 Michael, a Southern Idaho native, practices at the studio in Park Slope.
Okay, Michael, tell me. Tell me about that fateful first class. What was it like for you?
I took my first class nearly 10 years ago in Seattle. I had a fairly solid yoga practice going on but nothing like the shock of Bikram. It was my friend Jeremy who took me there, whom I really trust, as he is a former dancer and a great connoisseur of fitness regimes. That was in 1997. In short, I was afraid of Bikram until last November when I really wanted to get in shape. Hey, it's doing the trick.
Yeah, Bikram is rather shocking at first. And what has prompted you to do the challenge now?
Well, I already did a 30DC in March. People didn't recognize me, they had to do a double-take. I felt so amazing and, well, I want to look good in the beach this summer.
When people stop recognizing you, you know what you're dealing with is more than just a hot room and 26 postures. This stuff is pretty powerful. Why are you doing it a second time?
I love this practice. Mostly, I love the feeling of balance and quietude before/during/after the practice. I just feel that the challenge is an amazing way to keep up the momentum. It feels awesome, you know? Plus, I'm sleeping and worrying so much less these days. It's incredible.
BIkram is always reminding us how he only sleeps 2 hours every night. He calls the practice a gas station for your body. You keep refueling it, you won't need much sleep. But hey, tell me. We all have issues in our tissues. What are the things that you are working with, or through rather, in your practice?
I have sciatica, and I definitely feel an imbalance in my body. The right side of my body is so much stronger than my left side. It feels awkward. I have a feeling it's from my years as a figure skater.
Oh my goodness, I just caught bits and pieces of Blades of Glory the other day! Which outfit did you dig the most, the fire or the ice?
Ugh skating! So hard on your body! My favorite move was the Ina Bauer. I had an amazing Ina Bauer into a double Solkow. Once a coach made me wear these horrible pink and green samba sleeves for a performance. I hated that. I was definitely a fan of the "ice" costume in Blades of Glory.
Haha! And speaking of favorites, which is your favorite posture?
My favorite posture is triangle. It's still really challenging, but it feels amazing too. I also love the beginning breathing exercise. Least favorite would have to be standing head to leg pose. It's extra challenging for me.
Sweet. Any last words? Any goals you wish to throw out into the universe? Speak now, or "forever hold your standing bow".
My reasons are multifold. To be healthier, to look great, to feel better about my self, my body, my life. To practice commitment to my health/body/sanity. To cultivate stillness and endurance. To be part of the yoga community.
Those are all beautiful intentions. Especially that of becoming part of the community. This challenge totally brings you closer to the practice, as well as to those who love the practice just as much. Have fun!
 Tracey, a born and raised New Yorker, just recently joined the Bikram community. She practices at the Upper East Side studio.
So tell me, when did you begin your practice?
About a month ago. I actually took my first class last year at the UWS studio. I knew this would be hot, but wow. But this past month is the first time I've had a steady practice.
Yeah. UWS is a killer. What made you come back?
I want to approach the change of my body differently. I am a weightlifter, and I am currently training for a competition. This was also the case last year, except my training left me exhausted and pretty drained. I think that's why when I took my first Bikram class, I couldn't quite take it in, as there was so much else involved. But this time around, I want to use the yoga as a different alternative to improve my body. I think all the stretching will really help my training.
Wow. Did you know that Bikram began as a weightlifter, too? Well, I am certain that the yoga will improve your endeavors.
Yeah. Plus, I really enjoy the practice. I like the heat. I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish a class. For me, my practice is something I want to continue, not something I have to, you know? I feel incredibly grateful, because I can feel that this is much more than a physical workout.
You're spot-on. It's so much more than a physical challenge. It's an incredible inside-out, bones-to-skin, fingertips-to-toes, mental-and-spiritual challenge. You seem pretty ready for it.
l am. I really feel ready for it. I love how the standing still in the heat affects my life outside. And the breathing! I just love it all.
Come now, there's gotta be something you don't like about it. What's your least favorite posture?
Standing separate leg head-to-knee. All the water that goes into your nose!
Oh, I know, and your eyes too. Could you share with me the intentions you would like to set for your challenge? Any changes you would like to see?
Well, yes. I would like to lose some weight, and I know that this will be a safe way to do it. I want to work on my core strength. I want to work on all my postures, especially Standing head-to-knee, I really like that one. With these physical changes, I know that my weight-lifting training will improve immensely. I am working with sciatica and shoulder pain, so I'm hoping that will heal. And of course I am looking forward to any new surprises this will bring.
You are going to rock, my dear. Totally and completely rock. Good luck with your challenge and with your training.
*UPDATE*
Tracey finished her 30 Day Challenge on July 21st. She lost an impressive amount of body fat and is looking fantastic, she feels absolutely great, she loves the practice and has made it her goal to go to teacher training, AND she found love on the most auspicious of days: the very first day of her challenge.
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