New to Bikram hot yoga?

Visiting Stafford Street Hot Yoga for the 1st Time...

There is a lot to read here, but if it is your first time doing Bikram hot yoga, please read this entire page!

 Be 30 minutes early! 

If you arrive less than 15 minutes before your very first yoga class, you may be asked to attend the next class, because:  

1. The Bikram instructors want to meet you and will give you an intro chat 10 min before class begins.

2. There is a small membership form to fill out.

3. You will need to change, set up your mat, and get acquainted with our hot yoga space. 

Late arrivals will not be allowed into class, as you won't have enough time to be prepared, and we want you to have a great first class!  Please arrive 20-30 minutes early!

If you are under the age of 18, you will need parental permission to attend one of our hot yoga classes.  The membership form can be downloaded here, so you can print a copy at home and have a parent or guardian sign before you come.

We’re going to be honest with you – your first beginners Bikram yoga class may not be easy, but nothing in life that’s worth doing ever is!  You are going to sweat like you’ve never sweat before, out of sweat glands that you never knew existed.  Your muscles are going to tingle, strengthen and tone. People don't know this, but Bikram Hatha Yoga does work your cardiovascular system, without any detrimental impact to the joints - "stretching is the definition of exercise!"  Your muscles, tendons and ligaments will get the workout of their lives, and not a single one will be neglected.

Before you arrive at our Winnipeg hot yoga studio

• Hydrate yourself; an extra litre of water sipped throughout the day before coming to yoga class is ideal.
• Our studio strives to be scent-free; no perfumes, perfumed lotions, colognes or deodorants please (you may shower before class if you are scented).  Please be aware that laundry detergents and fabric softeners can be highly-scented and over-powering; try using unscented products when washing your hot yoga clothes, towels etc.
• No anti-perspirants! Allow your body to sweat freely and comfortably.
• Empty stomach - do not eat 2-3 hours before class. 
• If you have low blood sugar, eating a whole fruit as a snack is the best option, no more than 1/2 before class.  It will digest the quickest so that you don't feel full, but blood sugar will be satisfied.  Learning how and what to eat around class time is totally different for each individual - it is a trial and error process, just be patient you will learn what is right for you!
• Arrive 30 minutes early to fill out a membership form, get changed, and get acquainted with the studio.

What to bring

• A yoga mat

• 2 bath towels (one to place on top of your yoga mat during class, and one if you would like to shower after class)

• 1 litre water water bottle recommended.
• Please note that we do not sell plastic water bottles... filtered water is available to refill your re-useable container. No glass allowed for safety reasons.
• Light clothes that you will feel comfortable sweating in. We suggest a pair of shorts for men, and a comfortable top or sports bra and shorts for women. If possible, shorts that come above the knee are preferred to accommodate mobility in the yoga postures.
• A can-do attitude and no expectations allows you the best first time experience!

What to expect during your first Bikram class

Brief feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness and/or nausea are perfectly normal in a rigorous hot yoga class. Detoxification is happening on a cellular level, and this can feel unpleasant, but it's just your body's way of cleaning out the junk clogging your system.

The number one objective is to stay in the room (if you leave, you will most likely hit the same wall next class... be strong!).

If you need to, simply kneel down or sit on your yoga mat, breathe slowly and wait for the feeling to pass. If it persists, lie down with your feet away from the instructor - this will assist breathing and circulation, and help the feeling pass sooner. Join the class again when you feel ready. Everyone handles detoxification differently - there is nothing wrong with you, or the yoga class!

If you feel you cannot do a certain pose, observe other students with strong Bikram practices (usually at the front of the room), then join in. Most of the postures are done in sets of 2. The instructor will give the class verbal instruction every step of the way. Just do the best you can! Even if you can only do 1% of the posture, if that 1% is correct, you are on the right track. Next time might be 3%, then 8% - you are working through your current physical limitations and are on the road to a healthy, balanced body. One of the most satisfying aspects of a commitment to Bikram yoga is seeing (and feeling) your progress throughout your journey.

The first Bikram yoga class is often the most challenging - just know that you can do it and it will only get better. Read a story of a now convert’s first time in a hot yoga class to get inspired.

We always encourage new students that one class is not enough to really get a feel for the healing, maintaining, and strengthening power of this yoga... be brave! 

Try to commit to 3 classes in your first week.  This will help you to learn the postures, climatize to the heat, open up tight little corners of the body, and begin to develop the strength, breath, and flexibility you are looking for.  That is why we have a great "intro" offer to choose from,  the one-month intro.  You are not obligated to the one month intro on your first visit, but it's an opportunity for a great deal, so take advantage if you can!

For info on Private Classes please click here.