| July 2010 Student of the Month |
| Todd Doshier
One of my friends had been practicing Bikram Yoga in Houston for several years and recommended I try it. He had been taking Advil 2-3 times a day for years due to bad lower back problems and he raved that he was pain and Advil free since taking up a consistent Bikram practice. I was interested in Bikram because I had some nagging injuries that would not seem to heal. I had played a lot of golf and developed bad tendonitis in my elbow. I also had an old skiing injury in my right shoulder and a history of lower back spasms on occasion. I was in good shape when I started because I had been running.
I remember talking to Isaac at the front desk for my first class (March 2008) and he asked what I did for working out. I told him I was running about 25 miles a week and that I thought I would be just fine. I had just completed a 10 mile run about 3 days before the class. Isaac told me, "Don't go in there and try to overpower this." Of course, I did not listen and went into class with the mindset that I was in good shape and could do this easily.
Wow, was I wrong. The teachers always say "Breathe". Well duh, sure you are going to breathe. What I didn't realize is that in trying to add power and depth to the poses, I was holding my breath on nearly every pose. I didn't sit any standing series out and by the time we got to the floor, I was hanging on for dear life. Michael taught class that day and I'm sure he thought I was the worst first time student in history. I skipped at least half of the floor series just trying to stay in the room. I had done as poor a job of breathing as possible and it had sapped all my strength. When they said you should come back the next day, I thought they were crazy. There was no way I could do that again the next day. So, I waited a week and came back. Several classes into my practice, Karen taught the class I was taking and later told me that my breathing was out of control and gave me direction on how to work with my breathing. That changed everything and I started to come to class regularly.
I don't have tendonitis in my elbow anymore, or a bad shoulder and I have not had a lower back problem since I began Bikram. I sleep better and feel better than I ever did lifting or running. Snow skiing was more fun this year because Bikram yoga gets you in great shape for the slopes. In my opinion, Bikram is one of the best workout regimens you can do for your body because it increases blood flow to heal old injuries, works your heart and lungs, and adds strength and flexibility. I go 3-5 times a week now and it's still hard. I continue to be surprised that after a attending class regularly for awhile, it doesn't get easier. You may go further or be stronger or more flexible, but every class is a rigorous workout regardless of how long you have gone. I have recommended Bikram to many people especially if they are having trouble sleeping or have nagging injuries. My wife, Julie goes to Bikram as well and has had equally good results with prior injuries that she had.
We have made several new friends at Bikram Yoga Dallas and we are fortunate to have it in our lives. I have travelled and been to other studios as well as having gone to other types of hot yoga. The teachers at Bikram Yoga Dallas are the best that I have had and we are glad to have David and Karen take such an interest in all their students and teachers to make the studio work so well for all of us.
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