Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Bikram Yoga ia something To really look forward to! I am thrilled there are plenty of studios around the Portland area making it accessible to so many people. We are very lucky to have the Hall Street studio for those of us on this side of town and the Teachers are wonderful. There are many classes throughout the day so chances are there is at least one perfect fit just for you. Just make it to class the teachers will say, that's the first hard step. \r I have had such positive results in a such short period of time. Bikram Yoga has really helped reshape my life structure as well as my body structure. I have become so strong and so full of energy, who doesn't want that? ;)\r The teachers and staff are amazing. Going at different times gives you a variety of different teachers which I enjoy because it keeps things fresh and new. You can also find out when your favorite teacher is instructing if you want to make it to their class. They sometimes also have guest teachers. Wow, living in the city can really have its perks! Lots of Energy!\r My tips for someone new trying it out is to a) checkout Bikrams book from the library so you can perhaps understand the postures a little better before your first class. b) bring ice water, it's going to feel hot at first and you may enjoy the cold water ( only a few months in I no longer notice the heat so much and I drink room tempature water now, which is recommended anyhow). c) try not to wipe the sweat off, it really helps cool you down more if you let it drip. And d) remember it keeps getting better, some days you may be wobbly and others stronger,( for me it usually depends on my diet) but the more you go and the harder you try, you will continually progress and find out for yourselves what all the hype is about.\r So good luck everyone! more

I practiced Bikram regularly for 2 1/2 years, 1 1/2 of those years was at the Hall Street studio before delivering my son. The instructors are friendly and they care about helping the students feel better and have a better yoga practice. When I first started, the heat would get to me but I soon discovered how helpful it is for the stretches and for helping my body to detox. I had been dealing with chronic back pain for nearly 20 years (since my teens) and, after six months, I’ve had little to no back pain since and no chiropractors. Bikram helps me focus better, handle stress better, breathe better and feel great and I can go at my own pace. Everyone in the room is in a different place and are able to hold certain poses better than other poses and that's respected. \r I did Bikram in the studio with my doctor's blessing when I was pregnant (some of the poses are modified for pregnancy) with my son well into my second trimester and then did the Bikram pregnancy yoga video at home every other day through the night before I delivered. Not only did I feel good and have an easy pregnancy at 40 years old while working full time, I didn't experience the typical pregnancy backaches, swollen ankles and feet or fatigue that I had heard and read about. In addition, it helped me through natural childbirth/water birth. Now that my son is a toddler, I am thrilled to be going back to the studio to practice.\r My cousin who introduced me to it five years ago had been doing Bikram off and on for ten years at the time. She has three kids and practiced at home nearly everyday after her youngest was a few years old. She wouldn't miss it because she feels so good and now that her youngest is in grade school, she goes to the studio in Boise twice a week and still practices at home most all other days as well as working part-time.\r Bikram yoga is one of the best ways to give back to you that there is. When I do this yoga, I feel more energized, calmer and I centered. I recently went back for the first time in many months and it was almost like I never left. It felt great and I'm so grateful for the practice. I hear over and over about people with all sorts of health issues, especially muscular and skeletal issues that they heal through a regular Bikram practice. more

Incredible workout!\r Life as a stay at home mom can be stressful and unpredictable. It can be hard to make time for yourself, much less get a workout in. This is where Bikram Yoga comes to the rescue!\r There are lots of classes starting from 6:00 AM all the way to an 8:15 PM class. And for 90 minutes, the super nice, attentive and encouraging instructors help each person get a thorough workout. There is lots of sweating and it's not easy, but at the end there is a strong sense of peace and accomplishment. Also, many yoga levels in each class and no judegment. Exactly the opposite, in fact - much support.\r What I also love about this particular spot is that there is no heavy emphasis on spirituality - more like ""this pose is great for your lower back"" and ""this breathing helps prepare you for a successful workout."" I've taken yoga classes before where there was just not enough of an exercise aspect, so taking classes at Bikram Hall St. has been truly a life changer. Going regularly has helped me face each day with more calm, grace and balance. more

I've been taking classes here off and on for about the last year but have recently made it a part of my regular routine. I love it! I was hooked after my first class. Some of the thing I love about this studio: 1. Great instructors. They always have a way of keeping me focused on the pose and helping me to push and challenge myself. 2. Supportive community of practicers. There are many different skill levels in each class, from people who have been doing it for years, to first-timers. And I had people who, after my first class, told me I did a great job and encouraged me to keep working hard. 3. They're always prepared for class, even if you aren't. They have towels and mats to rent, even ponytail holders if you forget! And one of the best parts: It's an AWESOME workout. I feel so great after going into class and sweating hard for 90 minutes. This place is great and I recommend it to everyone! more

I was skeptical to try Yoga at first, especially being a 29 year old man. I thought of Yoga as something for Women. My girlfriend and I decided to give it a shot. The very first class was a real eye opener! Bikram's Yoga is an incredible exercise for the mind, body & soul. After just 5 weeks I'm already seeing improvement in my strength and flexibility. I have also lost weight! The Hall Street studio has a wonderful facility, and very helpful staff. It's been a great experience, one that I know you too will enjoy.. Don't miss out! more

The Hall Street studio is my favorite place to exercise. Doing Bikram Yoga is a great workout. It provides strength and improves flexibility. But in addition I feel like it teaches, patience, relaxation, and makes you kinder and more accepting through a sense of peace. more

I was introduced to Bikram Yoga in January of this year and instantly fell in love. It is the only thing besides running long distances that gives me the utter exhausted but wonderfully exhilirating feeling. Shortly after practicing I became pregnant and have continued my practice during this pregnancy. The staff have been wonderful at directing me to pregnancy resources for Bikram Yoga and instructor Krista was phenomenal at making sure I knew how to do all the pregnancy modifications correctly. I love the comraderie and encouragement I feel here. It definitely keeps me coming back. I look forward to continuing my practice throughout this pregnancy and beyond. Try Bikram at Hall Street! You wont regret it! more

I have been going ot Hall Street Bikram for 2 years. Overall, i like it a lot - great instructors, and lots of classes. 2 negatives i can think of: 1) when it is cold outside, the morning classes are often ""cold"" (maybe 80-90 degrees), which defeats the point of hot yoga. I'd hope the management decides to upgrade their HVAC system. The other one is class size. While the early morning classes are great, anything after that is crazy full... All in all, great place. more

I've been a Bikram Yogi for over 10 years. Contrary to a lot of people's notions of what Yoga is about, this is a demanding and surprisingly aerobic form of exercise. The Hall Street studio is one of four Portland studios offering the full on Bikram method. The big studio is pleasant and the Bikram-trained teachers are smart, steeped in the knowledge of anatomy and the science of exercise. Most are quite compassionate and willing to give individual attention to students. Twenty years ago, an orthopedic surgeon told me i would have to have hip replacements in 20 years. There is no doubt in my mind that my yoga practice has made that surgery unnecessary. Pros: The most difficult yet rewarding exercise i've ever done Cons: The most difficult yet rewarding exercise i've ever done more

There is nothing quite like doing yoga in a warm room. You don't feel all cold and creaky, allowing you to relax into the poses. But not only does the heat help you to loosen up for the yoga stretches, but its great for detoxing!!! With all the toxins we have in and around us, bikrams yoga is the perfect thing to counteract it! All the yoga poses are designed to compress and then open every muscle, joint and organ in your body. This helps to flush toxins from the tissue...but then it has to get out. well, add some heat and you are sweating up a storm! and sweating is a great way to detox. sweating regularly is known to be great for the body and it beautifies the skin! Then you want to drink tons of water afterward which is also excellent for your body! The first few times might take a little getting used too, you might feel light headed or feel like its hard to breathe. During my first couple classes I took lots of breaks and would sit or lay down often. but soon your body adapts and you find you are able to do more and more! so don't be discouraged if it is your first few times. Please, just try it for a month. they have a great 30 days for 29$ intro which is a ridiculously awesome deal. if you aren't convinced after a month, then fine. but give it at least that. a lot of people just try it once and say, forget it, it's too hard or hot. but stick with it and it will take you further than any other yoga class would. I have seen 80 year old grandmothers and grandfathers in class. if they can do it, so can you! I reccomend bikrams hot yoga to my massage clients as a great way to stay healthy. I can't say more about how much greater hot yoga is than anything else. there is NO COMPARISON! love it! Pros: excellent for detoxification & increasing flexibility Cons: heat takes a lil getting used to, but WORTH it!! more

I am visiting from northern California, and decided to try a local hot yoga class during my visit here. I have been practicing yoga for many years, (primarly hot yoga) and felt that I should comment on my experience at Bikhram School of India--Hall Street Yoga. \r \r This is a very traditional form of Bikhram yoga. Although my class was advertised as a beginners class, it is really not a good class for someone who's not practiced yoga before. I took only one class here with one instructor, but it was my experience that it was very militant. You must have permission from the instructor to get a drink of water or to take a break. (This may be fine if you are an advanced practioner). \r \r I am particularly concerned if you have bad knees. The instructor requires you to lock your knees, which may cause injury. All in all, if you aren't very physically active and healthy this could be an overly challenging class. Pros: Very pleasant people, good lighting, nice facility Cons: Militant instruction style, unrealistic expectations for beginners more

Bikram yoga is done in 105 degrees temperature for ninety minutes. Depending on your physical condition this may be very challenging. Certain instructors are very accomodating and inspire you to try harder and others try to push you into things your body can't do. The introductory special is a great deal so give it a try but go and do the best you can regardles of what the teacher says. more

all depends on the instructor. Most of the instructors are good, helpful, encouraging. There is one that likes to call you by name and point out every tiny thing you are doing ""wrong"", regardless of what your body is telling you. I think i probably had the same person the other reviewer did. So i just don't go to this instructor's class anymore. The good ones did get me hooked on it though. more

I love Bikram-style yoga! However my back is not very flexible, something my chiropractor tells me I was born with and 'just is'. Unfortunately with the new management and instructors I've gotten negative comments from two instructors at Hall Street from across the room that I'm not trying hard enough in some postures because I'm not extended to their taste. It's pretty embarrassing to be criticized publicly and any response from me is going to sound defensive. One instructor though came up to me and quietly asked ""Do you have issues with your back?"" and I gratefully nodded: she observed what was going on, didn't make assumptions and wasn't trying to embarrass me. She told me to keep on doing what I was doing (which was working it hard despite where I was in progress) and left me and my back to our work. Diversity is reality, ya'll! For all the yoga speak at the beginning of the class about honoring your body, some of the'macho' instructors could learn a lot more about respect and what it is to teach. Pros: clean, warm facilities; only Bikram location in west suburbia Cons: macho teaching style; super crowded in some of the sessions more

Bikram College of India, Hall Street is a wonderful place to unwind in a relaxing, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The owner is helpful and encouraging and has created a fun yet serious place to practice Bikram yoga. The staff is excellent and work hard to make students feel comfortable and successful while learning a challenging form of yoga. Pros: affordable into, pleasant atmosphere, good parking Cons: more classes needed more

A great place if you like Yoga and are ready to try 'hot yoga'. ..or do they call it Hatha? Good instructors take the class through poses carefully and clearly (or attend a 'silent' session). Very nice studio -- large, well mirrored. Sometimes crowded. Clean, well equipped, simple shower/dressing rooms. Also have massage available. Pros: Clean, nice studio., Good instructors. Cons: Can be crowded., $$$ if not on a plan more