Q: Why does it have to be so hot in the room?

The room is heated for several reasons:

• to increase your heart rate to work your cardiovascular system
• to increase your flexibility and assist you in stretching deeper to affect healing
• to aid the body in releasing toxins from organs, muscles, and tissues
• to thin the blood to clear out the cardiovascular system
• to improve your strength by putting muscle tissue in optimal state of change
• to reorganize lipids (fats) in the muscular structure
• to eliminate trauma and injury to the body

If the heat causes extreme discomfort for you, be assured that you can change that with 4 consecutive classes. This effort will increase your tolerance for the heat.

Q: Do you have to be in great shape to do this?

NO. This is a beginners series created for people with chronic pain and disease. Anyone can come and try it no matter what shape you are in. Remember, you will improve from the very first class.  This yoga will help your body reach optimal health.

Bikram says, "never too old, never too sick, never too bad... to start once again from stratch."

Q: How do I get started?

Just come in 10 minutes before your first class and fill out a medical release form. Students under 17 must have a parent of guardian sign this form before taking class. Bring a large beach or bath towel, a facecloth and some drinking water (you can refill your bottle with filtered water no charge), wear comfortable clothes (no sweatpants), and be prepared to sweat. Yoga is best done on an empty stomach.

Q: Is the routine the same every time?

Yes. Part of Bikram's genius comes from designing the flow so that one posture opens a specific area of the body in preparation for the next posture. By utilizing the same flow every class, Bikram's yoga has a much shorter learning curve than other styles of yoga.

Q: What if I'm pregnant?

The first trimester is a vital time for the developing fetus and you may be tired and/or feeling ill. Therefore, it is best to wait until after your 12th week before starting the yoga. Postures are modified for pregnancy but done with the regular students so you are welcome at any class. If you already do Bikram yoga and feel well, you may just continue your regular practice until you feel the need for the modifications (between 8 and 12 weeks).

Q: What if I'm not flexible?

This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. You don't need to be flexible to do yoga. Just come to class and "try the right way" to do each posture and you will get 100% benefit.

Q: Is it a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?

No matter what your level of fitness is this yoga will challenge you.  And you never outgrow it.  You will be amazed at the cardiovascular workout you get from holding still in postures. Your body continually seeks to normalize in yoga and so if you are overweight you will lose weight. Consistency is the key. With persistence, patience and dedication your body will come into balance.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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 the right way to do the postures. 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 well hydrated.  A headache is a symptom of dehydration. Feeling tired or wiped out after class is a sign that you need to breathe more in 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.

Please call Diane at 617-325-3244 or talk to any teacher if your have any questions or concerns.

Q: What is a good age to start?

A child who has reached puberty can do the series. The yoga will help regulate hormones and brain chemicals so vital to our health so it's great for teenagers.  Anyone younger than that does not need to do the yoga in the heat. Young children can do yoga at home (without the heat) and have fun with the postures. They can easily do the floor poses, with no need to do the standing or balancing postures.

Remember anyone under the age of 17 needs a parent or guardian to sign the medical release form before starting class. The drop-in fee for anyone under 17 is $8.00.