Angela Tennison
My whole life, I've had what I refer to as the "Oprah Syndrome": tipping the scales at around 215 lbs. at age 16, I lost weight only to gain it back again. Because of my past successes, however, I knew I had the determination to be healthy; what I lacked was a long term outlet to focus that energy.
About a year ago, I moved back to Dallas after college and began work at a radio station. Completely unhappy and 45 lbs. heavier than I am now, a co-worker named Christina Swink urged me to try this yoga she was obsessed with. She was on the eve of quitting her job to go to teacher training, but I dismissed her as a yoga hippie and ignored her advice. Soon after, I left the radio station to travel for several months, losing 25 lbs. on the road by exercising and eating right. But by the time I got back to Dallas in November of last year, my routine had reached a plateau and I was bored by the treadmill. Then I happened into a long-time childhood friend, Amber Dugan, who launched into an enthusiastic report of her yoga studio and how much she loved it..... "Alright," I thought, "my spiritual teachers must be telling me something."
Then I walked into Bikram Yoga Dallas and the first person I saw was Christina. That first class was brutal: I sat out of so many postures, that night I stewed in defeat. But when I got up the next day, I couldn't wait to go back. My first class was on a Tuesday, and by Saturday, my mom was taking her first class. The next day my step-dad gave it a shot. At then end of March all three of us have completed the 60 day challenge together, averaging between 5 and 6 classes a week. You know how no one can understand your obsession and share in the breakthroughs like your fellow yogis?--well, I get to do that every day with my parents. "Ange, your floor bow is really getting good!" Mom will comment, or Clinton will say, "Camel felt so great today. You know what I mean?" And we do! We know exactly what he means- and I am so grateful to have that support and camaraderie. My recent measurements after the 2 month challenge show a loss of 8.6 lbs., 12.5 inches, and 3.9% body fat. But perhaps even more amazing is the fact that this exercise is the first to me that is not just means to an end. The BYD teachers-- Karen and David, Christina, Lauren, Jack and Kelly--have all taught me it is the journey that matters, to be present in the moment. I look forward every day to the time I spend at the studio, from the 90 minutes in class, to the before and after catch up with my fellow yogis.
I want to thank Karen and David for picking my family as family of the month. I am so grateful for the positive impact this yoga and this studio has had on my life. I hope that I can one day affect so many people in the same way.
Susin Carter
When my family found Bikram Yoga, I was looking for something to whip me into shape. Three years ago, I was at my 'perfect' weight but in terrible health. I smoked, did not exercise, and could not walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath. Then I quit smoking and gained 40 pounds. Giving up cigarettes was the easy part; getting into good physical condition has been the challenge. We joined a health club but found ourselves bored. We equipped a home gym which gets used rarely, if at all. I knew I wanted a form of exercise that would help me age as gracefully as possible. I did not want to arrive in middle age without the ability to maintain an active lifestyle.
Then my daughter Angela tried Bikram yoga. If I haven't told her yet, thanks Ange. With her encouragement, my husband and I were quick to follow. Never mind all the physical changes that have happened with all of us since--the fact that this has been a journey shared together as a family is priceless. It is so nice to finish class, sit down together, and discuss the day's breakthroughs and shortcomings. "Man, triangle kicked my but!" Or, "I touched my head to the floor! Did you see me?"
I relate my first Bikram Yoga class to childbirth: it's too painful to remember. I couldn't even tell you who was teaching. All I know is the first time I was in that room I wanted out. I cried. I wanted desperately for it to end. And when it was over and I had regained some composure, I wanted to come back. And now I love that each class is different yet consistently challenging.
My family just finished our 60 day challenge; I lost 7lbs. and 12.75 inches. Though it has not been long since that first class, already I have made enormous improvements in my practice. I am not at my ideal weight yet but am certainly on my way! With the help and encouragement of all the wonderful teachers at the studio, I know we will all continue to improve. In our short time with the studio we feel blessed to have been welcomed into a yoga family that so compliments our own. We had been looking for an exercise program and had no idea we would find so much more!
Clinton Carter
When David asked us to be "Family of the Month", I flashed to Wayne & Garth, arms outstretched, continuously chanting "We're not worthy!" After all, it has only been a short time since I thought more about bolting for the door in class than if my toes and heels were together or my forehead touched a knee!
I have dealt with chronic lower back pain for as long as I can remember--occasionally it has knocked me out of work for weeks. While it did flare up a big during the first month of practicing Bikram, now it has diminished to a dull ache, which is as good as it has been in years.
It is also great to have a shared family activity, and thanks to all the instructors who instill the will to do our best in every posture, we share it with enthusiasm. I am excited about being part of Bikram Dallas and looking forward to the years ahead. The little progressions in the postures and control of that mental panic help me crave getting back to the heat again and again.
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