Frequently Asked Questions

Have a burning question about practicing with Bikram yoga? We’ve gathered a list of the most frequently asked questions by Bikram Vancouver students. This section is always growing, so if you have any additional questions please send them to support@bikramyogavancouver.com, give one of our studios a call, or talk to one of our front desk staff!

Why is the room heated?

Also known as “Hot Yoga,” all Bikram classes are practiced in a heated room. There are many additional benefits of hot yoga that are not realized by doing traditional hatha yoga classes. Some of the most exciting benefits are:

  • Your body burns fat more effectively
  • Increases suppleness and elasticity of muscles, ligaments and other supporting structures of the body, allowing for greater flexibility with less chance of injury.
  • Dilates capillaries more effectively, oxygenating tissues, muscles, glands, organs and increasing the removal of waste products.
  • Increases metabolism, accelerating the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
  • Increases cardiovascular workout.
  • Leads to sweating which promotes detoxification.
  • Just as when your body raises its temperature to fight infection, the elevated temperatures in the yoga room improve T-cell function and strengthen the immune system.
  • Improves the nervous system as messages are carried more efficiently to and from your brain.
  • Strengthens willpower, self control, concentration, and determination.

How much water should I be drinking and when?

To experience the full benefits of Bikram Yoga it’s vital you are fully hydrated. Drink plenty of water the entire day before you come to class and plenty after class.

How much is enough? A good formula is take your body weight and divide by 2. This is how much water you should consume daily. Here’s an example: 140lb/2=70oz.

Our bodies are made up mostly of water. Being fully hydrated takes pressure off organs to do their jobs, helps flush the body and keep it running smoothly.

Check out Hydration for more information.

It’s my first class, do I need to know anything?

The best place to start is by visit our New Students section. But here are some of the most important things you should remember about when coming to Bikram classes:

What you need to bring:

  • Yoga Mat
  • Two Large Towels (one for your yoga mat and one for rinsing off in the shower after)
  • Water Bottle
  • If you don’t have / forget any of these things you can rent or purchase a new item from our front desk.

What you need to do before class:

  • Make sure to drink plenty of water leading up to your class and come fully hydrated
  • Do not eat a heavy meal at least 1.5 hours before class. Bikram Yoga is best done on an empty stomach. If you need to eat something, stick to a light snack like fruit.
  • Leave your shoes and belongings outside the studio, in the lockers provided or in the washrooms
  • Brink a water bottle or purchase water to take into class
  • Do not bring cell phones, pagers, gum, food, or anything else that might distract either yourself or others from practice
  • Try not to talk while you are in the yoga studio, and if you have a question if possible wait until after the class to approach the instructor
  • Be on time! Once the instructor has entered the room class begins immediately and no more students are allowed to enter the studio. If it is your first time, please make sure you are early to class (at least 15 minutes).
  • After class make sure to continue to drink water to keep you hydrated
  • You might be hungry so bring a piece of fruit to snack on after class, you will most likely be craving something healthy

I’m not very flexible, will I be able to do the Bikram postures?

This is a common misconception surrounding Bikram Yoga. Generally it doesn’t matter how flexible you are because doing Bikram classes increases flexibility. The less flexible your body is the more it needs Bikram Yoga!

What should I wear to Bikram classes?

Wear something light, comfortable, and fitted, such as: sports bras, shorts, and swimwear. Avoid long pants and heavy shirts as the room is heated and you will be sweating.