Nancy
In August 2001 I saw a TV news feature about Bikram Yoga, in which a local mother of seven was shown to have lost several dress sizes and gained a new life. I was looking for an exercise routine that would fit into my schedule and accomplish both "fitness" and weight loss. Previously, teaching aerobics classes and reconnecting with my college sport of rowing had filled these needs. Returning to graduate school and then full time work as the mother of three school age kids limited sharply the time I had previously for working out, and I found myself in urgent need of a fitness direction. I tried fast walking, running, and various home video exercise plans; still I floundering when I showed up at the Bikram studio 45 minutes early for my first class. It was too hot and too hard and way too long, and it suited me just fine. Both the yoga and the teachers inspired me to do the work for the benefit I received (and ultimately to my family), and the other students surrounding me in various stages of yoga experience created the sense of teamwork I thrive on. My body has become much more toned, I lost a dress size, and I feel more balanced than in any previous phase of my life. Pain from my arthritic knees and degenerated discs has diminished greatly, and I hardly ever get even a common cold. I'm a true believer in the healing properties of this yoga!
For a few years, my spouse listened to my tales of heat, struggle, and euphoria yoga, content to encourage from the sidelines of his YMCA workout. I was surprised when Paul agreed to accompany me for "Bring Your Sweetie" on Valentine's Day 2005 to enjoy a free class. Since then, I have gained a new perspective for my own practice. When Paul reported he liked particular postures, I reexamined my attitude and moved my focus beyond working/getting through to experiencing and finding my own joy in the postures. And it was a real breakthrough for me to hear Paul say that class really isn't that long. I realized I had let a negative perception affect my yoga reality for years, so I let that go. Another plus of sharing Bikram Yoga with Paul is awareness of each other's scheduling and yoga workout requirements. We understand that we both benefit whether he, I, or the two of us get to class.
I don't think anyone would practice Bikram Yoga for long without the upbeat, encouraging, thoughtful, insightful, caring and inspiring teaching we experience. At our studio there is always more being shared than mere instruction. I've come to take for granted the atmosphere of welcome and belonging Karen, David and all of our teachers create for the studio, which causes me (and, I'm sure, my fellow students) to consider it "our" studio.
Paul
I have to thank my lovely wife for getting me started in my yoga practice. For many years, she would come home exhausted yet extremely relaxed. She seemed to really enjoy what it did for her and she encouraged me to try it several times. Finally, she came home with an offer I couldn't refuse, a Valentine's Day freebie! It was deal I couldn't pass up and I've never looked back. Fortunately, I knew what to expect about the heat. I've been practicing Bikram now for over a year and it certainly does make a difference. My blood pressure has stabilized, I'm more flexible, my posture is better and I simply feel better. I've found that I've improved performing the various postures by taking small steps in each and pushing myself to explore each one to see how deep I can go. Progress has been made but it's slow and there is a long way to go. The funny thing is how quickly the class goes by. For me, it seems that once eagle pose is completed, the next pose is final breathing posture.
I want to thank the all the instructors, David & Karen, Lauren, Christina, Teel, Kelly and Jack for doing such a great job! Their instruction and encouragement make all the difference.
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