Questions & Answers
What classes on your schedule are suitable for beginners? What do I need for class?
Our Hot 26 and Evolution classes are both mixed level classes, meaning they are both accessible to everyone and challenging for everyone. There is no need to perform each posture at its full expression; you only should perform each posture at your full expression. It’s usually a sign to back off a little bit if the pose is bringing up the sort of sensation where there’s a pained expression on the face and the breath has become uncomfortably restricted; the body will let you know if you are trying to push it farther than is appropriate.
The room is heated to just over body temperature, so come to class dressed lightly and well hydrated. You will need a yoga mat, large towel, and water for class, all of which are available at the studio. There is no need to pre-register for class; we just ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your first class at our studio.
Is hot yoga a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?
No matter what your fitness level, you will find hot yoga a transformational challenge. Each posture combines flexibility, strength, endurance and balance to work your whole body from your bones to your skin. With persistence, patience, and dedication, you can lose inches. The Hot 26 and Hot Vinyasa classes will keep you heart rate more in the cardiovascular range while the Evolution Series will keep you heart rate a bit lower in the fat burning range.
Do I need to drink water before class?
Drink plenty of water. Some people can lose up to 5 pounds of water weight during a class. It is easy to get dehydrated, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water after class and the entire day before you come to class. You are less likely to feel lightheaded or dizzy during class if you’ve had enough to drink in the hours preceding class.
The most typical reason offered for not drinking enough water is increased visits to the restroom. Your body will adjust to the increased water intake. You may also find benefits of improved mood, increased mobility, increased energy through the day, decreased body odor, and smoother skin from staying well hydrated.
How often should I attend class?
It is easy to figure out how often to attend class. You can use the equation Frequency + Intensity = The Result (Thank you Emmy Cleaves!). With greater frequency of practice and dedication while practicing you will find a greater result. Ideally, you will practice 6 days out of 7. To see your body and mind transform right before your eyes, it is recommended to come at least 3 days per week.
Why the heated room?
The heat combined with the sequence of the postures is what makes Bikram Yoga so special. Below I have listed some of the main benefits of the heat.
- Makes muscles and connective tissues more elastic, so they can stretch more deeply and are less susceptible to injury
- Enhances vasodilatation so that more blood is delivered to the muscles. This means that the capillaries that weave around the muscles respond to the heat by dilation. This brings more oxygen to the muscles and helps in the removal of waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
- Allows oxygen in the blood to detach from the hemoglobin more easily. When blood passes through warm muscles, oxygen releases more easily from the hemoglobin. Blood passing through cold muscles releases less oxygen.
- Speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
- Improves coordination.
- Stimulates profuse sweating which helps remove excess salts from the blood along with waste materials that may be flushed from the body by the postures.
- Reduces heart irregularities associated with sudden exercise.
- Burns fat more easily.
What should I do after class?
Cool down in deep relaxation at the end of class. Drink plenty of water and come back the next day, even if you’re sore.
What are some of the benefits of hot yoga?
