Adriene Thompson
OMG, I am totally in love with Bikram Yoga. I was introduced to Bikram Yoga by Claudia, a Bikram student and a great running friend, after I was diagnosed with a stress fracture on my lower leg from running a full marathon on December 13, 2009. I was advised by my doctor not to run or do any strenuous exercises for at least 6-8 weeks in order for my fracture to heal. I knew this was going to be a problem. I was very upset and angry so my friend, who spoke very highly of this yoga, invited me to a class.
My first class was December 23, 2009 and I must admit I struggled through it. I use to compete in bodybuilding so my body was a little more muscular than the the other yogi's and that made the poses more challenging to do and hold, not to mention my fracture. I made it through the first class and the instructor stated I should attend my next class within 24 hours so I could begin to receive all the benefits that Bikram Yoga had to offer. Well, I returned the next day and from that point on, I knew I had been introduced to something that I would come to love.
At first, I was very hesitant every time we would do any pose were I had to shift my weight to my left leg and hold it for 60 then 30 seconds, then during one class, Sherry (teacher) wasn't aware of my fracture and advised me to look in the mirror, not at the floor (I was thinking about my fracture.) and concentrate on the pose and her instructions. Well, I stopped thinking about my fracture while I was in class and just focused on the instructions and poses and the pain seemed to ease with each passing class.
Since I couldn't go to the gym (I know how hard I work in the gym and would probably have injured myself again.), I purchased a 30 day unlimited yoga card and was present 28 of the 30 days. On the final day of my 30 day unlimited card, I knew I had to continue so I purchased a monthly membership and decided to do the 60 Day Challenge (Where you challenge yourself to take 60 classes in 60 days.)
On March 21, 2010, I completed my 60 Day Challenge, received a t-shirt, new mind and new body, just like they say! Words can not describe how Bikram Yoga has helped me. First, I love my new body. I love all my wonderful yogi friends, my patience level has grown tremendously (really needed that being a police officer) and I love ALL the teachers that helped me achieve this new goal I set for myself.
Although I have completed my 60 Day Challenge, I will continue to attend Bikram Yoga classed because I am totally hooked on it. As I stated, my body feels and looks great, my mind is much clearer, energy levels are high (even after working overnight and then attending the 5:30 am class) and the breathing/stretching techniques are continuously helping me as I ease back into running. I have started running again and really noticed an improvement in my breathing and core strength from practicing Bikram Yoga.
I love Bikram Yoga. I love and admire ALL the teachers, and I can truly call myself a YOGI now...Love it!
"A photographer gets people to pose for him. A yoga teacher gets people to pose for themselves."
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