Bikram Hot Yoga Lexington

Benefits

There is much evidence both scientific and anecdotal to support the benefits of Bikram Yoga when practiced regularly. Problems of alignment, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, insomnia, high and low blood pressure, and so many other medical problems have shown much improvement for so many with regular practice. There is no doubt that practicing this amazing series 3 or more times a week has incredible results that go way beyond the physical!

BENEFITS OF BIKRAM YOGA:

• Reshapes your body
• Restores flexibility
• Tones, strengthens, and lengthens your muscles
• Strengthens your spine
• Improves circulation
• Reduces risk of sports injury
• Achieves relief from pain
• Reduces your weight – lose pounds by balancing your metabolism
• Raises energy level
• Diminishes the effects of stress
• Increases balance, coordination, focus and discipline
• Clears your mind
• Calms your soul
• Improves healthy and balanced functioning of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, elimination, respiratory, endocrine, and mental systems of the body

BENEFITS OF THE HEAT:

• Warms the muscles for greater flexibility
• Helps achieve a deeper stretch
• Flushes toxins from the body
• Improves efficiency of the immune system
• Creates a cardiovascular workout
• Burns calories
• Builds endurance

First Class

 

Bikram designed this class for beginners and all levels are welcome. If you feel nervous, scared or a little intimidated, that's no problem. Many people feel that way initially. Do not let it stop you from coming to class! Bikram designed this class for beginners, our teachers will take good care of you, know that with a little practice and experience, you'll quickly feel right at home.

Hydrate - Drink plenty of water throughout the day so you're well hydrated before coming to class. Good hydration supports the healthy function of all of your body's systems, and it makes the heat feel comfortable rather than overwhelming. Don't eat heavily within 2 hours of the start of class, either.

Arrive 15 – 20 minutes earlyfor your first class. Please be sure to check in at the front desk. This gives us time for registration and orientation. Arriving early ensures a stress free and relaxed beginning to your life long Bikram Yoga practice.

If you have a yoga mat, bring it along with a large bath towel, and drinking water. We also have these items available at the studio for rent or sale. We also have a selection of clothing for both men and women designed specifically for hot yoga.

Don't think you have to get in shape before coming to class– that puts the cart before the horse! Come take your first class, and then take class as often as you possibly can and you will quickly lose weight, get in shape, and feel absolutely wonderful.

Dress in cool, comfortable clothes, like you're going to the beach. We do not recommend long sleeves or pants. We do offer for sale a selection of yoga clothes for men and women.

You will feel challenged by the yoga during class – everyone does! Always work to your edge, but listen to your body and your inner wisdom. Never be afraid to lie down if you need to. It's normal, especially when you first get started, to feel dizzy, nauseated or lightheaded. It's temporary, respect these signals that your body is sending by backing off, and as your body acclimates, improves and detoxes, these sensations will disappear.

During class nobody will look at you or judge you.The teacher will guide you and instruct you, always with compassion and respect. There's no need or reason to be self-conscious. It's also helpful to realize everyone's focus is on themselves – they are working too hard to even notice you!

Take your second class within 24 hours. The second class will help you bypass any soreness you'd otherwise experience. Make up your mind to take 10 classes as quickly as possible, at least within a month – then no one has to tell you how good this yoga is for you.

Remember, everyone had their very first Bikram Hot Yoga class,even the people on the front row who have been practicing for years. They make it look easy because they persevered, and you can too.

There you go… you're ready to rock… choose a convenient time and come to class as quickly as you can. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Questions

 

​​I've never tried yoga-how will I do?
You will be great! The most important thing is to try the right way, as best you can, and you will get 100% benefit. Bring a well-hydrated body, and a mat, towel and water. We can also rent or sell you a mat, towel, and water.

​I'm too old​
You are never too old to practice yoga and begin again. As long as you try the right way, to the best of your ability, you will receive 100 benefit.

​I'm too young
Anyone with fully developed sweat glands can safely practice Bikram hot yoga.

I'm too stiff to practice yoga
A stiff body is the most common misconception about why not to practice yoga, and one of the best reasons to get into a Bikram yoga class. All the postures are beginning postures and you do not need to be flexible to practice them. As you practice, you will build strength, which will help you develop flexibility, which will help you to gain strength, which will help you become more flexible. It doesn't matter where you start from, you will improve!

​I don't like heat
Know you are not alone! For most, it's the heat, and not the postures, that makes Bikram yoga challenging. Your body is amazing and will thermoregulate itself when your sweat cools the surface of the skin and maintain a constant body temperature in class. Through regular practice you will learn to not just tolerate the heat but how to use it develop your flexibility, strength, and endurance.

​I'm pregnant​
Always consult with your physician, but most women can practice Bikram Hot Yoga when they are pregnant. A regular Bikram yoga practice can make your pregnancy, labor, and post-partum easier than you expect. And learning how to breathe when you are in an uncomfortable position in the yoga studio can be an invaluable tool in the labor room! In this practice there is no impact to mother and child, and lower back pain often decreases while abdominal strength increases. If you've never tried Bikram yoga, wait until the end of your first trimester to start. If you have a regular practice, keep it up! There is no separate scheduled pregnancy class but our teachers are trained to provide modifications and alternate poses for you during Bikram's beginning yoga class. Rajashree Chodhoury, Bikram's wife, developed a pregnancy-modified Bikram yoga class and we recommend it for all of our pregnant yogis.

​I have a disc herniation
You can safely practice Bikram yoga with a herniated disc. With your patience and commitment, and again, by trying the right way, Bikram yoga will diminish the pain. A disc herniation occurs when a spinal disc ruptures and makes the inner membrane vulnerable to direct contact with a nerve. When you backbend, your spinal discs (and herniations) compress and move the discs away from the spinal nerves. Strengthening your abdominal muscles, backward bending, and spinal twisting will be your primary sources for healing, and you will get plenty of it here.

​I feel uncomfortable with spirituality commonly associated with yoga
Bikram Hot Yoga is not a religion, a diet, or a deprivation. With the regular practice of yoga, you might find your mind to be calmer and more in tune with your body. That's the natural tendency in yoga practice. Nothing is expected of you except trying your best with what you have, today.

​I like to take Motrin before I work out.
We recommend strongly that you do not take OTC pain killers immediately or shortly before practicing Bikram Hot Yoga. You want to stay in tune with your body so that you can remain aware of any body pain and avoid crossing into it. We encourage you to listen to your body's signals and work with them to help heal any injuries and not exasperate them. If, however, you are on medications prescribed by a physician, continue to follow your doctor's instructions.