FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram yoga is a precise asana series of 26 postures and 2 pranayama breathing exercises that allow fresh oxygenated blood to flow through all of your body by warming and stretching muscles, tendons and ligaments. Each posture is performed twice during the 90-minute class in a +40°C room and is instructed by a Bikram professional who guides you through the moving meditation.
Bikram yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury in India in 1946. For more information, please visit the following website: https://www.bikramyoga.com/about/bikram-yoga/
What are the 26 Hatha postures?
Asana 1 – Pranayama (Standing Deep Breathing Pose)
Asana 2 – Ardha-Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
Asana 3 – Utkatasana (Awkward Pose)
Asana 4 – Garudasana (Eagle Pose)
Asana 5 – Dandayamana-Janushirasana (Standing Head to Knee Pose)
Asana 6 – Dandayamana-Dhanurasana (Standing Bow Pose)
Asana 7 – Tuladandasana (Balancing Stick Pose)
Asana 8 – Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Paschimotthanasana (Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose)
Asana 9 – Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
Asana 10 – Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Janushirasana (Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose)
Asana 11 – Tadasana (Tree Pose)
Asana 12 – Padangustasana (Toe Stand Pose)
Asana 13 – Savasana (Corpse Pose/Dead Body Pose)
Asana 14 – Pavanamuktasana (Wind Removing Pose)
Asana 15 – Pada-Hasthasana (Sit Up Pose)
Asana 16 – Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Asana 17 – Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
Asana 18 – Poorna-Salabhasana (Full Locust Pose)
Asana 19 – Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Asana 20 – Supta-Vajrasana (Fixed Firm Pose)
Asana 21 – Ardha-Kurmasana (Half Tortoise Pose)
Asana 22 – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Asana 23 – Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
Asana 24 – Janushirasana with Paschimotthanasana (Head to Knee Pose with Stretching Pose)
Asana 25 – Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Spine-Twisting Pose)
Asana 26 – Kapalbhati in Vajrasana (Blowing in Firm Pose)
Please note there are different levels of difficulty with each posture and it is essential you make the instructor aware at the beginning of the class if you are pregnant or have any injuries as they will advise you of the best practice to prevent further injury.
What should I expect?
If it is your first class, expect to sweat! Use it as an important class to focus on your breathing. The instructor will explain the importance of the breathing techniques and it is essential you follow these for you get to the most out of your practice. Our Wednesday and Saturday classes are suitable for all abilities.
What are the benefits of Bikram yoga?
- Detoxification
- Increases heart rate
- Weight loss, toning, lengthening & strengthening
- Improves your flexibility, posture, balance & mobility
- Increases blood flow to improve overall circulation
- Improves breathing technique and expands your lung capacity to strengthen your heart
- Improves sleeping
- Improves focus and allows you to clear your mind
- Promotes healing
- Raises energy levels
- Calms your soul
- Reduces stress
- Increases your mental clarity
Plus many more…
How hot is the room?
The room is around 40°C and has a humidity of around 35/40% so be prepared to sweat! For beginners, it can be quite a shock so if you need to take a rest within the class, I advise you to take a seat on your mat and take long deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth whilst you acclimatise. We don’t recommend you leaving the room during class, just take your time to catch your breath again before continuing with your practice.
What do I have to wear?
I advise to avoid wearing loose fitted clothing and for women to wear yoga/gym leggings, shorts, crop/vest top and shorts for men.
Please also bring a spare change of clothes for after the class as you WILL sweat!
What do I have to bring?
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Unfortunately due to COVID-19 I am no longer able to provide mats and towels so please bring yoru own.
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Plenty of water – There is the facility to fill up your bottles.
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A towel for showering afterwards.
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A change of clothes for after the class / toiletries you may want.
Who can do Bikram Yoga?
I recommend anyone over the age of 16 can attend our classes (and no there is not a maximum age, you're never too old!). I do however recommend that you don't do our classes without medical approval if you are:
I am pregnant, can I practice Bikram yoga?
As recomended by all health professionals, I do not advise starting Bikram yoga as a 'new' exercise if you are pregnant. If you have been practicing reguarly for a while then please contact me and we will discuss the safety of you continuing but it is so important you make me aware as soon as possible that you are or might be pregnant for the health of you and your baby.
I have an injury/recently went through surgery, can I practice Bikram?
Before attending Chez Sal, I advise you contact your doctor or health professional for approval that you can practise Bikram yoga. Please also then make me and your instructor aware at the start of class if you have a specific medical condition or injury.
Is there parking?
Yes. There is plenty of free parking available.
How long do the classes last?
The Bikram classes at Chez Sal are all the traditional length of 90 minutes.
How many people are in the class?
There are 8 spaces available per class.
My question wasn't answered, who can I contact?
Please visit my contact page here and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
When are your classes?
We take 3 classes per week at the following times:
How much are the classes?
Individual session: £20.00
What time do I need to arrive?
The Studio doors open 30 minutes before class commences. I advise aiming to get to the Studio for this time so you can relax, breathe, acclimatise and really prepare yourself for the class. Please arrive no later that 10 minutes before class starts. In order to follow social distancing guidelines, please reamin 1.5m apart from other attendees and avoid gathering before or after class.
Can I cancel/change my class?
Due to the limited number of spaces in the classes, in order to cancel/change, please contact me directly. Any class cancelled/changed within 96 hours (4 days) of the start of the scheduled class is unfortunately non-refundable. If you are unable to attend a class, please contact me to cancel the class to allow others to fill the space.
What if the class is fully booked?