Bikram Yoga

My friend n i have been trying to use our passport to Prana more and this studio was on the list. Alejandro welcomed us n signed us in no problem for the 12 – 1:30 bikram hot yoga class on sunday. The class itself today had about 15 people n this was my second time doing bikram yoga. Alejandro was an amazing instructor, he was able to demonstrate n explain every pose we did in detail. He circled the class constantly to make sure that all poses were done correctly by each person. He had great attention to detail n was very encouraging. In my opinion, the yoga room was the hottest the room ive ever been in… it became very hard to breath really quickly. Other then that, the studio was really nice, clean n tidy. The studio only had one room n was in a pretty busy plaza. The parking was very accessible n the location was very easy to find.

Great experience here. The studio is a bit tricky to find unless you’ve seen it before — it’s in a really busy plaza. The studio was well-​designed and very clean (except for some water on the floor in the change rooms from the students at a previous class, I assume). The lady at the front desk was super nice and helpful, especially since I am still very new to Bikram yoga. The teacher, Debbie, was very good. She seemed to know everyone’s name (which def shows that she takes the time to get to know her students), and kept reminding the class that there’s no pressure — so only do as much as you’re comfortable with; she offered help and words of encouragement when needed. Even though I’m still new to Bikram yoga, I didn’t feel awkward if I fell out of a pose or wasn’t able to do one — everyone was so focused on themselves. The class was tough, but I enjoyed the challenge and I hope to return soon :)

Even before stepping into the studio I was taken aback by the staff/​instructors rudeness and inability to properly answer questions; however, I decided to give it a go as this was the closest yoga studio to my house after a recent move. Silly me had already purchased the introductory monthly pass. After 90 minutes, I did not feel too great and felt quite queasy actually which was surprising as I have attended hot yoga classes in the past. I am not a yogi but I do love going to hot yoga and one thing I have learned is when to listen to my body and my body was not pleased with this.
Like any normal person, I do not want money going to waste so after only one class I still had the rest of the month looming in front of me. So after speaking to my Mom I came up with two, very reasonable options with which I approached the studio staff with:
1) As the cost of the 1^st class is $ 20, I wanted to request Bikram Yoga to pay me back the difference ($ 19) as I am not interested in continuing the monthly membership. If they do not feel comfortable with this option then (after discussion they rejected this option, fine.)… OR
2) Transfer the remainder of my membership to my Mom who was very much interested in attending the classes. Keep in mind I have only attended one class. The rude staff at the studio vehemently refused this which I found incredibly unreasonable especially because I was willing to pay the $ 20 for my Mom and was just asking them to transfer the remaining $ 19 over.
Their argument was that it is not there policy to transfer memberships which was ridiculous because there are many yoga studios I have frequented in different cities where I know such exceptions are made depending on the circumstances as this industry caters to customers after all with a service and customers wishes need to be paid attention too especially if they are not finding your service adaptable to their health. So when I did approach the Mississauga studio, I did not find my options for them unreasonable. Bikram Yoga’s staff continuous argument was that it is not a studio policy to do so. My argument is just because it is not done in the past does not mean it cannot be done now and in the future. Policies are after all made by people and can be amended.
In our discussion, the studio staff went as far as saying that it is impossible to have negative effects from hot yoga and should 7 billion of the world’s population decide to take it up, all 7 billion people would be fine with it which is PREPOSTEROUS. His audacity to even make such a ridiculous claim was so incredibly stupid that I could not help but laugh at him. I am not discounting the positive effects it may have had on other visitors but to make such a bold statement is laughable.
Suffice it to say that while Bikram Yoga Mississauga earned an extra and immorally wrong $ 19, they lost out on future customers from my family AND my immediate network.

I’ve been trying to implement as much Yoga as I can in the past few months as I had recently gotten into a car accident. It seems to be the type of exercise that allows me to stay active without overdoing it. Plus, the heat really helps as I enjoy heat to loosen my muscles.
Now, I’m no Yogi but I understand that Bikram is traditionally where the Hot yoga concept was created. I must say that I crave the heat now. If I am seeking out a Yoga studio, I look for the Hot rooms that incorporate Pilate’s (which seems to be rather hard to find). This studio took me by surprise. I walked in and enquired about the types of classes they offer and the front desk girl explained that Bikram is THE type of Hot yoga. I explained that I need something extremely intense. She did a scoff sort of laugh, not in an arrogant way, but in a reassuring way as if saying «careful what you wish for».90 minutes later, I got it. Correcto lads & gentle ladies, each class is 90minutes of 26 poses over and over again in extreme heat. You get water breaks every once in a while but once you go into the class, you aren’t allowed to come out until the session is over. No joke. I do NOT recommend this for the faint of hearts or for the fad loving «i go to yoga”-lulu lemon buying tweens. You will have the dizzies for hours. And not the good kind either.
The class schedule is consistent (which again is different from the Yoga studios I’ve attended in the past).
Mon — Fri they have classes at 9:30am, 12pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
Sat — 8am, 10am, 3pm
Sun — 10am, 3pm
The owners are usually in the studio in the evenings. They are a really friendly couple that have just welcomes a newborn baby. The environment seems to be 90% regulars that casually sit back and chat like old chums. The owners also attend the classes or fill in as instructors. The regulars as well as the instructors are very encouraging and really allow you to push yourself in a non judgemental environment. The age group is mostly above 30. Which I personally prefer rather than find intimidating. I try to learn from patrons that are serious about keeping good posture and pushing themselves but it’s definitely challenging.
The prices are extremely good, in comparison to other studios. The introductory pass for the month is $ 39.00, then you have the option of $ 88 per month — which is totally worth it.
The studio is very neat, functional and above average equipment/​facilities. There is only 1 room that is quite large and well heated. The bathroom/​changeroom (this is only to the ladies side) is quite clean considering the high activity of women coming in and out of the place. There’s showers, 4 bathrooms stalls, lockers, shelves, hangers and a rather large sink with a large mirror. People leave shampoos, hairspray etc below the sink so it’s a very trustworthy locker-​room. I’ve seen keys, wallets, phones laying around (which speaks volumes in my opinion).
It’s my 2^nd week and so far I am loving the experience. I would definitely suggest to bring an extra face towel and a large bottle of water to get you through 90min.
Fun fact: All the water systems (tap) is filtered and they sell all kinds of juices and healthy foods and beverages. Be sure to try the Coconut water.
xoxo
M.