Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

• You can hire a mat for £1.
• You will need two towels and a bottle of water. We rent these for £1 each.

What to wear?

• Wear shorts preferably, or leggings and a light t-shirt.
• Wear something that allows free movement, but will not become cumbersome when wet.

Are there changing facilities?

• Yes, we have separate male and female changing rooms and shower facilities.

Helpful hints to help you enjoy your yoga class

Thank you for taking the first step to discovering Bikram Yoga. Your first class is usually a little overwhelming, so do not be alarmed, yoga is not something that you do, it is something that you practise.

As your practice progresses, so will your understanding. The teacher is always available after the class if you have questions. Meanwhile, the following hints may help you:

• Please let the teacher know of any injuries or conditions, whatever they might be, so that we can discuss any modifications that may be needed.
• Try not to eat two hours before the class, as it may make you feel sick during practice. Similarly, do not go more than 4 hours without food as you will burn a lot of calories during class, and the drop in your blood sugar levels caused by not eating will make you feel nauseated.
• Please remove your shoes downstairs in the seating area before going into both the studio and the rest of the building. If you have a verruca please cover it up.
• Just experience your first few classes, pace yourself, enjoy it and sit down if you need to. You may take 3-4 classes to acclimatise to the heat.
• Please get changed in the changing rooms and leave your bags there. You may bring your valuables, towel and water with you into the studio.
• Please turn off mobile phones.
• Most new students go to the back of the room as this enables them to observe the more experienced students at the front.
• Make sure you can see yourself in the mirror as it's important that you see your alignment. Try not to stand directly in front of anyone. The teacher will assist you and make sure that you try all the postures the right way. The first class is always the worst.
• Try to stay in the room. This is your only aim and can be quite a challenge. If you are in the room the teacher can take care of you. If for any reason you need to leave the room, please do so between postures so as not to distract other students, and always let the teacher know.
• Drink plenty of water, small sips are best, just to moisten the mouth. No coloured drinks or glass bottles in the studio please.
• Try to stand still in between postures. This may be difficult at first, but try to develop this discipline to conserve your energy for the postures.
• Please do not talk in the studio. There is a lounge downstairs to chat in and catch up with friends. Be respectful to other students during the class as well as in savasanas. This is time for peace, quiet, meditation and even prayer.
• Go into and out of postures slowly and carefully. Never push to the point of pain. Discomfort ensures moving to your optimum level; pain means that you have pushed too far.
• At the end of each class, take your mat to the ballet bars and hang it up then leave the room quietly in consideration of other students.