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Student of the Month:November 11': Joel Paoner First and foremost, I would like to thank Traci, Nicole, Melanie, and Charlene for all the support and encouragement they have given me to continue practicing Bikram Yoga. I first decided to try Bikram Yoga because I was going through a divorce this past summer and a friend of mine in LA just got back from a yoga class. He told me there's a studio in New Smyrna Beach. I immediately looked it up and went to the four o clock class on June 24, 2011. I needed something to keep me grounded through this time in my life, and walking through those doors was the best thing I could've done for myself. With an open mind, the only thing I knew what to expect when I decided do my first class, was it was going to be HOT and very challenging. It has now been over five months and I cannot believe how good I feel mentally, physically and I am in the best shape of my life. I look forward to class and seeing all those happy smiling faces, I am hooked on this stuff. I am practicing 4 to 5 days a week, and will continue to make it a part of my life. My lower back pain is gone, no more neck pain, and no more advil. My only words I to say are, if you haven't tried it, you're missing out. ~Joel October 11': Tia Jones I started Bikram Yoga a little over 3 years ago. I had seen an article in the newspaper that sparked my interest and the studio was right across the street from where I work. After thinking about it for quite a while I decided to give it a try. Truthfully I don't remember too much about that first class except feeling frustrated that I couldn't do everything right away. I have always been athletic and somewhat of a perfectionist so this was something new and I wasn't sure I liked it. I kept coming back though and the results I got were immediate. Some postures were easier for me than others. I would hear the teachers say that the postures you don't like were the ones you need the most. I still dread the floor series! I think the most challenging thing, once I got the basics down, was and remains to be breathing. For me, this yoga has become a way of life. It is so much more than 26 postures for me. It challenges me physically, mentally and spiritually to be a better person. It has taught me that I don't have to be perfect. Some days it's ok to sit and some days, "if I can, I must". It is BALANCE! As my son was preparing for a semester in Australia, he was stressing about how to carry his guitar on the plane (would they allow it, etc.) I asked him if it was really necessary to take his guitar. He looked at me like I had lost my mind. He explained to me that playing his guitar was his way of staying sane, letting go of stress. This is what Bikram yoga is for me. I can't imagine a life without it! ~Tia August 11': Kandis Natoli 90 classes in 90 days was a personal challenge that was accomplished because I had wonderful people who helped me. First, I would like to thank my family for tolerating the disruption to our routine and more than a few take-out meals. Then I offer deep gratitude to all my teachers and fellow yogis for their encouragement and support as this challenged moved into Florida's humid summer. There were days that your support was all that I had to draw from as my own well seemed almost dry. I couldn't have done it without you. I love yoga and have practiced one school or another for most of my adult life. There is a great sense of achievement when I exceed my expectations on a posture. Bikram's school of yoga, however, is much more than physical exercise and challenge. For me, each class is a balance between spirit, will, and body - each class is a metaphor for my daily life. Doing 90 classes in 90 days gave opportunity to develop mindfulness or a centeredness that has become extremely valuable to me. Breath is a space. Listening to and respecting signals from my body to ease-up or rest during class was a hard lesson. Somewhere around day 75, I spent half the class lying on the mat because I denied my body's warning of fatigue and strain in the early part of the class. Now I have learned to monitor my breath and muscles during practice just as I monitor gauges on my car's dashboard. Sometimes I just need to accomplish the form and hold back from pushing muscles and joints to their maximum. Other times I need to wait through a second set. It is the entire series that is healing and sometimes I need to pace myself so that I can do each asana at least once. But I love the classes when everything seems to come together - spirit, will and body. One unexpected benefit was to getting to know all the awesome yogis who practice regularly. Its fun being part of the Bikram community and I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone who is just beginning the journey and to those coming back after a little hiatus. We have been saving a place for your mat. ~Kandis July 11': Jim Dyer I'm not really sure how I found my way to Bikram Yoga. I recently turned fifty-eight years old, and although I was physically active with bicycling and running when I was younger, in recent years the extent of my physical activity consisted of walking my dogs around the neighborhood. The lack of activity was taking its toll on my general health. Last fall I had arthroscopic surgery on a knee, and prior to the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon stressed the importance of exercising the joints, but I wasn't diligent with the exercises before or after the surgery. The stiffness and pain I was experiencing had reached a point where anti-inflammatory drugs were having negligible effect. None of my friends and acquaintances were actively participating in Bikram Yoga, so I had no one directing me to the practice. I think I just supposed that I would be more motivated in a group setting. I found the Bikram studio in New Smyrna Beach, and after talking with Kathleen briefly, I decided to give it a try for three months, and reassess. The first class was quite an experience! It was all I could do to stay in the room for ninety minutes without running out thinking my hair was about to burst into flames! For the first several weeks, I attended maybe twice a week. After the first month, I realized that I was experiencing an improved general range of motion, and felt better for a day or two after each session. I'm now six months into the practice, and attending five sessions per week on average. I still can't come near to achieving most postures, as I still have strength and range of motion issues with my knees, and my core strength is still weak, but I see improvement with each week. Most importantly, I've nearly stopped the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, as I simply don't need them. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress I make after six more months! -Jim Dyer June 11': Michelle Sigman I first heard about bikram yoga about eight years ago from my aunt, Ann who began practicing. I admired her dedication and knew that it helped her back pain. In the summer of 2009 I tried a class with her "just for fun". WOW, how could there be so many crazies in one room paying to be in a hot class attempting to do things with their body that was just impossible. My face was red for hours and my legs were sore for days. No thank you. Not for me. In December of 2009 our family was involved in an automobile accident. Everyone was ok except I soon noticed that my neck and right shoulder were painful. I had accupuncture and chiropractic care for several months which provided a degree of relief, but not fully. The constant neck and shoulder irritation made my daily life and more importantly my job as a mom extremely exhausting. In the summer of 2010 I knew I needed something more and thought of giving yoga another try to see if it would help my pain and still my thoughts. The first couple of weeks were very challenging and made me feel good all at the same time. Thank goodness for coconut water. My neck and shoulder pain have completely gone away. Every now and then I notice a little tightness/strain in one or both of those areas, but after practice I feel fine. Eight months later I feel stronger, leaner and healthier from the inside out. My standing and walking posture have greatly improved. I definitely sleep better and feel so filled up with goodness after every class. Filling myself up with the amazing health benefits of yoga helps me give more to my loved ones which in turn fills me up even more. It's the best thing for me. I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to practice bikram yoga. -- Michelle Sigman p.s. Thanks Ann! March 11': Tim English Although I am not very athletically endowed I have been physically active most of my adult life with such activities as skiing, swimming, running, hiking and trail mountain climbing. My main goal is to maintain a healthy body and hold the effects of aging [i am 63] at bay. I was attracted to Bikram yoga by the environment [heat and humidity], the intensity of the work out [26 postures in 90 minutes] and the simplicity of the concept of combining them. I get a great kick out of being able to see progress in performing the postures even though my skill level remains minimal. I am awed by what many of my fellow practitioners are able to accomplish. I find the rotation of instructors as well as the visiting instructor component to be strong assets to the program. Finally I am thankful for the gracious helpful and friendly manner in which I, as well as other newcomers have been treated by staff and fellow students alike. .Tim September 10': Ann Pattillo Bikram yoga has kept my head above water when I was sinking, and when I wasn't. It gradually elevates you to your most authentic self, peeling away the layers of defense accumulated over time, or as Bikram says, 'self realization'. Personally, yoga has become essential to survive and thrive in this sometimes precarious life. Seven years and 30 pounds ago, I started practicing Bikram yoga after losing loved ones, to manage grief . I remember after walking out the door after one of my first classes that the world literally appeared brighter! Since menopause, I have become prone to osteoarthritis pain and stiffness, and the HEATED practice provides relief - killing pain with pain. Bikram can be beneficial on so many levels: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. The physical benefits I've experienced are weight loss/control, muscle toning and strengthening, improved flexibility, balance, and posture, and managing lumbago and arthritis. The emotional benefits have been alleviating depression, anxiety, and managing stress. Mental benefits are increased awareness / presence, clarity, and focus. A generally improved quality of life. Bikram is a self help tool for well being and life enhancement. Thank you Traci for opening these studios. Remember, as Carola said, "the poses are all the same - they just look different." ~Ann July 10': Renee Nellis For years I have been walking and swimming for exercise. I used to run, but stopped when I injured my knee in college. Two years ago, I developed bi-lateral plantar faciitis, then bi-lateral carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in both thumbs. The plantar faciitis was so painful, I went to the podiatrist and was told to stop exercise walking and go to physical therapy. I went regularly for months and I was not getting any relief. That's when I realized that I had to do some research on my own. I had been reading about plantar faciitis on the internet and found a website about a tennis player that had the same condition. He developed an exercise program that included a lot of stretching the back of the legs. I bought the program and began stretching several times a day and finally got some positive results. When talking to a friend about these exercises she told me I was doing yoga poses, so why not give yoga a try. I signed up for two yoga classes. I was not walking for exercise, and noticed the side effects of not exercising. I went to yoga classes regularly for months. Some of the classes were fast paced and I could not keep up due to my "conditions", and others were very slow in a cold room. I never felt that "euphoric" feeling that I hear about from those who have come to love their yoga practice. Then I heard about Bikram Yoga. I thought, no way, I can't exercise, much less do some of these impossible postures, in a room heated to 100 degrees and above! But practicing yoga in a room with air conditioning was not providing any positive results, so I decided to give "hot yoga" a try. The 30 day trial was all it took! After the first week or so of feeling dizzy, seeing black spots, and having to sit down, I came to not only enjoy the workout, but was absolutely amazed by how I felt after class, and the rest of the day. After the 30 day trial, I signed up for 30 classes thinking it would take two months to attend 30 classes. Within a week of signing up, I was scheduled to be out of town for four weeks. I was mostly concerned about missing my "hot yoga" classes. Traci suggested I purchase the Bikram Yoga CD and do the practice on my own. What a great idea! I actually practiced every day while I was away in the middle of the Panamanian rain forest, got two of my co-workers involved and we did the practice outside everyday! When I returned, I decided to go to class as often as I could. I can not go everyday, but I go everyday that I can! I am still amazed with how I feel on the days I go to Bikram yoga, and even more amazed at the weight loss! I still hurt in the awkward pose (on the tip toes) and my thumbs still hurt in camel, but everything else feels great! I can only imagine how I will good I will feel when am able to get into the triangle posture in the near future. ~Renee Nellis June 10' Student of the month: J Pendergast Student of the month? Who? Me? No, I am flattered but you must be joking! I show up, do my best and hang out in the back row because if I am closer to the mirror I will block the line of vision of about eight people. Self deprecating, definitely, lets keep the ego in check. It's been a long journey. Bikram Yoga was cross training for a distance runner. Now it is the distance runner. Unfortunately my knees gave out due to injuries and arthritis. I would give anything to complete one more marathon. "You can mess with the gods, but you cannot mess with your knees". Thanks, I really needed to hear that!! Surgery? Thanks but I've had enough knives stuck in me. What to know about me? A third generation Floridian, I was raised in a suitcase by a village. Some of the villagers were cannibals others Jesuits. They have a lot in common. As soon as I could, I fled Florida for New York, London and L.A.; managed nightclubs then returned to University of Miami and became an Architect. My motto, "You only get what you give" (rock song). I totally embraced this beach town, board member and past president of the Chamber of Commerce, collaborator of the mayor's economic plan, community re-development, historic restoration, board of trustee for the arts, supporter of Pace School for Girls and the Arthritis Foundation. There are not enough hours in the day. Whatever it takes, I am going to leave this a better place. I have never had more than four hours sleep. Bikram calms me. I wish to thank the instructors and students of Bikram Yoga: The Instructors for their dialogue and corrections, if you really listen you will hear something different every time, and the students, camaraderie. "The days that you do not want to go are the days that you need the most". Somewhere in every class I get lost in Yoga and emerge relaxed. ~J Pendergast May 10' Student of the month: Pat Shults Bikram Yoga is HOT physically and literally! I consider it a key component in my plan of successful aging or as I say "growing less old"! This wonderful experience began for me 2 years ago when I ventured into our intimate New Smyrna Beach studio at the suggestion of a friend who knew I wanted to drop some weight fast so I could fit into my bathing suits for a resort vacation I was taking within a week. Taking a class for five days in a row I dropped a few pounds, went on the vacation, had a great time, but couldn't wait to get back to the studio to finish up the trial period. It became apparent during the trial period that although weight loss was the goal, my body, mind and spirit needed the yoga even more! Up to this point in my practice, I've taken between two to four classes a week, missing weeks (sometimes months) at a time because of travel or the interruption of hosting many visitors at my home throughout the year. Of late, my schedule has allowed me to get more seriously into the practice and complete the 30-day challenge in April and now I'm moving right into the 60-day challenge. I feel amazing...more powerful, resilient and positive. I do "nurse" post-menopausal issues and some previous injuries which raise their ugly head from time-to-time. Through Bikram Yoga I find the concentration and meditation influences my sensitivity to pain and lessens the intensity. Also, from having a desk job and always wearing high heels for over 35 years my muscle imbalances are just really starting to stretch out due to the consistent practice. In fact, at my last physical examination I measured an inch and a half taller. A great Bikram Yoga benefit for me, especially since I always wanted to be taller! Reflecting on the real reasons which keep me motivated and coming back to practice... I'd have to say the inspiration and energy I receive from the excellent teachers and fellow students. Everyone is non-judgmental and respects each others abilities and level within the practice. I enjoy the quality, experience and exceptional nurturing within this great Bikram Yoga community, and it inspires me to be a role mode and "walk the talk" to inspire others especially my (HOT) sons Michael and Louis and my BFF Judy all who frequent Bikram Yoga in New Jersey, and eventually (hopefully) my wonderful husband Larry who needs Bikram Yoga more than anyone I know. "Hurry in Honey!!" In my "anti-aging" journey, through Bikram Yoga I act and feel youthful and healthy and take no medications. Also, I must mention the breathing helps with my new love of harmonica playing and the flexibility and strength helps with my gardening, love of dancing and Harley motorcycle riding. Now that's HOT!! ~ Pat Shults April 10' Student of the month: Judy Fleischer I recently retired ( Feb 1st ) & had always been interested in trying yoga. I have been exercising fairly regularly for about 25 years, but was becoming bored. So I went to several studios to inquire about their programs. As soon as I met Traci, I knew I had found what I was looking for-My Yoga. My first class was the most challenging thing I had ever done for myself. But soon I realized how rewarding this yoga was for me. I then read "Bikram Yoga" which explained in detail how to do each pose & the benefits of each one. This helped me understand the practice of Bikram Yoga. I feel great since starting these classes. I had knee problems & other aches & pains. They have all disappeared! Every day I can feel how much these classes are improving me from the "inside out". Even as challenging as they are, I look forward to each class. My final thought- It's never too late to find something to be passionateabout that also happens to be so good for you. Sincerely, Judy Fleischer, New Smyrna Beach FL March 10' Student of the month: Phillip Tremblay I first want to start by thanking my wife, Patty, for insisting that I attend Bikram yoga. She had started the practice in the summer of 2009 and she would talk about the yoga and how she was benefiting from the practice. I also want to thank the instructors who take the time to help the students become successful in their Bikram yoga practice. Before I had tried Bikram yoga, I had attempted six years earlier to actively engage in a different style of yoga practice but did not have the enthusiasm to continue and I also felt out of place in the class. Years of athletic activities including football, baseball, ice hockey, and martial arts has resulted in numerous joint injuries especially a significant degenerative change in my left hip joint. My left hip has a significant amount of limited range of motion and pain as a result has affected my ability to bend forward and even put on a sock and a shoe. After months of hearing Patty recommend that I participate in Bikram yoga, I hesitantly agreed. I did not think my hip would tolerate any of the postures. In early October 2009 I took my first Bikram yoga class. The initial experience was extremely challenging, I felt light headiness, faint, and heat exhaustion. Since I signed up for the initial month I continued to attend class. By the third Bikram class, I started to feel better about my ability to make it through class without feeling like I was going to pass out. I performed the postures as recommended by the instructors and did what I was capable of doing and did not try to hit every posture like a seasoned student is capable of performing. After five months of practice I already feel the benefits of Bikram yoga. I can now lift my leg up and put on a sock in the morning which I could not do before I started yoga. I have less hip pain when I pick my foot up to climb up stairs. I am sleeping much better through the night and I feel a sense of relaxation after each class instead of stress that I usually felt after a day of work. Bikram has really benefitted me and I plan on continuing as long as I physically am capable of performing. .Phil February 10' Student of the month: Rodger Addison Like many men my age I have owned my own company for the past 30 + years and have always worked hard, 6-7 days a week. Usually worrying more about paying the bills and making payroll rather than worring about my health. Luckily for me I did have a daughter that cared about her parents' health. So a number of years ago she convinced her mother and I to start practicing yoga. Even though it was very minimal on our part it did seem to help our ability to work and play hard. About 6 months ago, after moving to a new level in my carreer which involved riding around all day in a new pickup truck inspecting buildings, instead of building them, I developed servere back pain. When it got to a point where I could barely get out of my truck and my legs and shoulders did not want to work without PAIN, I had an MRI on my back. I was sent to a pain management Dr and told my choices were limited. Starting with shots in the spine, only 3 allowed in 1 year, and if that did not work then surgery was the next step. I was in enough pain that day that they could have wanted to shoot me in the head and I would have said OK, but luckily for me he said they would not be able to get me in for another 3 weeks. So I decided to go to yoga as much as possible for the next 3 week!! I started going 4 days a week (for me that was very hard with my schedule) I also practiced at home two of the days that I was not at the studio. After the third week, before my appointment for the shots, I called and cancelled the appointment. I still have some problems , but practicing yoga on a regular basis allows me to control the pain. I believe I will not have to have surgery. Rodger December 09' Student of the month: Sally Landis With much gratitude, I would like to thank all the Bikram yoga instructors who have enthusiastically instructed me in my practice for over 5 years now. As a registered nurse, I am grateful to have this yoga in my life. Emergency room nursing is both physically and mentally demanding. Stress is a constant. My yoga helps keep me in focus both on the job and at home in my daily life. It is not an option but rather a lifestyle now incorporated into my daily routines. I wish I could have half the patients who present to the hospital try this yoga just once! For myself, having shattered my calcaneous, combined with back and neck injuries, Bikram yoga has really made these conditions improve and more tolerable. Hands down, it is the best workout I have ever done! Sally November 09' Student of the month: Anita Kilman Thank you to all the teachers who think I'm worthy of the honor. I don't think of myself as anything special but I will tell you how I feel about Bikram Yoga. I feel blessed that we have a studio in New Smyrna to practice in. The instructors are wonderful and caring. Getting older is not one of those things that anyone enjoys and as the years go by you seem to get more 'issues' with your body. Aches and pains, uncontrollable horomones, arthritis, not sleeping well are some of those issues I'm referring to. Bikram Yoga has helped with all of them. Leslie and I love to run but my knees were hurting so bad that I thought I was going to have to give it up. I know that I'm still able to enjoy our runs because of these classes. The key, I think, is consistency. Come as many times as you can and watch your body and mind change from the inside out. Anita August 09' Student of the month: Roxanne Tilden Because my life was a bit too mundane It dawned on me a need to find Kabbalah inspiration for my mind. Remove work stress, release ill will Allow chi harmony my soul to fill. Measures of breath, movements unfold Yielding to gravity, balance uphold. Only ten seconds (so I'm told). Give in to the postures and muscles train. Alas, the heat has drained my brain. Bikram Yoga - a good place to go for your body, a great place to be for your mind. ~ Roxanne July 09' Student of the month: Colleen Delaney-Stephens It's true what our instructors teach us: 1.) the pose you hate the most is the one you need the most; 2.) it's a practice, not a perfect; and 3.) yoga makes you a better person. My husband and children will attest to that. He can occasionally be heard saying, "Crabby mommy is going to yoga, but nice mommy is sure to come home." Yoga, for me, has become a way of life. To claim I am a bit obsessive-compulsive would be an understatement. Additionally I have a love-hate relationship with food. About 15 years ago I was excessively thin~ grossly thin, but convinced that there is no such thing as "too thin." While I still struggle with certain obsessions, yoga has given me strength to overcome them. I feel healthier today than I ever have, and I have more patience to deal with the day-to-day things that life throws at you. There's a reason yoga has been around for over 4,000 years. The mind-body-soul connection really does exist. As for me, I plan to be practicing yoga at 95, hopefully even 100! Colleen Delaney-Stephens June 09' Student of the month: Georgetta Gibson To Bikram or not to Bikram.....that is the question. Sometimes it's even the burning question. I say this because as much as those crazy instructors like to tell you that the temperature and humidity is "Just About Perfect", I swear they are trying to melt us into a steaming pile of goo. When my body cools down and resembles the form it was in before the meltdown, it feels better somehow. It feels younger, it feels more supple and graceful, it feels stronger, and most of all, it feels alive. I suppose our instructors aren't so crazy after all, but you be the judge. For me, the verdict for this particular question will always be TO Bikram, but that's just me..... Georgetta Gibson May 09' Student of the month: Kevin Kehoe I started Bikram Yoga in February, 2009. Although I was in pretty good cardiovascular condition, my body was tight and my mind, impatient. My Bikram practice has not only alleviated this, but strengthened my determination, concentration and patience. By doing something so difficult, it has made my life easier. Kevin Kehoe Student of the Month:April 09' Student of the month: Diana Floyd I tried Bikram yoga after my daughter tried one class, came home and bet me that I could not make it through one class. Well, she decided not to return but I convinced several people to join me. After one month I began to feel the best I have in a long while and set a goal to do the thirty day challenge before I turned 50. I gave myself one year to get ready. After discussing my goal with my family they agreed to be supportive and eat TV dinners for a month. I really didn't think I could do the full challenge without the support of my family, the Bikram staff and many others students in the class who were very supportive. Once I completed the challenge, I went to my doctor and was very surprised that the medication I had been taking for several years for joint and pain issues was cut in half. My Doctor and family have encouraged me to continue not only for my physical health but also for ME. I consider my 90 minuets all for me and can only hope it makes me a better wife and parent. Diana Floyd Student of the Month:August 08' Student of the month: Leslie KaneFour years ago, walking on the beach and riding my bicycle had been the way I tried to stay in shape. I noticed there was a new yoga studio opening near my home. I had always wanted to attempt yoga but had not done so as yet. I read up on "Bikram Yoga". It sounded great except for the part about the 100 degree plus temperature. I gave it a try and rather enjoyed it.I practiced on/off for the next couple of years. I lost my daughter unexpectedly a year ago and began the Bikram yoga again. It helped me tremendously. I then began to realize I turned to yoga whenever a traumatic event would occur in my life or stress would overwhelm me. It provides me the opportunity to achieve mental, spiritual, and physical health. Now I feel committed to yoga and it has not disappointed me. My daughters say they can see a definite diffference in my physical appearance, which is a side effect of the mental strenghth yoga has given me. Thank you, Traci, for your hard work, wonderful spirit, and most of all, your friendly encouragement and contagious smile every time I walk through the door. Leslie Kane June 08' Student of the month: Nicole LaPierre I began practicing Bikram Yoga 2 years ago. In that time, many great things have happened for me. I was diagnosed with bursitis in my right foot 6 years ago. It would flare up about once a month for a week or so. It would be painful to walk. Within the first month, all of the pain went away and has not returned. Mentally, Bikram Yoga has been amazing for me. After a long battle with cancer, my mother passed away. This caused me to develop a lot of anxiety and panic attacks. I worked through these problems in yoga class every day. After six moths, the anxiety was gone. I also love seeing what it is doing for other people. My husband enjoys practicing too. We both plan on attending the nine week teacher training in the fall in Acapulco, Mexico. We hope to be teaching after graduation. It is truly a life changing activity. The most challenging and rewarding exercise I have ever done. I will stick with it for the rest of my life! Nicole LaPierre May 08' Student of the month: Mary Beth Rainka Through out the years, I have always been searching for the "perfect" exercise for me. Something to keep the pounds off (they have a way of finding me again!) and to feel great. Running seemed to be it for a while and I trained and ran the Jacksonville Marathon in 2005. No matter how much I ran, my body never really changed much and the muscle definition just was not there. However, after a freak accident and back surgery, I took a break from running. The constant stress on my joints made it even more difficult to run and I was looking for an alternative. As fate would have it, at the Tiger Bay Greyhound 5K in October 2007, I received a "free pass" to Bikram Yoga in New Smyrna Beach in my race packet. With my daughter Allison, we gave it a try and now I'm hooked! At first, we thought this yoga was strange and that we would never be able to do the postures. But we stuck with it and I can really see a difference! Over the past 6 months, I have lost 10 pounds and can see the difference in muscle tone in my legs and arms. The awkward pose has definitely slimmed down my thighs and added definition all over my legs. My body is so much more defined now than when I was running. My clothes fit much better and every time I leave the yoga room, I feel great. There are times when I don't really feel like going to yoga, but once I've finished I'm so glad that I went. My husband is exercising more as a result of me going to yoga, and my daughter, son and I keep each other on track and motivate each other to go to class. My postures continue to improve each week, but there are still a few that I have difficulty with... If only I could get my "exactly forehead on my knee"! Then I wouldn't be just hanging out in a hot room! When we first started our classes Traci was in the middle of something called a "30 day challenge". Now I am participating in my own 30 day challenge and feel confident that I can make it all the way through. Many thanks to Traci, Anthony and all the other teachers from the Melbourne studios for all their help and encouragement. Mary Beth Rainka April 08' Students of the month: Glen & Kelley Stratton Kelley and I have been married for 6 years (April 5th) and are both wildland fire fighters; the job is very stressful most of the time, full of adventure and adrenalin. We realized we needed a way to unwind. Kelley suggested we try Bikram Yoga, I reluctantly agreed to try it but I swore her to secrecy for fear of being laughed at should anyone find out. After a week I was telling everyone about it. We have been practicing yoga for three month now and love every minute of it, we are addicted. When we are not working or practicing yoga we enjoy; fine dining, kayaking, bicycling and traveling. This experience for me has been a transformation both mentally and physically, I have lost 20lbs give or take a few and now have the energy of a twenty year old. Mentally I am able to stay focused on the big picture, and keep what is important in perspective. I am always doing the advanced pose (smiling) and letting the love pour in, thank you Anthony. This also has been life changing for Kelley; she has suffered from headaches and vertigo for the past 15 years. Shortly after starting yoga Kelley's headaches and vertigo have virtually disappeared and she has not needed medication for these problems, this is huge. She too has gained more energy and lost a little over 10lbs and really toned up losing inches all over the place (HOT!!). Yoga has taught Kelley how to prioritize her life and again keep it in perspective. We try to come as often as our work will let us, but at a minimum three time a week. The instructors at NSB Bikram Yoga are awesome, the professionalism and dedication they display in each class keeps us energized and proud to be yogis." Glen Stratton Student of the Month:March 08' Student of the month: Rick Spitz Wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, can't stand up straight, and groan -- back ache. Walk, or perhaps waddle is more descriptive, to the front door to get the paper. Hang onto the door frame, push the paper with your foot to the other foot and flip the paper upright, bend over ever so slowly and stretch your fingers to reach the paper (this doesn't work for the Sunday edition). Sounds familiar -- maybe, maybe not. Three and a half years ago that was my daily morning routine. I had given up tennis, golf, and any other form of exercise, not that I was any kind of jock even in my earlier years. Money spent on equipment, gyms, trainers, etc. was wasted. I hated them all and none made any difference. My waste line increased three inches -- okay four -- and my weight went up to 200 pounds. Cutting my own toenails - not a chance. Well this was life at sixty years old - four years ago. My bad back since I was 18 years old finally brought me to my knees. Unfortunately I couldn't get to my knees. In the summer of 2004 we started Bikram Yoga and after the second day I knew this was it for me. Sure I almost died in the heat; could not raise my arms up to my head (much less my ears) in Half-Moon; could not bend forward, backward, or sideways, etc. My first Bikram instructor said, "Rick, it took you sixty years to get in the bad shape you are in. It may take you another sixty years to recover." At the time I laughed but soon learned that this statement was right on target. During the last three and half years I have taking three to five classes a week, excluding vacations. Slowly, and I do mean slowly, I have improved my postures. Related to whatever is my current physical situation, my absolute goal is not to have "perfect postures" but to do each posture "correctly" at the level I can achieve. Sometimes this may require backing up and starting over in a posture because you have tricked yourself into making minute compromises to go further in the posture than you are ready for. Time, time, and more time may be needed to move one small step forward depending on your physical condition and ailments. Just one example, it took me three years before I could lean forward and place just my fingertips under my foot in standing head to knee. I really learned the meaning of patience during those years. I learned to toss away frustration and accept the reality of the "now". The added benefit is I have gained patience in my daily life and relationships. My final thought relates to "breaking through the wall" in your postures. If you reach the point where progress seems to really be on hold, take the advice I received from a senior visiting teacher, Michael Harris - "Try to come every day for a month. I promise you, you will be amazed at the rapid progress you can achieve. Just do the yoga!" Rick Spitz February 08' Student of the month: Leslie O'Donnell Adding Bikram Yoga to my workout routine has been a dream come true for me. For years I've been looking for more of a challenge, but I didn't know exactly what I was looking for. I always thought "yoga" would be an easy, stretchy, waste of time. Then I tried Bikram. It was the hardest workout I'd ever done. I was sweating, my heart rate was up, and I was so sore the next day; all the things I want in a good workout. Now I can't get enough of it. I try to come every day and do a double every week. The more I come, I find that I can breathe easier and the heat doesn't bother me as much. I've even become a 'heater hugger'. My postures are improving, and I know that thru sweating I'm getting rid of all the toxins that my body is exposed to either through the food I eat, or from all the products I use topically (soaps, lotions, etc). I love all the people I've met in class. Every one is an inspiration to me. Now I love watching "new students" fall in love with "the yoga" just like I did. They are the only people who understand my passion for this workout. The instructors are true professionals. They always expect me to give 100% in the poses and never give in to my trying to compromise for my "imagined" limitations. I love when they call me out in class to go a little deeper. It is hard to do at the time, but the next time I do that same pose, I find it a little easier. It is so true. I have a 'significant' birthday coming up, and I am not as afraid of getting older now because I know that with Bikram Yoga, I am doing everything I physically can to age gracefully. I encourage anyone who is looking for a great workout to try Bikram Yoga. I'm so glad I did. Leslie O'Donnell January 08' Student of the month: Carol Caracciolo Since I have been practicing Bikram Yoga the quality of my life has improved significantly. It is the only form of exercise that hasn't given me pain in the weaker areas of my body. At the age of four, I contracted polio. As a result, I have severe scoliosis and partial paralysis on my right side. Bikram Yoga has helped me do things that I couldn't do without pain in years. They may be simple things such as polishing my toenails or having the stamina to complete activities that I couldn't do in the past. The best experience I have had since I started was snorkeling and diving for scallops in the Gulf of Mexico with some friends. I was never able to blow out of a snorkel before or swim for hours each day. I was always sitting behind watching everyone else have fun because I was afraid I would hurt myself. But now that my breathing capacity and flexibility has improved I was able to join in and had a great time. It was so natural. I felt like a "normal" person for the first time in my adult life and I felt so good about my body. My husband was amazed watching me and kept telling me over and over not to ever give up Bikram Yoga!!!! I have to give a lot of credit to my teachers. Traci, Amanda, Liz and Anthony have been wonderful to me. They have consistently encouraged me to keep doing the workouts and not to get discouraged by my limitations. Whenever I thought that I couldn't do a pose, they would persistently tell me that I could do it with patience and time. They were right!!! All of my poses have improved and continue with each workout. I must add that the students I have met have been so kind and encouraging also. They are a great group to do a workout with. I am very grateful to Bikram's Yoga College of India New Smyrna Beach for giving me the support and techniques to feel healthy physically and emotionally. I wish I would have started several years ago because I am sure that I would have avoided at least three surgeries. However, I am doing it now and will continue as long as I can. Carol Caracciolo December 07' Student of the month: Ray Desmarais Ray Complete the 30 day challenge with 45 stars on the board. That means he took 45 classes in 30 days - far exceeding the 26 required classes - he is an inspiration to us all. Ray has said the following about his experience with Bikram Yoga: "I would like you to know that after practicing Bikram Yoga for the last 16 months, that I have found it to be the perfect exercise system to act as a counterbalance to my running. Yoga seems to repair muscle damage by stretching and relieving pain due to running. I have also used Yoga to improve my body bio-mechanics to mitigate structural problems caused by sciatica. I have experienced less physical discomfort from sciatica since starting the Bikram Yoga program. I have found all the instructors to be extremely friendly, fun and helpful as well. The 90 minutes goes by in a flash!" November 07' Student of the month: Karen Leone "I've struggled with depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember and I've tried practically everything to make those feelings go away. Some worked, but only for a short time or in a limited way. I had heard of Bikram Yoga and I was curious about it but it took another (worse) anxiety episode to finally make me try it. Now I wish I had tried it a long time ago. I felt better after the first class and it keeps getting better every day. I'm not as anxious as I had been and when I do get stressed out, the feeling isn't as overwhelming as it used to be. I feel more confident and that confidence is helping me to make other positive changes in my life. On so many levels, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself." |
Bikram's Yoga College of India
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