Top tips for Beginners

What do I need to know for my first time?

• The room is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit so be prepared to work hard and sweat.
• Come on an empty stomach - no food 2 hours prior to class.
• Be hydrated! Have at least 3 litres of water in the 24 hours prior to your first class. Doctors estimate we need at least 2 litres for normal body maintenance.
• The class is designed for all levels of fitness but if you have special medical conditions please consult your doctor first.
• Please do not wear strong perfume and deodorants – some people may be allergic.

What should I wear?

• As little as you feel comfortable in! Shorts, running vest, leggings – something light (dress for the beach) sweatpants and baggy clothes not recommended.

"I wore tracksuit bottoms and t-shirt my first time… I just wanted to hide… big mistake! After a while in that heat I realised we are all different shapes and ages and no-one was looking at me!" - Jo, 48

What do I need to bring with me?

• A large towel or two (we also have towels to rent at the studio)
• Yoga mat (you can borrow one of ours to start with - although we wash them regularly with environmentally friendly tea-tree based products, your own will be more hygienic. We also sell mats at the studio).
• Water (we sell Evian)
• Sense of humour
• Open mind

How will I feel after Class?

• Shower, put on dry clothes, drink plenty of water, eat whatever you fancy and then listen to your body – you may feel energised, completely and deliciously relaxed or even a little emotional! All reactions are normal.
• The next day you may feel a little sore (though less than if you had practiced in a cool environment) - the best thing to do is come back the next day or within 48 hours and allow the magic to work.

"Never, ever, ever, ever under-estimate yourself’"- Bikram Choudhury

Abandon the competitive mindset

• Although Yoga Championships have been held in India for thousands of years, your own practice is absolutely non-competitive nor is it merely a physical workout program. It’s not about how far one goes into a posture, but rather how mindfully. To stay present in your body to every feeling, to remain conscious of every breath is to do yoga. Yoga is skill in action.

"Bikram’s is for every body - it is not about being a skinny white bird standing on your head in a sunset!"  - Naomi, 33

Abandon all fear

• We encourage you to let go of all fear and speculation, to let go of your thinking mind, to walk confidently into your first class and remember that every single person around you also, at one time, had their first class. The best way to conquer fear is to walk right into the heart of it. Give it a go, Bikram Yoga might well change your life, forever.