having the specific form for the posture is more important than going into depth because sacrificing the form to achieve depth will cause you to lose the benefits.
3. Third and last is intensity, once you have the consistency and forms then you are able to have more intensity in each pose. Think of this, our bodies did not get out of alignment in 90 minutes; sometimes this is a process which has occurred over years. The realignment will not occur in 90 minutes but rather over time with a consistent practice.

Above all else remember this

• When you are in your first class remember to have FUN and do your best

"Nothing can steal happiness, peace away from you: if anyone does make you angry, you are the loser; if someone can allow you to lose peace, you are the loser."
— Bikram Choudhury

 

Etiquette

“Discipline is key. 95% of a practice is simply getting to the studio. A consistent practice is the biggest contributor to a deep practice.”
— BikramChoudhury

Before Class

• Please remove your shoes and leave them at the front door.
• Please turn off all mobile phones, pagers, and other electronic devices. Please do not bring these devices or any other personal belongings into the yoga room. Lockers are provided in the change rooms to secure your belongings. The only items required in the yoga room are your mat, towel, bottle of water and yourself
• Please print your name legibly on the sign-in sheet.
• If you’re a newcomer, please arrive at least 20 minutes before the class is scheduled to begin.
• Regular practitioners: please arrive at least 10 minutes before the class is scheduled to begin.
• If you are wearing any strong perfumes or lotions, we politely ask that you shower before entering the yoga room.
• Any questions and concerns can be addressed before or following class.
  

During Class

• There is no talking once you have entered the yoga room.
• Remaining in the room is an important part of the Bikram practice. If you must leave the room for an emergency and wish to rejoin the class afterwards, please do so between postures.
• Practice stillness between postures.
• For your own safety, no chewing gum in class.
• For your comfort, it is recommended to remove wrist watches and large jewellery before class.
• Drink water between postures, not during postures. Please do not drink water until after Eagle Pose. The instructor will announce this first water break.

After Class

• Observe silence during and after the final *Savasana* (Corpse Pose).
• Please leave the yoga room quietly and respect the other practitioners.
• If you rented a mat from the studio, please spray it liberally with disinfectant solution and hang the mat to dry.
• Be kind to your body. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate. Eat well