Bikram Yoga FAQ's

Please read through some of our frequently asked questions, or you can read our tips and advice for beginners, and the origins of bikram yoga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the yoga studio heated?
The room is intentionally heated to 38º, which warms up the body, assisting circulation, promoting detoxification and providing optimum conditions to improve the function of the body’s internal systems. The heated room provides a challenging environment that increases your strength, concentration, endurance and stamina. It also allows you to work safely and more deeply into the postures, giving faster results.

What if I am not flexible enough to do yoga?
Everyone can do yoga! If you’re inflexible, yoga will change that. This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. Yoga isn’t about being flexible. It is about stretching your body and spine to improve your flexibility. If you are performing the exercises the right way, even if it’s only one tenth of the way, you will receive 100 per cent of the benefits.

What if I’m not as good at bikram yoga as everyone else?
Everyone who does bikram yoga had to start somewhere. There will be people in the class who are just beginners, and other more advanced students who will be happy to offer advice and understanding. You don’t ever have to feel self-conscious at Achel Bikram Yoga – we commend you just for coming along.

I feel sore after my first yoga class, what should I do?
Come back! Warm up your body again and stretch out the same way. Give yourself and your body a few classes to adjust and you will feel better. If you have any concerns please talk to our instructors (link to contact us).

I had a headache / felt nauseous after yoga class. Is this normal?
It is quite common to feel a little strange after your first couple of classes. These are classic signs of the detoxification process taking place and/or you may have been a little dehydrated prior to coming to class. Consider using an electrolyte supplement to take before, during or after class – some people find that coconut water helps; these drinks are available for purchase at Achel. It could also be that your blood sugar levels dropped so before your next class, consider having a piece of fruit.

How much water should I drink?
PLENTY! You can lose up to 1.5 litres of water during class. Nutritionists recommends that we should be drinking 1-2litres per day anyway. But the days you practice bikram yoga, you need to drink more than this. Just make sure your water intake is not done on the way to class (this just fills your belly and may cause discomfort during class). Additionally, avoid drinking too much water during class. Most of your water intake should be at least 45 minutes before and after.

How often should I practice yoga?
As often as you can. Bikram Choudhury says, “For great results, practice three times per week. For life changing results, practice six days per week”. One class is better than nothing, but six classes per week (with one day rest) will give you great results.

Do I need to supplement my diet?
Everyone is different. It is a matter of listening to your body. If you are feeling sluggish, dizzy or even nauseous during or after the class you may be dehydrated or mineral deficient. Again, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. You might also like to try some electrolytes, or alternatively an apple and celery juice will give you a perfect ratio of sodium and potassium.

Can I lose weight doing hot yoga?
Yes! Whenever you are moving your body you are burning energy (calories). In a 90 minute bikram yoga class you can burn between 350-500 calories. And when your body is operating at its optimum level, you begin to make better decisions with regard to your food intake. With decreased sugar, salt and caffeine cravings, you will make healthier food choices - good news for your waistline.

Why participate in a 30-Day Challenge?
There are many reasons to participate in the 30-Day Challenge! It provides participants with the support and motivation of community. As a group, participants are united and driven by their common goal. Teachers and staff are available to address concerns, advice, or simply listen throughout the month. Hot yoga has many benefits - physiological, mental and emotional. By committing to a daily practice, those benefits unfold at a more rapid rate.

What are the benefits of a regular hot yoga practice?
Yoga involves stretching, strengthening, and elongating the spine for proper alignment of the vertebrae. The breathing techniques and relaxation lower blood pressure, increase cardio-vascular health, increase lung capacity, release tension and stress, and teach us to relax and enjoy life. Read more about the benefits of bikram yoga here (link to Why Bikram?).

Is it healthy to practice bikram yoga daily?
Traditionally, yoga was meant as a daily practice. In taking on a daily practice safely, there are some key things to take note of:

  • Listen to your body.
  • Respond to your body’s signals.
  • If you increase body awareness, and your ability to listen to that awareness, the 30 days will be a great success!
  • Pace yourself.
  • Ask teachers about adjustments for specific needs (e.g. injuries).
  • Take savasana before and after class for at least 5 minutes.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Replenish your electrolytes.
  • Get lots of sleep.
  • Have fun! Let go of judgment or evaluation, and invite a sense of levity to your challenge.

I will be away during the 30-Day Challenge. What happens if I miss a class?
If you miss a class you may double-up another day to make up for missed classes.

How should I prepare for the challenge?
It is best to set an intention for your challenge. Why are you doing it? What is it that you want to come of the challenge? Plan what yoga classes fit into your regular schedule. Identify possible obstacles, and pre-plan your strategy for overcoming these obstacles. Tell your close friends and family about your challenge. Get them to offer support and motivation.

Check out our Auckland hot yoga class schedule and prices.

If you’re ready to give bikram hot yoga a try, find a bikram yoga class  that suits you, or talk to one of our trainers for more information. We look forward to having you join us!

 

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East Tamaki

272A Ti Rakau Drive
East Tamaki, Auckland

Manukau

1 Jack Conway Avenue
Manukau, Auckland

📞Contact Details

09 274 4772
info@achel.co.nz

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