Certainly those who subscribe to the Bikram method of doing the same 26 asanas are very passionate about their practice. This studio is in a nice location, but there are definitely improvements that could and should be made.
80 student capacity:
They say the studio capacity is 80 students. I'm not sure what the official Bikram rules are from HQ, or if there are any commercial building/fire safety rules, but 80 is WAY TOO MUCH. Even when the class is not at capacity, anything over 45-50 students leads to approx 12 inches between mats. 80 was purely a number calculated to maximize profits, which I understand from a bottom-line point of view.
As an attendee, it basically means during a busy class you won't be able to see yourself in the mirror, and you'll likely be touching your neighbour. This also means that the studio gets incredibly smelly when there's SO many people. There have been times when I've almost gagged at the BO/lack-of-washing smells. I understand that people will sweat and there will be some odour, but some people are plain foul-smelling (especially those who don't have the courtesy to shower b/c they're just going to sweat anyways).
Yoga etiquette not observed:
Since this studio is centrally located there is a mix of people who come here. There is also a fair number of rude students with "westside" attitudes. I have witnessed aggressive behaviour in the change room and silence is not necessarily observed . The worst is when people throw down their mats directly inline with yours so you can't see yourself in the mirror. The staff don't seem to ever comment on this (with the exception of Jacob L, who doesn't seem to teach there anymore).
For people reading this review, if you are going to stand in the front or middle row of the class, please for the love of Bikram, be kind to your fellow students at the back of the room. These people are usually beginners and need to see themselves too. Usually a simple move 6 inches to the right or left will leave everyone in a happy situation.
Another pet peeve is that people from the next class will "rush" to get their spots. In doing so, they oftentimes disrupt post-class shavasana. They will loudly thrown mats down and I've even seen on few occasions, people asking students who are finishing off if they can hurry up and pack up and leave. This is really not cool.
The studio should mention to new students to (1) observe silence, (2) not place their mats directly infront of other students and (3) generally be mindful of those around them. Teachers should also be a little more helpful so everyone can see themselves in the mirror. Especially since they always talk of the importance of being able to use the mirror as a tool. This is most helpful for those newbies that are at the back of the room and learning/improving.
Cleanliness:
Between each class there is a someone dispatched into the studio with a microfibre mop to mop up sweat/water on the floor. While this great to rid the floor of moisture, I'm not sure what is being done to kill off germs. This is especially concerning if one is attending the classes later in the day. Has 5,6 or even 7 classes gone by without the floor being disinfected? I've also noticed dried liquid (handprints, sweatmarks, etc.) on the mirrored wall/doors for days. They're often there for a few days which makes me wonder how thorough the cleaning is.
Little things:
The 25 cent lockers (free in some other locations) seem like another cash grab. The classes here are the most expensive for any Bikram's classes in the Lower Mainland. You'd think that they could offer lockers for free since its done in other locations. They also used to offer mat spray for students but have also taken this away. It's a little thing, but it's appreciated by all.
I guess if I had to sum it up, the teachers here are generally pretty good. The studio is most of the time, overcrowded and smelly. You'll pay more to come here, so if you're looking to do Bikrams, and can hit up another location, that might be a better bet. read more