I have revised the New Student “Read Me” page of our web site in the following manner:

I have replaced the sentence, “Bikram Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach - do not eat for 3-4 hours before class” with this: “Do not practice immediately after a meal. A light healthy snack such as fruit, yogurt or nuts is advisable an hour or two beforehand but you won’t be comfortable if you practice with a full stomach.” I think the original sentence was lacking context and easily misunderstood.

Food is fuel and anyone who exercises after a long period of fasting is likely to see their blood sugar drop to an unhealthy level. Symptoms of low blood sugar can include: nausea, nervousness, cold/clammy skin. a rapid heart rate, numbness, irritability, blurred vision, headache, weakness, excessive fatigue. To avoid these symptoms, in addition to plenty of water, your body needs carbohydrates for energy and to avoid fatigue. If you practice very soon after waking it’s fine to do so on an empty stomach providing your diet the day before was sufficiently healthy in quality and quantity. Even then it may be wise to eat a small healthy snack immediately upon rising. Carbohydrates are best obtained in complex form from fruits, vegetables and grains. Foods to avoid before class are sugar, high fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, pasta or breads made from white flour, candy or soda. If you practice in the afternoon or evening, make sure you eat a healthy lunch 2-4 hours beforehand.

If you suspect your blood sugar level has dropped during class, please stop and rest. If the symptoms don’t go away after a few minutes you may need to leave the room. If necessary, you can ask the teacher for some orange juice (we don’t sell orange juice but we keep a couple bottles in the fridge just in case).