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| - Bikram Yoga Forest Hill is a great studio. I've practised yoga (various methods/styles) for many years, but I'm new to Bikram this year. At BYFH, I've practised with all regular instructors* for the evenings and weekends (and not with those that conduct only weekday morning classes). While the Bikram method goes through the same 26 postures twice (and 2 breathing exercises), each instructor brings their personal style (and sometimes philosophy) to their classes. Some instructors are tougher and some are more relaxed (which is not to infer that it is ever easy!) Some will demonstrate certain poses, helping you to improve and to educate new students. I appreciate and benefit from all instruction and advice. I find everyone at the studio friendly and kind. Each instructor advises you to be present, to do your best and never to overextend yourself. If you are a regular, they've seen what you can do and will encourage you to go deeper and/or refine your form. Our bodies and energy levels are different on different days, so again, you listen to your body first and challenge yourself if it's available that day.
Before attending Bikram, I wasn't sure I would take to this "systematic" and "militaristic" form of yoga. While it is not my predominant practice, I have to say that it has its place and particular benefits; I do enjoy it. Overall, I'm very happy to practice at BYFH and would never settle for less from a Bikram studio!
* at the time of writing: Janice, Lisa A., Lisa G., Lisa F., Maria B., Richard B.
I disagree with a review here that states Janice is "over the top" with her delivery. This is not my experience. As a person she is friendly and kind. For Bikram instruction, she can be strict (it's Bikram!), but she has a sense of humour as well. She will insist that all students stay together as you go through the poses and that you not jump ahead. Yes, she (and pretty much every other instructor I've had) has called people out for being on "autopilot" but it's because you should be listening and truly present. This is integral to all yoga. She will encourage you to find better form and again, mediate on exactly what you are doing.
The practice room is a fairly generous room and never smells bad. The room itself, anyway. The same cannot be said for some people who smell 'sour' for whatever reason. The practice room has a smooth floor, no carpet. The heat is great. At the end, you will receive a very cold, lavender scented face cloth for your final Savasana. The reception and change rooms are downstairs. They are long and narrow. Everything is very clean, modern and neat. There are hooks and shelves for your belongings, showers (2 communal, behind one curtain), 2 toilets and sinks. For those new to the studio, generally there is a 2 week unlimited promo, occasionally there may be a 30 day unlimited promo.
I mean the following simply to be helpful. These are not my rules, this is the etiquette for all yoga studios. If you are new to yoga or Bikram, let the instructor know and do the best that you can do. Take a break if you need to, listen to your body (instructors here will remind you of this). During practice, truly listen as you are guided through each pose. Every instruction or tip given is specific for a reason. "Concentrate" and "mediate" are not just words: this is essential and you really do not have time to think. Don't convey clear annoyance by "sighing" or "huffing & puffing" if you think this is too much. I've witnessed brand new students behaving this way. Do what you can do. You have to start somewhere, so be open to learning and improving. This practice is challenging for everyone; you are not the only one in the room. No moaning during practice. No noise in the practice room before or after class: no talking and no prolonged whispering. Enter and leave quietly. Place your mat, towel and items quietly. Undo your velcro mat strap in the change room, don't bring it into the practice room. Please be mindful, no stomping in and out, no acting noisily. Be peaceful, devote this time to yourself and be respectful of everyone present.
If you're not familiar with Bikram, here's a good video of the complete posture series. Poses and breathing exercises are done twice. Once you move to the floor, you'll have a brief Savasana in between the poses. http://vimeo.com/31850678
Namaste!
Update:
Bikram Yoga Forest Hill is still a good studio. Instructors do rotate out (move away etc.) and new ones come, but they are all great. It tends to be quieter in summer. Winter was so long and it was often packed, as many hot yoga studios are in winter.
P.S. the cold, lavender scented cloths are no more :( People kept taking them home!
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