Q. Why is the room heated?

A. The room is heated for several reasons:

• increases your heart rate to work your cardiovascular system
• increases your flexibility and assists you in stretching deeper to affect healing
• aids the body in releasing toxins from organs, muscles, and tissues
• improves your strength by putting muscle tissue in optimal state of change
• reorganizes lipids (fats) in the muscular structure
• eliminates trauma and injury to the body

Q. Do you have to be in great shape?

A. NO. This is a beginners series created for people seeking optimal health. Bikram Yoga's therapeutic reputation draws people who suffer with chronic pain and disease. Anyone can try the yoga; it doesn't matter what shape you are in. Remember, you will improve from the very first class. Bikram says "never too old, never too sick, never too late…to start from stratch once again."

Q: How do I get started?

A. A. Arrive 15 minutes before your first class and fill out our registration form. Pre-registration is not required.

Q: Is the routine the same every time?

A. Yes. Part of Bikram's genius comes from designing the flow so that one posture opens a specific area of the body in preparation for the next posture. By utilizing the same flow every class, Bikram's yoga has a much shorter learning curve than other rigorous styles of yoga.

Q: What if I'm pregnant?

A. The first trimester is a vital time for the developing fetus and you may be tired and/or feeling ill. Therefore, it is best to wait until after your 12th week before starting the yoga. Postures are modified for pregnancy but done with the regular students so you are welcome at any class. If you already do Bikram yoga and feel well you may just continue your regular practice until you feel the need for the modifications (between 8 and 12 weeks).

Q: What if I'm not flexible?

A. This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. You don't need to have great flexibility to do yoga. Try each posture and you will get 100% benefit. If you can't touch your toes, or even see your toes, you are an excellent candidate for Bikram Yoga.

Q: Is it a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?

A. No matter what level of fitness you are this yoga will be a challenge you never outgrow. You will be amazed how much cardiovascular workout you get from holding still in posture. Your body continually seeks to normalize in yoga and so if you are overweight you will lose weight. Consistency is the key. With persistence, patience and dedication your body will come into balance.

Q: Am I too old to do Bikram yoga? I heard it was very intense.

A. Bikram says "never too old, never too sick, never too bad..." People of any age and condition can do this yoga. It reduces the symptoms of many chronic diseases and is the world's best preventative activity for the whole body. Bikram created this yoga for people in chronic pain. He created it to eliminate their pain and to reverse the signs of aging.

Q: Is it normal to feel sick, dizzy, and nauseous in class?

A. Yes these are all normal, especially for the beginner. The most important thing for you to do is breathe, pace yourself, and just try the postures. Just do the best you can, resting when you feel the need. Learn to listen to your own body and take care of yourself in class. Drink lots of water the day before class to make sure you are well hydrated. A headache is a symptom of dehydration. Feeling tired or wiped out after class is a sign that you need to breathe more in class. The worse you feel, the more you need Bikram yoga. Please ask any teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Q: What is a good age to start?

A. A child who has reached puberty can do the series. Just as an adult, the yoga will help regulate hormones and brain chemicals so vital to our health. Anyone younger than that does not need to do the yoga in the heat. Young children can do yoga at home (without the heat) and have fun with the postures. They can easily do the floor poses, with no need to do the standing or balancing postures.

Q. What should I wear to class?

A. Wear what is comfortable - but be advised that less clothing will keep you more comfortable. We suggest that women should wear shorts, jog bra or tank top. Men should wear shorts or bathing trunks. Since the room is heated, you should wear something you feel comfortable sweating in.

Q. What do I need for class?

A. Yoga mats and large towels are required. Bring your own or you may rent them for a nominal fee at the studio. Please see the yoga etiquette page for more information.