| | | | | | | | My brother introduced me to Bikram Yoga in 2000. He had been practicing for 1 month, 3 times a week in Portland and had lost 10 pounds and was getting enormous relief from his neck and back pain from which he'd been suffering for years. I have never been a flexible person and was unable to even touch the floor when I attended my first class in Dallas. It definitely was a love-hate relationship. I hated how uncomfortable I felt in the postures but I loved how I felt afterwards. For 90 minutes my mind and body were focused solely on my yoga. All my worries were set aside every single time I practiced.
At the time, I was working in the technology field, which I didn't particularly enjoy but it paid the bills and I loved the people I worked with. I was a 35 year old single mother of two when I began Bikram Yoga. I was stressed out and unsure what I really wanted to be when I grew up. I felt like I was drifting along, just working for money but not feeling any passion for my work. I was STUCK in a RUT!!
Bikram Yoga opened my eyes and helped me gain the peace and self-confidence I needed to make some big changes. I attended Bikram's teacher training in the spring of 2001 and immediately began working toward the goal of opening my own studio. Bikram Yoga Grapevine opened in February 2002 and I've never looked back. I NEVER thought I was someone who would take such a chance as to own my own business. Believe me, through the process, I was scared. But even inside the fear, I knew this was what I was supposed to do. At age 36, I'd finally found myself.
This yoga continues to teach me, both through my own practice and working with others. Everyday I'm inspired by the students who come here to practice, by their willingness to learn, to heal, to share, and to open their hearts and their minds. In my experience, no other endeavor brings together such a diverse group of people, from professional athletes to the physically challenged, artists to technicians, singles and families, young and not-so-young. Everyone works side by side in the hot room, each pushing to his or her own limits, being challenged and invigorated each and every session.
I am so blessed to be a part of something that I truly feel makes a difference. |
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| | | I took my first Bikram Yoga class in March of 1999 in Austin. I just walked in off the street with the intention of 'toning my arms' and possibly losing a few pounds. WOW! Was I ever surprised to find my new mid-life passion – Bikram Yoga.
After practicing in Austin for three years, my husband, Terry, and I packed up our household and headed north to Dallas (after 50+ years in Austin). It was of one of the hardest decisions we have ever made. We are very close to our married children: Dana and her husband, Philip, and Derek and his wife, Gainor. Terry and I are now very proud grandparents to Allison (9-03) and her sister Mary Margaret (12-06), and Rhodes (7-06). My other mid-life passion is being Mimi to these precious children. Our family is very blessed!
I followed my dream of becoming a Bikram yoga instructor and completed training in LA in the Fall of 2002. I wake up each day and am so grateful that I can do this yoga, teach this yoga, and pass on all the amazing benefits to students who are seeking to unify their bodies, minds and spirits through Bikram yoga. How lucky am I to be stronger, happier and more content in my mid fifties than at any other time in my life? As Bikram says, "You are never too late, never too bad, never too old, never to sick to start from scratch again."
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| | | Jay Fairbank - I came to Bikram Yoga in March of 2002 after a long period of inconsistent exercising due to injuries; broken elbow snowboarding and severe ankle sprain wakeboarding. Being a former tri-athlete, I did not think yoga would be a substantial form of exercise. (After all, what's a little stretching?)
Well, after my first class I was hooked. Bikram yoga offered me a well rounded form of exercise. It incorporated balance, strength, flexibility, as well as proving to be an extreme cardiovascular workout. After reading "Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class", I decided to take the "Bikram Challenge (60 classes in 60 days)…guaranteed to change your life." And change my life, it did. I not only felt better physically, but my self esteem improved. I felt a sense of well being and mental calmness.
Wanting to understand more and to give others what I had received, I went to Los Angeles for the 9 week teacher certification that fall. I have been teaching at studios throughout the country since. Seeing and helping others to return to health is just another of the many, many rewards Bikram Yoga offers. |
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| | | Sami Plummer - It was in February of 2003 when I took my first Bikram Yoga class. The idea of attending a "hot" yoga class didn't exactly "blow my hair back". I was not pumped on the idea of it, but a close friend encouraged me to try it with her. After my first class, I saw instantly how I could benefit from Bikram yoga. I had asthma, low back pain, hip pain, stiff shoulders. I knew immediately that if I continued to do Bikram Yoga, I would see improvement in my strength and flexibility. After 2 ½ years of doing Bikram yoga, I am stronger, more flexible, and I feel better than I ever have in my life. I repeat…I FEEL BETTER THAN I EVER HAVE IN MY LIFE.
Over the course of 2 ½ years, I have lost over 35 pounds. My body has changed from head to toe, inside out, from bones to the skin. Being in the yoga room has taught me a lot about what I am capable of. In the hot room standing in front of the mirror, dealing with myself for 90 minutes showed me what I'm made of…which is not easy. Doing Bikram yoga each class has given me such a feeling of accomplishment and achievement. Which is the very reason that drove me to become a Bikram Yoga certified teacher. |
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| | | I started practicing Bikram yoga 5 years ago. May of 2002. I was introduced to it by my husband, who was hooked to it immediately.
I can't say I loved my first class. Actually it took me months to understand how the yoga worked for me. I have been flexible all my life. The challenge for me was to discipline my mind, which I found very hard to do, but possible.
Since I started I have noticed tremendous changes in myself, physically and especially mentally. I have noticed that my level of patience has increased as well as self-confidence and self-esteem. Which were very low at one time.
In fall 2005 I attended teacher training. It took me a long time to decide to become an instructor. I knew that for 9 long weeks I was going to be practicing 11 classes per week, and seriously, I was afraid. But, thanks to my husband's support, I did it!!!!!!
Wow, intense 9 weeks. Now I look back I know that it was best thing I could have done.
In these 2 years teaching I have grown so much. There is neither fear nor doubt anymore about myself. I am stronger than ever before.
I love teaching and most of all, I really enjoy helping others. There are no words to describe how rewarding it is to see students improve, and feel better about themselves.
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| | | I found Bikram Yoga in December 2002, surfing the net for something different and something that I could do with my mom. I have always been pretty active so I was looking for something that would be challenging. The description of Bikram's practice along with its 105 degree heat sounded intriguing. My mom and I started with a 10 class card and have been active yoginis ever since. I never imagined all the benefits this practice would give me, flexibility, balance, discipline, focus and the sciatica that would periodically come back from lower back issues, had gone away. Having had a microdisectomy on my lower spine (L5/S4), this was the answer I was looking for to avoid another surgery.
About 6 months after I had started practicing, I realized that I wanted to become an instructor yet I didn't know how it would be possible to train for nine weeks and still keep my full time job. November 2005 Stacey asked if I was still interested and assured me that if it was something I wanted badly enough, I would find a way to make it happen. So I did, that December I submitted my application for Spring Training 2006. It was the best decision I made. I have become stronger, more confident and more aware of everything around me. To teach what I love doing and to see our students progress in so many different ways than they thought possible, is so completely gratifying. Bikram Yoga is not just a practice; it's a way of life that can add years to your own. Make the commitment, trust the process and breathe……….
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| | | My sister LaDonna introduced me to Bikram Yoga by buying me my first 10 class card at Bikram Yoga Dallas in 2001. I took my first unforgettable class thinking she was finally getting me back for cutting one of her pigtails off when I was three. Little did I know she was actually changing my life in a very profound way.
Bikram Yoga became my safe place to go where I could clear my head, concentrate on slowing down my thoughts and learn to control my breath. I quickly found that not only did Bikram Yoga help me get out of my head for a full 90 minutes it also increased my physical strength, stamina and improved my diet. I had lower back surgery when I was 17 and the heat of the room helped protect my lower back muscles allowing me to stretch deeper and heal scar tissue.
I finally went to Bikram Yoga teacher training in the Fall of 2007. It was an amazing experience being taught by Bikram, Rajashree and the many legends of the Bikram family. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to teach my friends and to teach with my friends at Bikram Yoga Grapevine. Thank you for your support, encouragement, patience, and most of all your smiles. Thank you to my sister for introducing me to Bikram Yoga and improving my life mentally and physically. Namaste'
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| | | I tried Bikram Yoga for the first time in February of 2001. At that time there was only one studio in DFW, and the word was spreading fast about the incredible "sweaty yoga place." My sister Suzann and I got lucky – a few days after we started the studio owners had to close enrollment for several months to accommodate their large existing student base. Timing was on our side. Now we are both instructors, and Bikram Yoga has impacted our lives in many positive ways.
I tried several types of fitness activities over the years, but never stuck with anything long term. Right away I realized Bikram was different. There are several things about Bikram Yoga that work for me: the ongoing support and feedback from the instructor, the absolute necessity for stillness and focus, the consistency of the series so I know what to expect and can see progress, and more. Bikram Choudhury often says that one of the problems in the United States is that we have too many choices – it is easy to quit or give up and go on to something else. I like knowing that once we start Pranayama Breathing, I am committed for 90 minutes. Even if I am tired, hungry, in pain, or whatever it may be – I am committed to doing the 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. I cannot choose to leave, so I choose to make the most of my opportunity to heal. I always find myself feeling better leaving the yoga room than when I entered, both physically and mentally.
Being a Bikram Yoga instructor has been an amazing experience. We have the privilege of witnessing transformation on a daily basis. It is humbling to observe students as they heal their bodies, minds, and lives. Bikram Yoga Grapevine is a loving, supportive yoga family. I feel very blessed to be here.
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| | | I tried Bikram Yoga on a dare in 2003 and never looked back! I was a tired marathon runner and wanted to try something different. I knew right from the start this was something I wanted to continue for a long time. The heat helped my flexibility, the yoga was challenging for me and I got the cardio my heart needed. I finally found a place where I could unwind from my day of running a restaurant. I could relax, yet still get my workout!
This yoga has been a benefit to my body in many ways. It has helped me through two foot surgeries. I was able to heal quicker from each surgery. I have transformed my body on the inside, making wiser food choices. This yoga is such a benefit I wanted to spread the word.
I started working towards my goal of going to teacher training so I could help people change their lives. I was FINALLY able to go to the training in Acapulco, Mexico. I loved every bit of the training. It was an amazing journey. I have since left the restaurant industry to spread the healthful benefits of Bikram Yoga and make a difference in the lives of others. It is such a wonderful experience to go into the yoga room each day to see the break throughs of each and every student.
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© Copyright 2008 Bikram Yoga College of India – Grapevine. All rights reserved. |
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