Because this is no ordinary yoga! For over 30 years now literally millions of people in dozens of countries, from Austria to Japan to the U.K. have been improving their health and turning back the clocks on their bodies!

Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises that have been scientifically designed, refined, tested and proven to be the safest, most effective way of promoting health and longevity - for anyone! And we're excited to show you why!

EXTRAORDINARY YOGA - EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS

What exactly is Bikram Yoga? When most people think of yoga, images of people chanting and manoeuvering into seemingly impossible positions come to mind. This is NOT Bikram Yoga. In fact, there is no research to indicate that contorting your body makes you healthier and at Bikram Yoga Nanaimo our focus is on creating real life health: strength, flexibiliy and stability.

Bikram Yoga is a series of beginner yoga postures that become an energetic form of exercise. The Bikram series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises will help you align and energize your body for optimum health.

Not flexible? Yoga is NOT just for the fantastically flexible. In fact, if you aren't flexible, if you can't touch your toes, or cannot even see you toes, you are the perfect candidate to start practising Bikram Yoga. The benefits of Bikram Beginners Yoga are for everyone; whether you're athletic or you can't touch your toes, yet!

BIKRAM YOGA CLASS is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises done in a heated room. It is a "beginning class" only in the sense that there are not advanced postures that might cause injury.

The "beginning postures" are, in actuality, the most physically and mentally demanding. However, students at all levels of practice will be able to perform them, to some degree. And this is an important distinction between Bikram's and other types of yoga: in every Bikram Yoga posture, you are getting 100% of the benefit available to your body and mind, no matter how deep, or not deep, you can go. The ONLY 'must' in Bikram Yoga is to do your best to maintain the form of the postures, letting the depth take care of itself as you continue to practise.

BIKRAM CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTORS emphasize performing each posture correctly, while maintaining the highest degree of safety. The sequence of the postures is critical. Each new pose is preparation for the next. Each action will have its opposite. Every part of the body will be utilized - from skin to bone, and fingertips to toes.

Each pose is performed in precise order, and to the best of one's ability. Students learn to steadily place new demands upon themselve, working harder yet more calmly, and gaining focus with each succeeding class. Physical exertion and relaxation are most effective when performed in tandem. Controlled breathing ("pranayama") and intense concentration maximize the results.

The BIKRAM SERIES is based upon the principles of Hatha Yoga: "active postures" ("asanas") provide an intensely concentrated exercising of the body, after which "rest poses" ("savasanas") allow freshly oxygenated blood to circulate through the muscles, joints, internal organs, and endocrine system.

BIKRAM YOGA offers no instant gratification, nor will it magically change the world around one. Yoga is a science, with a history of more than 5000 years. Unrivalled as a means of improving health and muscle tone, reducing stress, and creating peace of mind, one's rewards are commensurate with one's effort. Patience and determination are the only requirements.

BIKRAM ROOMS are hot by design. Be prepared to work hard; to make demands upon yourself; and to sweat. Though yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach, hydrate well before each class, and bring bottled water. Sticky-mats and towels are necessary for floor poses. Lycra active-wear is preferable for both women and men.

The following are but a few of the benefits enjoyed by the millions of people around the globe who regularly practice Bikram Yoga:

• increased flexibility, strength and vitality

• improved body image and self-esteem

• decreased stress and alleviation of pain

• regluated blood pressure

• improved mobility of the entire spinal column

• calmed nervous system, and increasing sense of well-being

• enhanced functioning of the entire endocrine system and balanced metabolism