FAQ
This page contains answers to only the most frequently asked questions about Bikram Yoga. There are many more questions asked and answered in our online discussion forums. That’s the best place to ask questions that aren’t answered here but you can also submit questions through our contact form if you prefer.
General Questions
- How many calories will I burn in a single class?
- Is Bikram Yoga aerobic?
- Can I lose weight through Bikram Yoga?
- How often should I practice?
- How long before I see results?
- Who practices Bikram Yoga?
- How many people are in a typical class?
- What is the ratio of women to men in a class?
- Can I practice Bikram Yoga at home?
- Why do you only allow water in the room during class?
Health Concerns
Will I be able to do Bikram Yoga if I…
- am not flexible?
- have never done yoga before?
- am pregnant?
- have a spine condition?
- have asthma?
- have high blood pressure?
Answers
Unless otherwise indicated, all answers are by Eric Jennings, Director, Bikram Yoga Decatur.
General Questions
How many calories will I burn in a single class?
That’s hard to know with any certainty. The estimates range from 350 to 650 calories per class. It really depends on too many factors to make any kind of blanket prediction. I let somebody bring a body monitoring device into a class and it showed that he burned 748 calories — clearly he was working hard. The key is to think of calorie burning as simply one small benefit of practicing yoga. There are far more benefits than that.
Yes. Any activity that raises the heart rate or is intended to improve the efficiency of the cardiovascular system in the absorption and transportation of oxygen is aerobic. During a typical 90 minute Bikram Yoga class your heart rate should reach it’s target exercise zone for at least 20-25 minutes, depending on your level of effort.
Can I lose weight through Bikram Yoga?
Yes. How much weight depends on your physical condition, your lifestyle and how much effort and commitment you put into it. Yoga is not a weight loss program in itself but many people find that a regular practice helps them achieve their ideal body weight.
This is something everyone has to answer for themselves. We encourage you to attend class as often as possible when getting started. One of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being is to create positive, healthy habits. Practicing yoga on a regular basis will not only exponentially increase the benefits but it will help you get to know your body and it’s needs well enough to do what’s right for your unique situation and lifestyle. When you have successfully incorporated your yoga practice into your life your body will tell you when it wants to go to class. All you have to do is listen to it.
How long before I see results?
Most people start to feel some benefits almost immediately but the most profound and long lasting benefits are cumulative. That is, they will continue to accrue as long as you continue to practice. Yoga is not a quick fix for what ails you nor is it a cure-all but many people report feeling positive effects after only a few classes. The best way to know is to try it and see for yourself.
This is one of the reasons I love Bikram Yoga…. it is truly yoga designed for everybody and anybody. Our teaching method encourages everyone to work to their own level of ability. Our students range in age from high school students to senior citizens, from physically fit to frail, from wet noodle flexibility to steel I-beam stiffness, from vegan to ominvore. There really is no typical Bikram Yoga practitioner and we strive to make everyone feel comfortable no matter their level of fitness or experience. I call our yoga studio “the great equalizer.” It is one of my proudest achievements that many people who come to the studio with apprehension end up becoming some of our most dedicated practitioners.
How many people are in a typical class?
I wish it were consistent enough to give a reliable number but it’s not. By tracking attendance and doing some quick math I can show that we currently average 13-14 people per class but that can be misleading. Some classes may have as few as 3 or 4 people while others may have more than 20. Generally speaking, weekday morning classes are smaller, weekend classes are larger, and weekday evenings can go either way. It’s a crap shoot.
What is the ratio of women to men in a class?
I (very roughly) estimate that our business is between two-thirds and three-quarters women. However, that’s changing. More and more men are starting to realize the benefits of Bikram Yoga. I recently taught a class that was more than fifty percent men.
Can I practice Bikram Yoga at home?
Certainly. Bikram has a book, Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class, which is obviously recommended. We sell the book in our studio but you can also buy it online from BikramYoga.com or Amazon.com. You may also want to buy his audio CD. It’s worth investing in a good space heater and humidifier to realize some of the benefits of working with heat but yoga can be practiced anywhere and anytime by anyone. I encourage home practitioners to try to get to an official studio when possible for a deeper understanding and to get some personal attention but I would never discourage anyone from practicing wherever and whenever they choose.
Why do you only allow water in the room during class?
There are three reasons with the first one being the simplest and most easily understood: the purpose of water in class is simply to keep your mouth and throat moist - nothing works better than water for that. The second reason is also pretty straightforward and logical: bottles sometimes get knocked over and spill their contents onto the carpet. Even a thorough cleaning of juice or a sports drink is likely to leave residue. We strive to maintain a very clean studio and water is easily cleaned up. Finally, if we allow anything besides water, some people will bring in power or energy drinks and many of those have high sugar content as well as caffeine and other additives that could have a detrimental effect on their practice. Simple, plain water is second only to air in importance to overall health and well being.
Health Concerns
Will I be able to do Bikram Yoga if I am not flexible?
Absolutley. Anybody can do yoga and the only requirement for Bikram Yoga is that you can stand on two feet.
Will I be able to do Bikram Yoga if I have never done yoga before?
Absolutely. In fact, Bikram Yoga is a beginner’s yoga practice. Anybody can do it.
Will I be able to do Bikram Yoga if I am pregnant?
It depends. If you’ve never done Bikram Yoga then we don’t recommend starting while pregnant. After delivery you may begin as soon as you feel ready to exercise (get permission from your doctor or midwife). If you have been practicing Bikram Yoga regularly before your pregnancy then you may continue to practice during your pregnancy. Some women have continued to practice right up until delivery.
The high heat should not pose any risk to you but if it makes you feel uncomfortable we recommend setting up near one of the fans and resting as often as you like.
There are some pregnancy modifications that you will ned to learn as your abdomen grows. We have a copy of Rajashree’s Pregnancy video at the front desk that you can check out. You can also purchase the video online at the BikramYoga.com.
For more on pregnancy and Bikram Yoga see this discussion forum topic.
Will I be able to do Bikram Yoga if I have a spine condition?
Probably, but always check with your doctor. We have many students with spine conditions such as herniated disks, fused disks, degenerated disks and more.
Will I be able to do Bikram Yoga if I have asthma?
Yes.
Will I be able to do Bikram Yoga if I have high blood pressure?
Yes, but get permission from your doctor first.