Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a franchise?

No, we are an independent small business. We do not have an affiliation with any other yoga studios or gyms.

Do I need to sign up for class ahead of time?

Nope! You can just show up, but you will want to reserve your spot ahead of time on crowded days such as Sundays, holidays, and special events. We make it super easy to reserve ahead of time. Just download our app!

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?

Life happens— we get it! We don’t penalize you. If you’re not here by the time we lock the front door, we just take you out of class and we don’t deduct anything from your class package or from your account. You can use the class that you missed in the future (as long as it’s within 365 days of purchase).

What if I’m running late?

If you get here after class starts, then unfortunately we cannot let you in. Having to interrupt the class and shift everyone around disrupts everyone’s moving meditation. This is some people’s only time to themselves. If you’re running late, just come to a later class! We won’t penalize you for your missed class. Aim to build an extra five minutes in for parking.

Do I need to create an account on your app before I show up for the first time?

Not unless you want. Just show up about 20 minutes ahead of class start, and we’ll get you squared away. But if you don’t have an aversion to using technology, it’s so easy to download the app in order to schedule, cancel, or buy classes.

I bought a package, but then I got sick/injured/went out of town. Can I get a refund or an extension?

Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds or extensions under any circumstance. Please keep this in mind when buying a 10-pack, a pack of 30 days unlimited, or committing to the auto-pay contract. We are firm with our no-extension/refund policy so that we can be fair to everyone. We have this policy posted in our studio, on our receipts, on our pamphlets, and in numerous places here on our website. We also send out an email to anyone whose 10-pack is two weeks away from expiring. With over 40 classes per week, there are ample opportunities to use all of your classes even within the final two weeks of your 10-pack. As far as the auto-pay contracts or the 30 days unlimited are concerned, we cannot credit you for missed days if you are sick or go out of town. Please understand that we are a small business providing unlimited yoga with experienced teachers at an extremely discounted price, and there is no wiggle room. Do take note of your auto-pay; your contract automatically renews after your three-month commitment until you cancel it. (Most people keep it going because they have created a lifelong habit in those three months and love the yoga!)

What if I am pregnant? Then will you pause my package or give me a refund?

Congratulations! But no; we would treat this the same we would as an illness or injury. If you do want to practice while pregnant (and your doctor says you can), we have a whole section on practicing while pregnant here!

What if I show up the day after my package or gift card expires? Will you still honor it? It’s only one day!

See the answer above. We give you a firm 90 days to use your 10-pack, a firm 30 days to use your month unlimited without a contract, and you have a firm 3-month minimum commitment for your auto-pay contract. Gift cards are valid one year after issuance. For more info about our gift cards, click here.

What is the Monthly Auto-Pay option that I see on your tuition page?

This is our most popular package! It means that you’ll get charged $150 every month on the same day (based on whichever day of the month you initially sign up). In return, you get unlimited yoga. Many people even come to two classes a day! Note that this is a contract, and you agree to be bound for at least three months. You also agree that the contract automatically continues after those three months until you explicitly cancel it with us. The contract cannot be paused for vacation or illnesses. (Example: you go on vacation for 10 days. Sorry, we cannot pause it for those days, so come in and take advantage of it the other 20 days of the month!) If you cancel after your three month commitment and then start up again at a later date, you are again bound to a (new) three-month contract. Cancelation is always for the future and is never retroactive. There are no “roll-overs” — if you don’t use one of your months, it is forfeited by the time the next month kicks in. So please, show up and use it! 40+ classes a week cannot be beat!

I have been a student here for a long time. Is there any extra leeway to these policies for me?

Again, see above. There are no exceptions to our policies, regardless of how long you have practiced here. Keep this in mind when you purchase classes and packages. We strive to maintain the studio at its highest standard and to provide the best yoga teachers we can to you. Remaining firm on our policies is what enables our studio to operate at its maximum potential and also ensures that we are fair to everyone.

What if I’m not flexible?

You do not need to be flexible to practice yoga; that’s why we all do it! The Bikram series is accessible to anyone — stiff or limber, strong or weak, beginners, or seasoned practitioners. Every class is the same series of 26 postures. Performing the same sequence each time offers you a consistent experience, and you’ll be able to see your progress evolve as you continue your practice.

Why is heat good?

The heat mimics the heat of India, which is where this lineage of yoga originated. The heated environment warms up muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, which allows for a safer and deeper practice. A warm body is also less prone to injury. Heat expands your blood vessels, which promotes blood circulation and increases energy. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and sweating is the quickest way to remove toxins from your body.

Can I lose weight?

Relative weight loss can be one of the results of a regular practice; however, it is not the main purpose of practicing hot yoga. Your yoga practice is a mind-body experience, improving both physical and mental strength.

Should I show up if I’m fasting?

Please don’t. Although we say not to eat about 2-3 hours before class, we mean don’t eat a huge meal right beforehand. Please have some source of sustenance in your body, just as you would prepare for a long run or a workout. Something light like a granola bar or a banana an hour before class is a great idea. And hydrate, hydrate!

Why is Bikram always the same 26 postures?

Practicing the same series offers several benefits. First, there is a sense of consistency. You become familiar with the postures over time and discover your own level of practice. Second, although the postures stay the same, your body is constantly changing and evolving. Strength, flexibility, and state of mind are always in flux and you will find a different challenge every time you step onto your mat.

Can Bikram yoga provide a cardiovascular workout?

Absolutely! Depending on your body type, metabolism, and with 100% effort, you should be able to achieve your personal target heart rate during class. Holding various postures will massage the heart, elevate pulse, and deliver cardiovascular benefits.

What if I feel experience physical discomfort during class?

This is common, especially for beginning students who are still adjusting to the heat. Make sure you are well hydrated up to an hour before class (to allow your body to process the fluids). Try practicing at different times of the day to see how your body responds. Also make sure you are getting enough natural electrolytes when you hydrate. Electrolyte-enhanced beverages or simply a pinch of sea salt with honey and lemon in your water bottle should suffice. Stay in the room— sit or lie down if you need to. We have all been there!

What if I feel sore after I practice?

This is normal. Soreness is caused by lactic acid build up in the muscle. The most effective way to remove lactic acid is to stretch the muscles and as you build more muscle mass, your body will become more efficient at consuming oxygen during exercise. So the answer is come back to the studio, and continue your transformation!

Can I practice if I am pregnant?

If you have been practicing regularly for at least six months, you can continue to practice through your pregnancy. Please also consult with your doctor.

Can children practice Bikram yoga?

Yes, as long as they have reached puberty (so they can sweat) and have parental consent.

Do you have a lost and found?

Yes! There is a large lost and found basket in the corner by the cubbies. However, it is cleaned out and donated on a rolling basis. A lot of items are left here (shoes, coats, boots, car keys, water bottles, mats, towels, bags — you name it!), so if you realize that you left something, email or text us right away so that we can look for it and label it for you. We are not responsible for lost, forgotten, or stolen items, but we will do our best to help you find what you may have left behind.

More questions? Click to shoot us a text at (516) 442-3261 or an email at info@bikramyogalbny.com.