FAQs
What if I’m not that flexible?
Flexibility is something yoga gives you; you don’t have to be flexible to start a yoga practice. Yoga brings flexibility to the body. When you sit a lot during the work day, or when you’re engaging in repetitive motion activities, you’re shortening your muscles; yoga allows you to lengthen and expand and release toxins that build up during these activities.
Increased flexibility is not yoga’s only objective nor its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga – to harmoniously unite body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical practice – can be experienced regardless of whether you’re able to easily touch your toes.
Is yoga a cardiovascular workout?
No matter what your level of fitness, you will find Bikram Maui yoga classes not only challenging, but powerful workouts that go beyond just cardiovascular workouts. All postures combine flexibility, strength and balance to work the entire body. With patience and dedication, you can lose weight, develop muscle tone and strength and become more flexible than with other forms of exercise. Physiologists agree that yoga provides benefits well beyond flexibility and relaxation. Recent research shows that yoga may also improve lung function, strength and aerobic capacity, according to Yoga Journal.
Why is the studio heated and will this make the class more challenging for me?
All Pure Yoga classes are practiced in a heated room which helps stretch muscle fibers and tendons and helps prevent injuries to these areas while stretching. The heat also helps increase circulation to tissues and organs, enhances the functioning of the immune system and provides great healing influence to the entire body.
The heat will make the classes more challenging. However, we encourage students to pace themselves and determine the intensity that works best for them in each pose and throughout the class. Bikram Maui yoga classes will provide a healthy, challenging workout that will give you a strong and stress-free road map to life.
What should I wear to yoga class? What should I bring?
Please bring a bottle of water, a towel and a mat if you have one. Note that the studio rents towels and mats and also sells water. What to wear to yoga class includes tight-fitting exercise clothing in which you can sweat. Also, please arrive to the studio about 15 minutes before your first class to meet your instructor and fill out a short “new student” form. This will also leave you ample time to ask any questions, prepare for class and relax onto your mat. Come with an open mind and be prepared to have fun.
What are some of the benefits of yoga?
There are countless benefits to Bikram Maui yoga classes, including stress reduction, increased blood circulation, flexibility, strength, improved sleep patterns and relaxation. A regular practice (at least three times a week) can reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders).
What if I have an injury?
Let the teacher know prior to class and they will be able to modify poses or even suggest alternatives that can help to alleviate the pain and encourage healing. The most important thing is to listen to your body and if something hurts or doesn’t feel right, stop and let the teacher know.
When can I expect to see progress in my yoga practice?
Each individual will respond differently to yoga, based on a myriad of factors including age, physical condition and genetics. What is far more important than measuring “progress” is to simply embrace where your practice is, and let go of any arbitrary self-imposed “goals.” Yoga is truly a life-long pursuit, one that you can go on exploring as long as you live and never learn all there is to know. Yoga is about the journey, so enjoy the ride.
How often should I practice yoga?
A successful yoga practice requires discipline, consistency and commitment. To experience the true benefits of a yoga practice, we recommend practicing four to six days per week. A practice of two to three days per week, if consistent, will create transformation over time. Develop the spirit of repetition and dedication in your practice, and you will see results.
I arrived a few minutes late to class and the door was locked. Why is that?
At Bikram Maui, it’s our priority to honor and respect our student’s time. It’s often a challenge to devote an hour (or more) to ourselves during the day. Therefore, we promptly begin and end class on time, and we lock the door in between classes for the safety and security of our students who are taking class. Please show up to class on time (at least 5 – 15 minutes early is ideal) so you can be sure to squeeze in your yoga practice!
Can beginners attend Bikram Maui yoga classes? Do you offer yoga help for new students?
Yes. We have created an encouraging environment in which all levels and abilities can practice yoga. We encourage beginners to pace themselves in class and recommend beginners commit to attending three classes in the first week. This will create a solid physical base and an intellectual understanding that will eventually help build strength, focus, stamina and flexibility.
Do I need to drink water before class?
Drink plenty of water before class. It is easy to get dehydrated, so make sure you are drinking plenty of water after class and the entire day before you come to class. You are less likely to feel light headed or dizzy during class if you’ve had enough to drink in the hours proceding the class. Remember our bodies are mostly water. Being fully hydrated helps take pressure off of organs to do their jobs and helps flush the body and keep it running smoothly.
The most typical excuse for not drinking water is the increased visits to the WC. Your body will adjust to the increased water intake. You may also find benefits of decreased body odor, smoother skin and shinier hair.