New Students

When most people think of yoga, images of chanting and people maneuvering into seemingly impossible positions come to mind. Yoga is NOT just for the fantastically flexible. In fact, if you are not flexible, if you cannot touch your toes, or perhaps cannot even see your toes, you are a perfect candidate for the benefits of yoga.

As a beginner, it is normal to feel a little intimidated. With a consistent practice and some patience you will improve. Remember to focus on and take care of yourself in class. You will always feel challenged by the yoga, everyone does. The teacher will guide and instruct you and help you to discover your edge. Expect the body to change and be different every day. Stay positive, it helps! We encourage you to visit the Yoga Etiquette section of our website which provides tips and etiquette on approaching your yoga practice.

Bikram always says to "try the right way" to achieve 100 percent benefit from every posture. Take your second class within 24 hours of your first class. You have awakened and stimulated every system in your body with your first class. With your second class, your organs, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems receive 2-3 times the nourishment and healing than they did in the first class. And by taking your second class within 24 hours of your first class you will bypass much of the soreness you would otherwise experience.

Make up your mind to take ten classes as close together as possible. We ask you to do this because you will feel like a new person physically, emotionally and mentally. You will feel some of the benefits of this yoga with just a class or two but to really soar - you need the cumulative effect of at least ten classes, so come as often as you possibly can. After your introduction we encourage you to practice a minimum of 3 times a week. To learn more about this read the "How often do I have to endure this class?" on our FAQ page. If you want a complete transformation, ask us about the 60 Day Challenge.

For more information about Bikram Choudhury, founder of Bikram Yoga, and for classes worldwide, please visit BikramYoga.com.
 

REGISTRATION
All new students to BYA will be required to fill out a Registration/Waiver form. This form can be filled out at the studio or you can click here to download the registration form. Please fill it out and bring it with you to class.

Arrive 15 - 20 minutes early for your first class. This gives us time for registration and orientation. New students will not be allowed into class late. No reservations required when attending any of the 23 classes.
 
You will need to bring a large towel, yoga mat and water. (available for sale/rental).
 
Wear light, fitted exercise clothing such as sport bra/tank top, shorts or swimwear. Avoid sweats, long pants, heavy t-shirts.
 
Avoid eating 2 - 3 hours before class.
 
Drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you're well hydrated before coming to class. Good hydration supports the healthy function of all of your body's systems, and it makes the heat feel comfortable rather than overwhelming.
 
Bring a positive attitude! If you feel nervous, scared or a little intimidated, no problem; many people may feel that way initially. Don't let it stop you from coming to class. Bikram designed this class for beginners, so know that with a little practice and experience, you'll quickly feel right at home.
 
Come back! Take your second class within 24 hours. The second class is the equivalent of 3 to 4 classes, and you will bypass much of the soreness you'd experience otherwise. Make up your mind to take 10 classes as quickly as possible. Then no one has to tell you how good this yoga is for you. You will experience it for yourself.