Yes absolutely! Bikram is a beginners’ series of 26 simple hatha yoga postures and two breathing exercises, so ideal for anyone brand new. In fact, it’s the perfect series for every single body. As Bikram says ‘you’re never too old, never too bad, never too late and never too sick to start from scratch once again.’
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Again, absolutely yes! Saying you’re too inflexible for yoga is like saying you’re too hungry to eat. Both the flexible and inflexible body will benefit from this class.
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We get asked this question a lot. Many students are worried about what they’ve heard about the series, about Bikram himself, about the heat and about the discipline in class.
Bikram Yoga is like a prescription, follow the instructions and you’ll be fine! (Oh, and don’t forget to breathe!) It has helped millions of people around the world and it can help you achieve your goals and live a healthy, happy life. We only ask that you show up and do your best, nothing more and nothing less.
Our teachers are certified by Bikram himself and are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible class. Plus, there will be lots of other students at the studio to speak to before and after class who will be able to share with you their experiences and reassure you that you’re in safe hands.
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Detox – the heat gently increases the blood flow by expanding the capillaries that carry blood. This increases the oxygenation and regeneration of the blood, deeply detoxifying and improving overall function of your major organs.
Weight loss – the heat helps the body burn fat more effectively and regulates your metabolism. The calories burned in a Bikram Yoga class far outweigh other styles of yoga. This is in part because of how hard the body has to work in the class and during the hours after class when the body is still having to work hard to restore homeostasis. Practice regularly and you can expect to notice the difference. You’ll also begin to make better choices about what you eat and will drink more water.
Mental clarity – practiced in the heat, Bikram Yoga pushes your body and mind to their limits. Going beyond your comfort zone in class helps you deal with the obstacles of daily life more easily so you feel more confident, have improved self-esteem, feel more emotionally sound and stand taller both literally and metaphorically.
Yoga glow – when the body sweats, toxins are released and pores are detoxified, directly benefiting the largest organ of the body, our skin. The yoga glow is no myth, you will leave class having had the best facial ever and your skin never feeling or looking so good! You will sleep better and have more energy.
Improved immunity – hot Bikram Yoga will help relax your mind, lower stress hormones and stimulate your lymphatic system which eliminates toxins from the body and optimises organ functionality. Sleep, exercise and clean eating are the widely accepted pillars on which good health is built.
Flexibility – in the heat, with more blood flow to your limbs, you will immediately see an improvement to your flexibility. The warmth relaxes the muscles, allowing your body to move more freely. A warm body can twist, bend and stretch further, giving everything inside and out a gentle massage. This is especially important for a tired or injured body too.
|
Lifestyle |
Physical |
Functioning |
Aesthetic |
Medical |
Psychological |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Keeps you young |
Increased muscle tone |
Greater range of movement |
Encourages better eating |
Reduced pain and inflammation |
Stress relief |
|
More energy |
Improved circulation |
Improved balance and co-ordination |
Trims tummy and bum |
Stabilises blood pressure |
Feel happier |
|
Stronger immune system |
Increased bone strength |
More efficient breathing |
Weight loss |
Improves metabolism, increases immunity |
Mindfullness |
|
Improved stamina |
Better joint mobility |
Better sleep |
Toned body |
Healthier heart |
Relaxation |
|
Healthier for longer |
Releases nerves |
Improved digestion |
Leaner muscles |
Strengthens joints |
Improved consciousness |
|
Improves optimism |
Loosens muscles |
Better concentration |
Better skin, hair and nails |
Helps backpain |
Decreased anxiety |
|
Benefits relationships |
Healthier joints |
Improved sex drive |
Better posture |
Improves asthma |
Improves self esteem |
|
Improves fitness |
Lymphatic drainage |
Overall body strength |
Flexibility and agility |
Hormone regulation |
Peace of mind |
|
Clears the mind |
Improved flexibility |
Less chaotic mind |
Encourages self-care |
Regulates adrenal glands and reduces fatigue |
Better sleep |
Please bring a bottle of water, a yoga mat and two towels. One towel is to practice on (which is placed on top of your mat) and one is to shower/dry yourself with after class. We recommend a long towel for class that covers most of your mat (a flannel or hand towel will be of no use!). Other than that, an open mind and a smile go a long way!
Most importantly, please come to class well hydrated. Exactly what this look likes varies from person to person and as you develop in your practice. Water is ideal, but hydration can come in many forms including sports drinks, electrolyte tablets dissolved in water, squash and juice, milk, herbal tea and coconut water. With regular practice you will discover what’s right for you. Don’t drink too much in class though as this will make you feel sick and distract you and the other students from your practice. Think about drinking enough before you come, this may take some time but it is certainly a good habit to adopt anyway.
We recommend eating two to three hours before class. Again, this varies from person to person. Some people like to have some nuts, a porridge pot or a banana an hour or so before class, for others just eating normally that day is enough. Generally, an empty stomach is preferrable to a full one as you may feel sick during class. Conversely for some people not enough food before class can make them feel weak and overwhelmed. If you feel you have low energy or are feeling sick in class, always speak to the teacher and perhaps think about what you’ve eaten that day. Clearly for early morning classes, it’s not so easy however a good meal the night before and may be a small piece of fruit or a smoothie will see you right. Ultimately there are no hard and fast rules as we’re all different. So, listen to your body and fuel it well.
Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in that will allow your body to sweat. Sweat is good, it’s part of the detoxification process and is what will keep your body cool. So, we encourage you not to wipe it away. Let it come!
Most people will wear leggings or shorts (shorts are better for observing the contraction of your thighs in the mirror) and a vest top, crop top or t-shirt. Men are welcome to practice shirtless.
Students should have bare feet in the yoga room, unless a covering is required for a medical reason in which case, please advise the teacher before class. And one polite request – please make sure your bottoms have a close fitting underlayer.
Whatever you choose to wear, remember we are an open and welcoming community and you will realise very quickly indeed that no one is looking at you. Bikram Yoga is an incredible leveller. There is absolutely no judgement from anyone else. You will find this is a place where eventually you will be able to let go of your own judgement and realise just how incredible your body is.
We encourage everyone to book into class online beforehand. Please visit the Schedule page of our website, click the ‘sign up’ button and follow the prompts. Using our partner Momence you will be able to buy a pass or a membership and book into class. You can also cancel your class booking via Momence. If you’re able to attend we ask that you cancel as soon as you are able. This will ensure that during busy periods other students are able to join their preferred class. If you are not able to cancel online or need assistance with anything at all you can contact us via our mobile number either by phone, text or WhatsApp.
Our schedule page link
Our address is: 22 Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1RD
What3Words – ///wire.caring.quit
There is lots of metred on street parking on the roads around the studio (including right outside our front door), all within a few minutes walk – try Rutland Street, Colton Street, Yeoman Street, Queen Street and Southampton Street. On street parking in the city centre is free on a Sunday and between 6pm and 8am Monday to Saturday. If you’re coming for early morning class (6.30am) or evening class (6pm or 6.30pm) you should only need to pay £2 to cover the period of time that parking is chargeable (7.30am to 6pm) – or you can choose brave it with the traffic wardens! They are very active and very strict in the city centre, so if you do choose to risk it without paying, remember you have been warned! Note, Bank Holidays are not treated like Sundays, i.e. parking is not free if it is not normally free on a Sunday. Always double check on the specific metre.
There are also a number of car parks within a few minutes walk including:
NCP Rutland Street (two minutes walk) – https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/leicester-rutland-centre/
Download the NCP Park Pass app BEFORE you arrive to get discounted parking – £3.90 up to two hours and £5.85 up to three hours. You scan the QR code in your app and do not take a ticket. There is also the NCP at Lee Circle car park https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/leicester-lee-circle/, which is even cheaper with the app at £2.90 for two hours and £3.45 for two to 24 hours. It’s about a 10 min walk away.
Queen Street (three minutes walk) – https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/carpark/queen_street-2/le1/leicester/?arriving=202206051600&leaving=202206051800, you can pay using the metre on site or download the Pay by Phone app (address code 805464). Two hours is £1.40 via the metre or £1.70 via the app (admin fee of 30p applies).
Dover Street (five minutes walk) – https://www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/parking-in-leicester/parking-charges/ due to road works, the entrance is currently via Calais Hill not Dover Street. Up to three hours is £4. If coming for 6pm class you will benefit from the night owl rate (arrivals after 5pm) of £2 for two hours.
There will often only be the teacher checking students in and out so we will lock the door from the inside promptly a couple of minutes before class starts, therefore you should ALWAYS try your hardest to get to class at least 10 minutes before the start time. Be prepared that if you are late you will likely miss class.
If you know you are running late, please call or text/WhatsApp us to let us know that you are on your way well before the class start time. Strictly speaking there should be no late entry, however depending on the circumstances, the teacher may be able to do their best to open up for you without disrupting the other students and only if it is within the first five to 10 mins of class. This is entirely down to the individual teacher’s discretion. Any later than that or if we aren’t aware you are at the door then unfortunately it might not be possible for you to make class that day.
We hate it when students miss class so, please, please do everything you can to give yourself plenty of time to get to class. If that happens to you, whilst you may feel frustrated and disappointed, take a deep breath, enjoy a day off and remember we’ll still be here for you next time.
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It takes at least five to 10 classes for your body to get accustomed to the heat, so one class really won’t do you or the series justice. The 30 day intro pass is designed help you make the most of the Bikram Yoga experience which may be very different to anything you have tried before. So, come with an open mind and let this incredible practice transform you inside and out.
Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t come to class?
The only times that it is not recommended to do Bikram Yoga are as follows:
- If you are fasting.
- If you are on, an extreme diet or are consuming only minimal calories through diet shakes.
- If you have a temperature, in particular of course, if you are suffering from the symptoms of COVID-19. If you think you may have a cold or flu we’d recommend waiting until you feel better before coming back to class for the sake of your fellow yogis.
- If you are already doing an intense detoxification.
- If you are pregnant and have less than six months of regular practice of Bikram Yoga.
- If you have had recent chemotherapy.
- If you suffer from epilepsy, you will need to speak to your consultant and have written consent from them particularly for practicing in the hot room.
If you suffer from any other condition or have had a recent injury or surgery, please speak to the teacher before coming to class.
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As with any new exercise it is not recommended that you take up something new whilst pregnant. However, if you have been practicing Bikram Yoga regularly for at least six months then there is no reason not to continue with some modifications. Your body temperature is already higher, therefore you would need a cooler part of the room. In addition, compressions or lying on your back are not recommended. Please inform your teacher to enable them to work with you.