Thinking about taking your first Bikram Yoga class?
Don’t worry, everyone’s a little nervous the first time. But please don’t let that stop you from coming. It’s definitely different from anything else you may have tried. As you’ll come to find out, it’s well worth it!
We are so happy that you are considering joining us. We guarantee that a regular Bikram Yoga practice will change your life in more ways than you can imagine.
Please keep in mind that in the first class you will really just be getting used to the heat and the postures. You’ll need to attend somewhere between 3 to 6 classes to effectively determine if this yoga is for you, and the sooner you take the next couple of classes, the more you will benefit.
Bikram designed this yoga to accommodate beginners, so you can pick any class on the schedule that is most convenient for you. Know that with a little practice and experience, you’ll soon be right at home. Also, know that everyone was at one time a beginner.
One of the great things about this yoga is, although you are with a group of people all doing the same set of postures, every single person in there will be at their own level. Some people can do most of the postures pretty well, some people can’t really do any of them and most of us are right in the middle. You will find that your only focus in the class will be on yourself.
I heard that Bikram Yoga is extreme - and for the fit and young.
A common misconception!
The reality is that our studio– and Bikram Yoga in general – has many students over the age of 70. Many go from the couch directly to Bikram Yoga, and many students adjust to the practice by simply sitting still in the room for a few classes before trying the postures. Some students practice from wheelchairs and others use a chair at first. All of this is possible in every class, with consultation and guidance from our teachers.
And yes, this is also the yoga of choice of many current and former professional and collegiate athletes. It is designed for the unfit and the fit, and effective for everyone in between.
Do I need to get in shape before I start?
We have a saying:
To say you’re not flexible enough for yoga is like saying you’re too dirty to take a bath.
Why is it hot, not sure I'll be able to handle it.
I’m a beginner. Can I take this class?
I’m not flexible at all. Can I do this?
Definitely.
We have a saying here:
To say your not flexible enough for yoga is like saying you’re too dirty to take a bath.
Bikram Yoga will help you become flexible, and you’ll find that you improve just a little with each class. Everyone works at their own level, and everyone’s got something going on with their body. Some of us may be working towards getting these postures right for the rest of our natural days! It’s the try that counts.
Why is it always the same?
- build mastery and discipline
- develop subtlety and depth of understanding
- maintain safety before advancing
- improve strength and mobility of every single joint in every class
- train the mind to look for internal differences rather than external stimuli
What should I wear?
The less the better.
The more skin of your arms, legs, and torso that are exposed, the cooler you will be.
Believe us, the less you wear, the more comfortable you’ll be and the easier it will be to practice. Most guys wear a bathing suit or yoga shorts. Women will be comfortable in a sports bra and shorts or thin leggings. Anything light and stretchy is good to start with. Avoid big tee shirts or loose shorts (we strecth a lot and you don’t want to be showing everything you have, if you know what we mean…). You can also look at the hot yoga clothing that we offer in the boutique.
Please try not to use a hand towel for wiping sweat; allowing the sweat to stay on your body and evaporate will help you cool down quicker.
Those who are concerned about how their body looks will find relief in our yoga method and our extremely non-judgmental, supportive, body-positive community. During class, you will be so highly focused on the internal sensations, verbal instructions, and breathing – the negativity about your appearance and the comparisons with other bodies will literally melt away.
How should I hydrate?
What about eating?
You should have sufficient food intake in general. Self-starving or extreme dieting do not work with this practice.
The general rule is not to eat within 3 hours before class, but if you’re famished, eat something light and bland like Saltine crackers; a couple should curb the hunger pangs. We don’t recommend nuts, chocolate, lattes, heavy or rich foods, or sushi, to be eaten within the 3 hours before you practice. We’ve tried it and regretted it.
How often should I practice?
What if I have a medical condition?
Can children do Bikram Yoga?
Can I do yoga while I’m pregnant?
I heard that Bikram Yoga is competitive.
Is Bikram Yoga a chain or franchise?
I have heard negative things about Bikram Choudhury on the Internet. I do not want to support him
Bikram Yoga Simsbury
Gift Certificates Now Available!
What a wonderful gift – that of health and wellness!

Bikram Yoga Simsbury is a small business wholly owned by Richard and Laurie. We have never been part of any franchise and have never paid any corporate fees.
Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.
BKS Iyengar