Bikram Yoga Decatur

New Clients – Read This Entire Page

Please try to arrive 30 minutes early on your first visit. Classes begin punctually and the DOORS ARE LOCKED FIVE (5) MINUTES BEFORE THE SCHEDULED CLASS START TIME.

All clients are required to fill out a waiver. You can get a head start by downloading the waiver and bringing it with you already filled out. Download Waiver

What is Bikram Yoga?

Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class is a series of 26 postures including two breathing exercises, which is suitable for anyone 16 years and older and at any level of ability. Each posture strengthens specific muscles, ligaments and joints at the same time it prepares the body for the next posture. The Bikram method also stimulates the organs, glands and nerves, moving fresh, oxygenated blood to 100 percent of the body, restoring all systems to a healthy working order.

Preparation

• 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.
• Bring a large towel, a wash cloth, a bottle of water and a yoga mat (new clients may borrow a mat from us for their first class.)
• Wear a leotard, stretch pants, exercise shorts, or a swim suit. The room is heated and you will be sweating.
• Drink plenty of water before and after every class.

Studio Etiquette

• Please be in the yoga room and ready to begin BEFORE the scheduled class start time.
• Inform your instructor of any serious health problems or injuries before taking a class.
• If you have an injury or have been given posture modifications for any other reason, please set up in the back of the room.
• Only enter the studio with clean bare feet.
• Leave watches, cell phones, pagers, dangling or bulky jewelry, etc. in the dressing room.
• Do not wear perfume, cologne or other smelly stuff into the yoga room — showers are available before and after class.
• Bring only PLAIN WATER (in a non-glass container) in the yoga room. Ice is discouraged.
• Stay on your yoga mat and towel as much as possible.
• Try to stay in the room for the entire class, including through the full final Savasana.

(For more on this topic see our Yoga Studio Etiquette and Culture page)

How to Practice

• Everyone’s body shape and size is uniquely different and should never be compared.
• The most important factor in your yoga practice is not your physical alignment, but your mental alignment – your attitude. A well-aligned attitude requires a good amount of acceptance and humility. The key is to be non-judgmental about yourself and others.
• Pay attention to the teacher’s instructions and to what happens when you follow them.
• Work on postures slowly, gradually, and patiently. Your body might have a different level of endurance each day. Regular practice helps to develop awareness of the "edge" between challenge and unhealthy struggle. Start slowly and listen to your body. Always try to be mindful and focused as you move in and out of postures.
• Do not hold your breath during postures as this causes tension and strain.
• The effects of Bikram Yoga are cumulative. Being consistent over time and maintaining a beginner’s mind will have a profound and lasting effect. When you practice yoga regularly and with comittment, the rewards will carry over into your daily life. Be patient and soon you will be enjoying the benefits of a union between body, mind, and spirit.

Benefits
• Increases muscle tone, flexibility and stamina
• Increases metabolism and calorie burning
• Increases lung capacity and circulation
• Increases flexibility of joints, ligaments and tendons
• Increases focus and concentration
• Increases sense of well-being
• Improves sleeping habits
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Reduces anxiety and depression