FAQs
Why does it have to be so hot in the room?
Reasons for the Heat:
- Enhances vasodilation which means more blood is delivered to the muscles. The capillaries that weave around the muscles respond to the heat by dilating. This brings more oxygen to the muscles and helps in the removal of waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
- Allows oxygen in the blood to detach from the hemoglobin more easily. When blood passes through warm muscles, oxygen releases more easily from the hemoglobin. Blood passing through cold muscles releases less oxygen. We need oxygen!
- Speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
- Makes muscles more elastic, less susceptible to injury.
- Improves coordination.
- Reduces heart irregularities associated with sudden exercise.
- Burns fat more easily. Warmed muscles burn fat more easily than cold ones. Fat is released during stress. The stress of intense exercise causes a deluge of fatty acids in the blood stream. If you exercise with cold muscles, they cannot use the fatty acids, and they end up in places where they aren’t wanted, such as in the lining of your arteries.
Note: Muscles aren’t the only beneficiaries of heat. Higher temperatures improve the function of the nervous system, meaning that messages are carried more rapidly to and from the brain or spinal cord. Warm muscles are more elastic and are less susceptible to injury. Warmer temperatures produce a more fluid stretch, allowing for a greater range of motion. Cold muscles don’t absorb shock and impact as well and do not stretch as easily, so cold muscles get injured more readily.
How do I get started?
Just come in 15 minutes before your first class and fill out a waiver form.
Students under 17 must have a parent or guardian sign this form before taking class. You can request one from info@truebikram.com and we will send you a copy you can print to bring in signed by a parent or guardian.
Bring your own large beach or bath towel, wear comfortable clothes (no sweatpants), and be prepared to sweat. Yoga is best done on an empty stomach.
Is the routine the same every time?
Yes. Part of Bikram’s genius comes from designing the series so that each posture prepares you for the next one. By utilizing the same flow every class, Bikram’s yoga has a much shorter learning curve than other styles of yoga.
Not having to anticipate what comes next reduces stress and agitation, allowing you to work deeper and more mindfully into each posture.
What if I’m pregnant?
With the written consent of your Doctor, if you do not have a high-risk pregnancy you may practice at True Bikram Yoga. You must contact robin@truebikram.com and meet with her before taking your first class during your pregnancy. If you are a regular practitioner, contact Robin as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
Postures are modified for pregnancy but done with the regular students. With the consent of your Doctor and after meeting with Robin, you are welcome at any class.
What if I’m not flexible?
You don’t need to be flexible to do yoga or HIIT. You practice both to become strong and flexible. If you come to class and “try the right way” to do each posture you will get 100% benefit.
Is it a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?
No matter what your level of fitness is this yoga will challenge you. You will be amazed at the cardiovascular workout you get from holding still in postures. If you are over-weight you will lose weight. Consistency is the key. With persistence, patience and dedication your body will respond.
Am I too old to do Bikram yoga? I heard it was very intense.
Bikram says “never too old, never too sick, never too bad…” People of any age and condition can do this yoga. It reduces the symptoms of many chronic diseases and is the world’s best preventative activity for the whole body. Bikram created this yoga for people in chronic pain. He created it to eliminate their pain and to reverse the signs of aging. Come in today and feel better and better after each class. At True we have had students in their 80’s practice regularly. Maybe because once you’re over 80 years old you get to practice for free.
What can I do if I have no tolerance for the heat?
If the heat creates extreme discomfort for you, be assured that 4 consecutive days of yoga is all you need to increase your tolerance for the heat. If you need to sit by the door or even step out, of course you can. We recommend you stay in the room even if you just lay down as it’s the best way to let your body and your mind know that you are going to be fine and get the most out of your experience. This is not one and done. Plan on taking a few classes to acclimate yourself and maximize your results.
Is it normal to feel sick, dizzy, and nauseous in class?
Yes, these are all normal, especially for the beginner. The most important thing for you to do is breathe normally in and out through your nose and try to do the postures as directed. Just do the best you can, resting when you feel the need. Learn to listen to your own body and take care of yourself in class. Drink lots of water the day before class to make sure you are hydrated. A headache is a symptom of dehydration. Feeling tired or wiped out after class is a sign that you may be holding your breath or breathing through your mouth during class. The worse you feel, the more you need Bikram yoga. Feeling terrible in class is followed by feeling great after class so hang in there and stay for the whole 90 minutes. You’ll be glad you did.
What is a good age to start?
You can do this yoga at any age. The yoga will help regulate hormones and brain chemicals vital to our health so it’s great for teenagers. Younger children may have difficulty with the length of the class but you never know how a child will respond until you try. Feel free to talk to the teachers about bringing your child to a class. Anyone under the age of 17 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver before starting class.
How do I get to the New Haven Location?
There are 2 entrances to our location in New Haven, the entrance on Elm St is open 8am to 6pm during the week. Use the keypad to be let in outside those hours. The Orange St entrance can be used for all classes at any time. There’s a buzzer to let us know you’re at the entrance on Orange St, hit it and we’ll buzz you in.
Call the New Haven studio directly if you have difficulty 203-785-0844.