New Students

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a list of the questions we are most commonly asked. Click on a question to see the response.
I’m a beginner. Is Bikram for me?
Bikram Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Each class is open to beginners and follows the same format whether it is your first class or whether you have been practising for many years. It does not matter how well you do each posture, only that you try the right way. If you are under 18 please have your parents/guardians contact us via email only before coming into the studio at info@bikramyogajoondalup.com.au
What do I need to bring?
Bring a yoga mat if you have one. We will give you a complimentary mat for your first class if you need one. After that, you can rent a mat from us for $2 (we also sell mats). Thick foam mats or camping mats are not suitable for what we do.
Bring two good-sized towels. You will need one to practise on and one for a shower afterwards. You can rent towels from us for $2 each if you’d prefer to travel light and have us do your washing. No hand towels, please! Remember, the sweat is your best friend.
Bring a bottle of water. We sell water – small & large bottles.
I’m coming to my first class. What should I expect?
Your first class will cost $20 (see Special Introductory Offer) . This is a 90 minute Hatha Yoga class practised in a heated room to 40 degrees. It’s that simple!
Men and women of all levels practise together because this series is suitable for everyone, regardless of your age, ability, flexibility, size, shape and physical history. You should be prepared to work hard and sweat.
You should also be prepared to meet wonderful, positive and open-minded people who make up our studio’s community!
How do I prepare for a class?
Arrive at least 30 minutes early for your first class. Doors open 30 minutes before class and close 2 minutes before the class begins. You will need to complete a brief registration form and have a little chat with your teacher before class. (be super prepared, download the registration form here and bring it to the studio filled out on your first visit)
Let go of any expectations of yoga and yourself before you walk through our front door. It is important to come with an open and positive attitude.
Come hydrated. Doctors estimate you need at least 2 litres per day for normal body maintenance. You can loose up to 1.5 litres of water during class. The days you practice Bikram Yoga, you need to drink up to 3-4ltrs. Just make sure your water intake is not done on the way to class or during class (this just fills your belly and may cause discomfort during class). Most of your water intake should be at least 2 hours before and after.
Come on an empty stomach, but not hungry. Avoid heavy foods during the few hours before your class.
What should I wear?
Wear light comfortable clothing – less is more!! (eg. women wear sports bra or singlet and shorts and men wear shorts (t-shirt/single optional).
Do I need to book in advance?
There is no need to book in advance and we do not reserve spaces.
Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before class starts if you are a regular student, 30 minutes earlier if it is your first class.
Why the heat?
Practising in the heat allows for a deeper and safer stretch without injury. It is normal to feel a little achy after your first class, but you will be nowhere near as sore as you would be had you practised in a cold room!
The heat promotes sweating, assisting the detoxification process by removing toxins through the body’s largest eliminating organ: the skin. This yoga provides a strong cardiovascular workout even though you are standing still. The heat supports and intensifies this effect.
As a result, capillaries are dilated and freshly-oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood is flushed throughout your body, which promotes healing and strengthening. The heat also creates a mental challenge, strengthening concentration, determination and mental willpower.
We have a great heating system which maintains a room temperature of 40ºC (105ºF) and also an evaporative system so there is plenty of fresh air and good circulation within the studio.
What if I’m inflexible, overweight, unfit, old or injured?
Then you have come to the right place! The most common misconception about yoga is that you need to be flexible and in great shape to even attempt it. It is exceptionally rare that people begin their yoga practice with perfect health and flexibility. The further you are away from touching your toes (or even seeing your toes), the more benefits you will get from this yoga.
All classes are suitable for beginners and all levels practise together. If you try the right way and put in 100% effort, you will receive 100% benefit.
Over time, you will become more flexible, you will lose weight, tone and strengthen, you will become more youthful and you will heal injuries.
What if I have had an injury or surgery, or if I am suffering from a physical condition?
This yoga will help you to heal more quickly and safely from recent accident, injury or surgery.
When you have an injury, the worst thing you can do is to stop moving and exercising.
Our teachers will discuss your history with you before class and work with you to help you safely increase your range of motion and decrease your pain through your yoga practice.
Our instructors have worked with students with a wide range of injuries and physical conditions. They have dramatically improved their lives through this yoga.
Be inspired! Read about Bikram and yoga healing his knee injury, click here to read Bikram Choudhury’s story.
How often should I practise?
The more you practice, the better you will feel! Bikram recommends daily practice to flush out each and every gland and organ, but also says that practicing once a week is better than not practicing at all. If you want to get the most out of Bikram yoga, it is recommended that beginners practice six times per week for the first 60 days to experience a change in your body and the amazing benefits of the series. After that, go into maintenance, which will be different for every person. Some people benefit by practicing two to three times per week, while others feel better practicing five to six times per week. Every individual is different, but remember the more you practice, the better you will feel.
“For great results, practice three times per week. For life changing results, practice six days per week” says Bikram.
What are the benefits?
See Benefits in About Bikram Yoga
Is it normal to feel dizzy, nauseas or light-headed when I practice?
It is normal to feel a bit dizzy, nauseous or light headed, especially when you first start practicing Bikram yoga, or after having a break. These are signs that your body is detoxing, a good thing, as you know the yoga is working. This can also be a sign of dehydration, so make sure you are always well hydrated before class. Remember if you do feel these symptoms, don’t be afraid to kneel down on your mat until the symptoms pass. Over time, as you practice regularly, these symptoms will reduce.
Yoga is a fantastic diagnostic tool for the body. All the symptoms you feel are ways your body is communicating to you. Your inability to hold a posture correctly can often tell you which parts of your body are weak or not functioning well. It is important you listen to your body and respect what it is telling you when practicing.
What if I still have questions?
The best way to answer those burning questions is to get in and try a class. More often than not, simply experiencing the yoga first-hand will answer everything for you.
Just do your yoga! No ifs, ands or buts.
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Studio Address » Unit 7/200 Winton Road Joondalup, 6027 WA
Phone : (08) 9301 4165