As a teenager I was diagnosed with a hormonal syndrome which resulted in a thirty pound weight gain. I turned to dieting and exercising to compensate. Twenty-eight years of running, aerobics and dieting left my metabolism shot and my joints injured and tight.
As certified personal trainer and exercise instructor, I have taught and taken many types of fitness classes over the years. A neighbor encouraged me to try Bikram Yoga. I could not believe that yoga could provide the benefits that my neighbor claimed. However I tried my first class in February 2006, and I have been practicing ever since. At the time, Bikram Yoga met my requirement of being both physically challenging and a high calorie burner. Little did I know that Bikram Yoga would bring so much more to my life.
During the past years I have improved the flexibility and lessened the pain in my joints. I can tell that my knees, hips and ankles are becoming stronger and more flexible. My left ankle, which I injured in college, is now just as strong as the right. When I started Bikram Yoga, the excruciating pain in my knees left me unable to sit in "Fixed Firm Pose" and during the Breathing Exercise at the end of class. Now almost able to sit back in both poses, I am working toward "pain free" knees.
Although I have lost weight and inches since my Bikram Yoga journey started, I have also seen beautiful changes in my body and attitude. My focus has shifted from losing weight to gaining overall health. I now look at myself in the mirror less critically and with more acceptance. Having always watched my diet, I am now more aware of the impact of food on my mood and ability to do the postures in class.
The overall environment at the Bikram studio is welcoming and encouraging. All of the instructors take the time to listen and motivate each student. I feel that every instructor brings something new to class. I love learning new ways to improve my ability to do the postures and improve my practice. Also, I enjoy the camaraderie and family atmosphere of the studio.
Through Bikram Yoga, I feel that I have provided a powerful gift to my daughter, Megan. Megan is 15 and has been playing soccer for eight years. Although she is very young, I have seen her struggle with tight joints, ankle and knee injuries and loss of flexibility. Megan began taking Bikram Yoga classes during the holidays, and she takes as many classes as she can fit into her busy schedule. I know that Megan sees the value of integrating yoga into her life and that she will continue her practice. I only wish that I had found this yoga at her age!
Michele Mulholland
