Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the benefits?
A: Increases strength, flexibility & stamina
Q: I've never done yoga before / I'm new to Bikram Yoga. Is there a class for beginners?
A:We only teach the Bikram Beginner’s Yoga class. The Beginner’s class consists of 26 postures, performed in the same sequence each time. Our yoga classes will have students of all levels of experience, including beginners. Your balance, strength, and flexibility will come with practice.
Q: Why is the room heated?
A: A heated room for yoga practice will warm your
Q: How often should I come to class?
A: Practice everyday if possible. A minimum of three times a week with no long lapses between sessions. Be consistent. We recommend 10 classes in a 30 day period as a minimum to derive maximum benefits.
Q: What if I'm not flexible?
A:This is the most common misconception about yoga. Yoga is not just about flexibility. With regular practice, your body will learn how to gain more flexibility. You will find that your body and mind will undergo a wonderful metamorphosis.
Q:What if I can't complete the class or need to take breaks?
A:Not a problem. You’ll be instructed on how to relax on your towel in a quiet and still manner so as not to disturb the other students’ practice. Keep in mind that your body will gradually acclimate over a number of classes. The first class is always an experience - just take it as it comes, and see where it leads.
Q: I feel nauseous, dizzy during class. Is this normal?
A:It is not unusual to feel nauseous or dizzy during your first class. Practicing yoga in a heated room reveals to us our present condition, and inspires us take much better care of ourselves. Usually the problem is that we do not drink enough water for daily living, let alone for exercising in a heated room. Nutritionists tell us that we need 64-96 ounces of water a day to help the body function properly. In the heated yoga room, your body needs an adequate fund of water to allow perspiration to release heat from the body as you practice. So we estimate you need another 64-96 ounces (drunk throughout the day) to allow for your 90 minutes in the room. Once you are drinking enough water your body will tolerate the heat better and you will actually enjoy the heat.
Q: What if I feel sore after yoga?
A: Muscle soreness is a build up of lactic acid. The best way to get rid of the lactic acid is stretching. It may seem hard to believe that coming back for more will help, but it is the best way to relieve the soreness. If you wait too long to come back you will be starting all over again.
Q: Why is it important to learn from a Bikram Certified Instructor?
A: It takes more than a hot room and postures to make your Bikram Yoga practice a safe, rewarding experience. Bikram Yoga is a specialized form of yoga, requiring appropriate training and knowledge to teach it effectively. All of Bikram Yoga Rancho Bernardo’s instructors are Bikram Certified Instructors.
Bikram Choudhury, the creator of Bikram Yoga, personally trains and certifies his instructors to ensure that his methods and philosophy are preserved and properly taught. To be certified as a Bikram Yoga instructor, an instructor must complete an intensive nine-week training requiring over 500 hours of study. Bikram Yoga Rancho Bernardo is guided only by Certified Instructors to provide our students with the best possible instruction in the Bikram Method. Our Certified Instructors have a continuing connection to Bikram Choudhury and his training staff, allowing Bikram Yoga Rancho Bernardo to draw from all the resources Bikram's training center has to offer. This includes special seminars, posture clinics, guest instructors, and answers to questions which may arise in a particular student's practice.
Anyone can claim they teach "Bikram Yoga," but unless there is a Certified Instructor supervising how and what is taught at that studio, you are not getting Bikram Yoga.
