Joanna Walker 11/14/2011
 Hi everybody. I know it's been a few months since I've featured a 30-day-challenge yogi. I've been wrapped up with launching my business, La Dea Vita. It translates into the Goddess Life, and I am designing yoga wear for women of diverse shapes & sizes. May we all look and feel like Goddesses when we show up for our practice! And speaking of Goddesses, let me introduce you to Joanna. MH: Hi Joanna. How did you stumble upon Bikram Yoga? JW: I tried a class in Raleigh, NC probably more than 10 years ago, but I didn't become hooked at the time. I didn't think I was ready. After regularly practicing other types of yoga during the intervening years, my friend Connie suggested that we go to a Bikram class together at the wonderful studio in Winston-Salem, NC in the fall of 2008. Do you recall what that second 1st class was like? I can't really tell you about it specifically. It's not like I tried to leave the room or anything. It was certainly surprisingly hot and challenging, but my background in dance and yoga enabled me to listen to my body, take it at my own pace, and not panic. That's wonderful, as your body is a trust-worthy instrument. Why did you decide to stick with it this time? I came back because of the amazing way I felt afterward. I could feel that lots of stagnant energy, previously trapped in my body, had been stirred up and released, leaving me deeply relaxed, calm, and better able to face the challenges of the day. Yeah, I love how transformative and so very healing this practice is. Where or are you working with any injuries? I've had ongoing problems with my lower back ever since being in a bad car accident in 1995. However, when I'm doing Bikram Yoga regularly, it doesn't bother me at all. When the yoga stops, the pain comes back. That's one of the reasons I know this will be a lifelong practice. I also have a weak left ankle as a reminder of a bad sprain there about 6 years ago. I find rolling up on my tippy toes in Awkward Pose very difficult, and also extremely strengthening for that ankle. Yeah, I have to agree. I also feel that this is a lifelong practice, and I too feel the pain creep back in when I dont practice regularly. Please share with me, what do you like/dislike about the practice? I like many things: the fact that it's the same every time allows me to really see and feel progress from class to class; the way it regulates my emotions; and seeing a community of like-minded people at the yoga studio. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in a dance studio, and Bikram class reminds me of ballet class...the discipline, the focus on proper alignment, the expectation that I will respect the teacher's expertise and try my best to make the corrections he or she offers. I only wish that Bikram Yoga had been part of my life when I was seriously dancing. I think the training methods are wonderfully complementary. I'm certain that my backbend is deeper (and healthier) now than when I was a teenage ballerina! I can't think of anything I dislike about the practice. I guess maybe the smell of the hot room sometimes, but never during class. I'm extremely grateful to have found Bikram Yoga. It has changed my life profoundly. I hear that so many times from so many people: "I wish I'd found Bikram Yoga sooner..." but of course, here we are today and we are all benefiting from the practice. What inspired you to do a 30DC? I've wanted to do a Challenge since I rediscovered Bikram Yoga in 2008, but the logistics of my life didn't make it possible. When I started a new job with predictable hours and in close proximity to my new home studio - Bikram Yoga Amherst in Western Massachusetts - I realized that it was finally possible for me to give it a try...and I went for it with gusto! That's great :) And now that the perfect time has presented itself for you to immerse yourself in the practice, have you set any intentions? I made the commitment to the Challenge directly after something upsetting occurred in my life. I thought I would benefit from the daily release; that it would help calm obsessive thoughts and keep emotions from getting stored in my body. I do think the daily practice has allowed me to achieve those things, but there have been other benefits as well: I feel more tightly pulled in to the center line of my body; every part of my body is stronger and more flexible; and my skin looks and feels amazing (if I do say so myself). I second that-- your skin is glowing! As is your smile :) What about the postures? Which ones are your fav/least fav? I love Half Moon pose - all four directions. It releases so much tension so quickly, and feels great. I'm also in love with Triangle. When I get everything lined up right, and am stretching in all directions at once, I feel like I'm plugged directly in to the Universe. You know what I mean? Amen sister. I know exactly what you mean. My least favorite posture is probably Standing Head to Knee because it's so difficult for me. Even after all this practice, I struggle to grip my foot correctly. However, when I have a good day with it, it is oh-so-satisfying! Yeah. Lately I've been asking my students to pay extra attention to their footing. So often we're focused on the knee and getting the forehead to thouch and X,Y,Z that the very essentials of footing are forgotten. Especially as you heal your left ankle, make sure that the foot is on the floor with weight distributed throughout (no gripping the towel with your toes!) Any last closing words my dear? I've developed little rituals to help keep me motivated to go to the studio day after day, and one that I find most helpful, especially because I love colors and sparkly things, is to put a sparkly, colorful sticker on my wall calendar at home after each class. As the month goes on, the calendar fills up with stickers,and I find it to be a helpful visual reminder of what I'm accomplishing. Stickers! Yeah, brilliant. I love that. Thanks so much for sharing Joanna. Keep on shining, sister! 3 Comments Amanda McFarland 07/23/2011
 Hello, hello. Heat wave? Check. Water bottle? Check. Bikram yoga daily? Check. Most people think we're crazy for practicing in this heat, but really, it is because we practice in the heat that we can handle the rest of our day without freakin out. This month's featured yogi is Amanda McFarland from Massachusetts. Check out what she's got to say about her challenge... MH: Hi Amanda. How did you stumble into the hot room your very first time? AM: I had just moved to MA from NYC and was looking for a yoga studio. the nearest class that fit my schedule was a Bikram class, thank goodness! And how did that first class go for you? The class was packed with people and it felt hotter than the NYC subway in July. I stood in the front row because i thought it was really the back row... how humiliating! i stayed in the room for the full 90 minutes and that was the most I could that day. Ohhhh....yes. NYC subway in July, I hear that. For most people, dealing with the heat is usually the biggest challenge. Which is why just staying in the room the whole 90 minutes is such a victory. Well done. What made you come back? During my first class i realized how out of shape i was for a 33 year old--i went back to combat that obstacle. And because even though i was terribly miserable in the class, after i left i could not stop thinking about when i would be able to go back. Ha... this is going to sound really dorky but if i had a dollar for every time I heard that I would commute in this bicycle (it would say 'Mishel' of course) with nothing but my black Amex in my back pocket. Mmmm.... anyway... are you, or were you working with any injuries? Before practicing Bikram yoga regularly i would have described myself as having a bad back. I can see that. Getting in the hot room and moving your spine (especially backbending) does wonders for your back. What is it that you like about the practice? I love that it gives me the chance to transform my mind and my body simultaneously. Since i started practicing regularly i feel that all the energy i expend while i am in class has made room for other, more positive energy to be present in my everyday life. i feel more physically and mentally empowered. That's beautiful. It's so very true. And since positive energy multiplies, everyone you encounter in your day and all the people in your life benefit too :) Any dislikes about the practice? I dislike all the laundry that comes along with it. Yeah. It's a hindrance, but as I wash them, I love to think of those sweaty clothes as trophies for victoriously showing up for practice. Now tell me, what made you sign-up for a 30DC? I am eager to see if i can make strides in postures that i struggle with. My husband and i are doing the challenge together and the commitment to practice is also a commitment to having a shared experience. That's amazing. You guys must share stories all the time. Did you set any intentions before starting? Yes. My intention is to make bikram a part of my everyday life, to always find room for what makes me feel wonderful and to embrace the energy i receive when i practice. You just reminded me of an intention-setting usually done in spiritual ceremonies... when summoning the winds of the north, the Hummingbird is called upon to guide us to where our nectar is in life, and to give us the discipline to go there most often. It's so great that you've found yours :) Now finally... tell me, which are your fav/least fav postures & why. Triangle pose is my least favorite. I regularly find myself dreading it from the moment the class starts. i have to say to myself 'i love triangle, i love triangle' to get through. Standing bow is my favorite posture. 1.5 years ago i was not even able to grab my foot but it didnt take long before my foot was above my head in the mirror, with my body down, the more i kick i can "balance forever." Yup. And so the dialogue goes. As for triangle, check out this video where Bikram gives tips on how to improve it. It was such a pleasure to hear your story, Amanda. Stay strong, and may you have the discipline to go where your nectar is in life, for the rest of your life :) This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar. Carrie Torres 06/26/2011
 Hey guys. Meet Carrie. She practices @ Bikram Yoga Manhattan. MH: Hey Carrie. How did you encounter Bikram Yoga? CT: My best friend suggested I try it to enjoy some heat during a cold winter. Yeah. The hot room is where everyone's at during the frigid winters. And scorching hot summers ;) Tell me about your first class? I went to my first class in January 2004 at the studio in Soho. I stood in front row under a heat vent (I didn't understand what that meant on that day). The instructor asked if i would be ok. I remember saying with confidence "ive never done this before but, i'll be ok-im a runner". Well, within 10 minutes I could not stand up anymore the heat just blasted me! Not only did I feel naseaus I felt dirty. I thought to myself everyone's sweat is so clean and clear-they look beautiful and blissful. My sweat looked grey and it was so difficult to look at myself in the eye for 90 minutes without be judgemental of my body. I could get over the not being able to hold every posture on the first day but, the hope of clean sweat and a blissful face made me return. Brave! That's so funny how you mention clean sweat. I totally know what you mean. Actually reminds me of a story my friend told me. He went out one night and ate like 25 dumplings and the next day in class he told me his sweat tasted like dumpling juice. Gross! I know I know. Funny too. But yeah, when you're hydrated and you practice regularly, its just H2O coming out. Why did you return? The peaceful faces, the clean sweat and hearing from the instructors that all those people in the front row felt just like me when they started. So there was hope to get better and explore my edge in a no judgement zone. Every time I came back I did get a little better. At first better meant less naseaus, then keep standing for the whole class, then do all the postures, then learn to keep breathing.... That's pretty much it in a nutshell. Little by little the bird builds its nest. Where you/are you working through any injuries right now? I had a broken heart/spirit. Some days I would just cry during class especially after camel. I have practiced this yoga for over 6 years. I have strengthend my knees, my biceps, my back and my abs but the musle that has strengthned the most is my heart/spirit. Once I started practicing with a stronger heart my postures have gone deeper and I have witnessed a full expression of myself that I didn't even know existed. Sometimes I am so happy during class I just start giggling or smiling for no reason. I totally know the feeling! Thanks for reminding me of those happy moments. And thanks for sharing your emotional struggles. It's amazing how uplifting you feel when you practice regularly. Well what I have heard repeated by all the instructors and Bikram himself is whatever you dislike the most is what you need to do the most! I hate that it is sooo true. I like the discipline required. You can 't be late you have to always start from the beginning. And you can't just follow and copy the instructor you have to listen and create your own progress. You must accept where you are in the moment. Everyday is your best yoga-some days are deeper than others but, you are never failing if you give 100% effort. Precisely. And what exactly motivated you to do a 30 day challenge? It was a long hard winter. I just felt the winter blues in full effect. I wanted to get motivated for the spring/summer, then I just wanted to feel alive again! I never regret going to a yoga class once im there so I decided to give myself that feeling everyday. Yeah. Winters can be tough here in NYC. And it's true about not regretting your practice... once a teacher told me (promise its not a gross dumpling-like story) that the worst class you can have is the one you didnt show up to. Tell me about the challenge itself. This challenge was dedicated to commitment and trust. I wanted to see if I could commit to going everyday and make the time in my schedule and in my life to actually go, clear my mind and give my all for 30 days. Did I trust my word? Some days i had to go to 6:30am classes before work; some days, to keep my word, i was literally running to the last class at 8pm, went to sleep and went right back to the first class the next morning. Shockingly I had more energy than ever. But, on those days when I couldn't move my body out of bed or couldn't lift my arm up to wash it I didn't give up only because I gave my word to myself.-No financial gain, no trophy just keeping my word was the prize. I thought I would lose weight but, what actually happened is I gained integrity. That integrity revealed itself in my postures. I never sat through a class, I always tried harder, breathed deeper, stood taller, smiled bigger, laughed louder and yes, i stood on my toe! (even just for 3 seconds!) Right on! Those 3 seconds will turn into 4, then 5, and then 10. Till one day you can just stay in the pose for as long as you want. Speaking of poses, which ones are your favs/least favs? Today I can say I love them all. My favorite is eagle. I started identifying with the spirit of the eagle. If the eagle stops flapping its wings it will fall out of the sky...so I keep going forward, i keep breathing so I don't fall. If I can get to this posture with even breath I am all in there is no turning back and then there will be WATER. I couldn't wrap my foot for over a year then I could wrap one and not the other for another year, now I can wrap both. But, you can always get deeper the work is never done. My least favorite is Triangle. It takes all of my energy and focus. There is no hiding or over compensating with another muscle. You must use every muscle. I can do it and its a mighty fine triangle but, I get stuck in my head. Somedays I bargain and do only one set. I know im only cheating myself but that keeps my practice humble. I always have something to strive for and work on. This yoga truly is a union of the mind and body. When you keep breathing and empty out all of the voices in your head your body can do anything you tell it to do. Anytime you can't do something its because you failed in your mind first-so just envision yourself doing it and then just do it! My next challenge will be dedicated to fear. I do not want to be afraid of my own progress, I will not fall and if I do I will fall forward. Yes I totally have to agree with you about visioning yourself doing things you want to do. That's such a powerful tool to attract what you want in your life. Thanks so much for sharing Carrie! Maybe I'll see you around the SoHo studio one day! Sheila Bayne 04/06/2011
 Yogis! Buckle down, keep a fire extinguisher handy... this story is so hot, exquisite & fun you might need some in-case-of-emergency tools around... This month, we got the fabulous Sheila Bayne who practices at the studio in Downtown LA. MH: Hi gorgeous! I am so excited to hear about your 30 day challenge. Let's start with my favorite question: how did you hear about Bikram Yoga? SB: The first time I heard of Bikram Yoga was back in 1980 from a friend who was taking classes from Bikram. Fast forward to 2001: I was going through a divorce, and had been suffering from chronic, daily neck pain for well over a year... nothing helped it. Finally, a physical therapist suggested yoga. Bikram had just opened his West L.A. HQ a few blocks from my house, so I planned to check it out. However, being a procrastinator, I opted for buying his ‘Yoga for Beginners’ book. Very shortly thereafter, on a summer’s day, I had returned from swimming lessons at the Y with my three young sons, and parked across the street from my house. Inexplicably, one of my boys suddenly jumped out of our van and dashed across the street… directly in the path of a huge old Bentley, which screeched to a halt! My son stood there, with his hands on the hood, looking flabbergasted, but, otherwise, perfectly fine. I jumped out of the van in a dazed panic. The Indian guy driving the Bentley jumped out too, proclaiming, “I saved his life! I saved his life!” We sat there for a while, the Indian lifesaver guy, my kids, and myself… who collapsed into tears of relief. Later, checking out the yoga book, I realized that I had had an intensely close encounter with Bikram himself, and that I was getting a big kick-in-the-ass from the universe to actually GO to Bikram yoga. I did so immediately, went steadily for at least several months, and the neck pain disappeared, NEVER TO RETURN! When I think about this metaphorically, I can think of it in terms of heedlessly dashing out to the edge of the precipice— i.e., living on the edge, not taking care of myself-- but Bikram comes along to “save my life.” Cool, huh? Are you kidding me?! That is the coolest thing I've heard! I can see them making a movie out of just that bit already :) So, how was it when you FINALLY went to your first class? I absolutely, completely, more than other normal people, DETEST heat and perspiration, especially when it is not associated with something that is actually fun… but I recognize that good things usually come out of hard work, so I respected the tough-love approach and remained. I remember panicking in camel pose, so that was interesting! I'm so glad you bring this up. Many people don't handle heat well either, and therefore don't even attempt a class. Others even say that it's bad for you. Just the other day I had a first time student who told me he'd been wanting to come for months but didn't because his yoga teacher told him it was dangerous. For the record: it's not dangerous. This student is now a regular and like the rest of us, is receiving benefit upon benefit. So tell me, what kept you coming back? I was on a mission. Besides, I needed some relief from my neck pain, and this was the only option, since nothing else had worked. Yes, living pain-free is probably the best motivator. What is it that you like and dislike about the practice? Dislikes: The heat. The sweat. It stinks, though I am beginning to like that in a perverse way. Having to be consistent. The laundry. The planning in advance so I can leave the house at 5:30 a.m. to catch the six a.m. class. The lack of sleep. It’s a sacrifice. Likes: Looking good! Feeling good! Having great skin! Getting rid of those annoying aches and pains that have seemed to crop up increasingly in my fifties. I have the sense that I am doing the best I can for my health, and that is very satisfying. I also enjoy going to class at daybreak! Yeah, if you were to put those on a scale, I can totally see the goods TOTALLY outweighing the BADS. (Ps- i admit too that I like that smell of sweat and tea tree oil... walking in to my studio always smells nice to me) What about postures... which ones are your favs... and not so favs? WHYOHWHYDOIHATEFIXEDFIRMSOMUCH??? Sorry. But I do. And standing head-to-knee is basically a hatefest too. I guess the knees are a problem. Love half tortoise. Love full locust. Dig camel. Don’t know why, they just feel good. Ha. Remember to be easy and gentle with your knees. Bikram says all the time: "You can mess with the gods but DON'T mess with your knees." Be patient and consistent & you'll see the results. And finally... tell me why you're doing the 30 day challenge? In for a penny, in for a pound. I may as well jump in completely, in the hopes of creating a healthy addiction to feeling great. Then, the addiction can take the place of discipline, and I won’t have to try as hard to attain consistency. You know what? I read somewhere recently that a behavior doesn't become a habit until at least 3 months of daily practice. And finally, tell me what your intentions are for this challenge. My weight (about 20 lbs to lose) is now as stubborn as the neck pain was 10 years ago. If that was permanently resolved by Bikram yoga when nothing else would work, perhaps it will create change in my weight as well. I hope so. And if not, well, I get to feel good and know I am protecting my body from the aging process as much as I can. Just you wait. Keep up the practice and you can bid adieu to those extra pounds. I'm cheering you on... and hope that you manifest all the intentions and desires through and with the help of your 30 day challenge. Please keep me updated! Cheers :) This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar. Tony Perone 03/15/2011
 Hi everyone! This month, we got Tony Perone who practices at Bikram Yoga Andersonville in Chicago, IL. MH: Hi there Tony! So very excited to hear about your journey & your 30 day challenge. Let's start with the basics: how did you hear about Bikram Yoga? TP: I had done other forms of yoga before like Ashtanga and I had heard of Bikram yoga. I had also passed by the Andersonville studio frequently on my walks around my neighborhood, and always said to myself, or whomever was with me at the time, "I wanna try that someday." Nice! Setting your intention by saying it out loud! So when did that "someday" finally happen? Did you come alone? Or did someone say to you, "Oh yeah? Why someday? Let's go RIGHT NOW!" My roommate at the time had tried Bikram in his hometown and his experience really got me interested in trying it. I finally decided to try it on my 38th birthday in January 2010. My roommate and I went for the first time together that day. I totally love that you went on your birthday. What an extraordinary thing to gift yourself. Tell me a bit about your first class. I was expecting it to be like a sauna, with steam coming out of radiators. While it was hot, I instantly felt comfortable. Well, until the class started, that is! I don't recall too much of what or how well I did but I do remember my teacher being supportive and calm. And I just did the best I could and stayed in the room. Oh really, no steam? That's odd because not only do we have steam coming out of radiators but also flames. Tee-hee just kidding. It sounds like you had a good experience if you stayed. That's really the main goal on your first day. But why did you come back? As soon as my roommate and I left the studio, I said to him, "That was great. I feel awesome. I'm going back." Yay. Oh, that post-class kick-ass-conquer-the-world feeling is so amazing ain't it? Enough to keep you coming back. Tell me, what inspired you to come for 30 days in a row? It had been something I had been toying with for a few months before committing to it. I was being wishy-washy about it, thinking that I'd just go as many days as I could and see if it turned into 30 days. I knew I wanted to try it and I knew it would improve my practice and overall quality of life but something was holding me back from going for it. I am so grateful that one of my teachers encouraged me to declare the challenge and commit to it. She was so right. Now, I'm planning on going beyond the 30 days! A big YES to all the teachers out there! So great. By the way, are there any injuries you are working with? Well, I bring certain conditions to heal in my practice, like: asthma/allergies, tight hips, lower back pain, flat feet, and weak knees. I have improved on all of these conditions and more since starting Bikram yoga. Wonderful. That's really great to hear. What are the things that you like or dislike about the practice? I love the focus on myself and the way this practice has encouraged me to choose healthier possibilities for my body, mind, and spirit. Since I live my life doing a lot of thinking, sitting, and talking, it's great to let those inclinations go, and while I am in class, just listen to the dialogue, honor my body for however it is at that moment, and BREATHE. I am so lucky to have found this practice and such a supportive community with whom to share growth and change! I don't really have any dislikes about the practice except that I need to do my laundry more often. And buy more towels. I hear you loud and clear. Though to be fair, girls have it worse. You guys just need to wash pair of shorts. We gotta wash whole outfits! But a small price to pay indeed. Can you tell me what are your intentions for completing this challenge? First, I'd like to honor my body each day for what it can do. Second, I'd like to continue to marvel in the growth and changes that come from this practice. Third, I'd like to inspire others to go after a goal, stick to it, and flourish, be it a goal of Bikram yoga or otherwise. Those are lofty! Very inspiring! And lastly, share with us your favorite and least favorite posture. It varies. It used to be that my favorite ones were the 2nd part of Awkward and Standing Bow because I was feeling balanced and stronger in my thighs and knees. Now it's Fixed Firm, since my hips finally are all the way on the floor! My least favorite has always been Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose. I guess I really need this one! You know, Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee was also amongst my least favorite. Until I started applying one very important detail: really stretching your arms, shoulders, scapula as you come down. This stretching actually and finally allowed me to touch forehead to knee and balance. Anyway, SO nice meeting you Tony. Good luck and thanks for sharing! Alissa 02/20/2011
 Hi everyone! Meet Alissa. She practices at Bikram Yoga Minneapolis. MH: Nice to meet you Alissa! Ok, let's talk yoga. How did you hear about Bikram? A: I heard about it through Barb, Martha William's sister (Martha is one of the studio owners). I had mentioned to Barb that I was having health issues, and she said the Bikram might be a good thing to try. Do you remember what your first class was like? My boyfriend came with me, and it was the first class for both of us. The class was traumatic. I managed to stay in the room for the duration, but I felt like I was going to hurl chunks the entire time. When I got home, I threw my clothes in the laundry and went to sleep for a long, long time. You probably slept like a baby. So although it was traumatic for you, why did you come back? Mostly for health reasons. Even though it was really difficult, I instinctively felt that it was going to (at some point) be an important part of my healing story. I'm intrigued. Can you tell me more about this healing story? What sort of injuries are you working with? I have a number of injuries. It's kind of a long story. But last summer, I was in a car crash. I broke my pelvis in three places and a couple ribs. I have some ongoing issues from that (soft tissue, nerve, muscle spasms etc.). Before that, I had a significant toxic exposure which caused some complicated health problems (respiratory, digestive, immune system, and liver issues). So, you could say I'm kind of a work in progress. Wow, Alissa. This is all intense. I am so glad you found Bikram Yoga. By the way, can you tell me what it is that you like and dislike about the practice? I like that it is working! Every day, I can notice some progress in my healing. In the beginning, I didn't like that the series was the same every time. But now, I love that part of it. It allows you to check in with yourself and get an honest assessment of just where you are on that particular day. Best of all, I love how you feel at the end of it. Like you've really accomplished something. Yes, it is so simple (simple, not easy) and it does work! And as you've come to realize, even though the sequence is the same, the class never is. Every day your body is different. But overall, what is it that inspired you to do the 30 day challenge? I'm at a place in my life right now where I'm very motivated to make some positive changes for my health. I've spent the last several years sort of struggling with issues (and figuring out what was working and what wasn't). And now, I just want to start confronting them head on. I'm tired of letting my life be dictated by health challenges. I'm ready for the next chapter in my story. I actually think I'm going to keep going past thirty days. I'm not sure how long. But I will post progress reports on my blog. Right on! We did this interview back in January, and I just checked out your blog and it says you just finished your 60th class in a row! YAY! That's so awesome. As a beginner, that is PRECISELY what you want to do. Bikram often tells us: give me 2 months of your life and I will give you back a new life. Tell me a little about your favorite and least favorite postures. This is always changing and evolving. In the beginning, it was camel pose. I think that dealing with any kind of chronic illness requires dealing with a certain amount of frustration at first. You don't even realize that you are carrying all this excess emotional baggage. At some point, you reaching a climax where your old life just doesn't work anymore. You really have to let go of everything in order to make room for the new. For me, this coincided with camel pose. At first, even thinking about the camel pose made me nauseous. After I got into it the first time, I literally started hyperventilating. My yoga instructor's response was, 'Whatever it is, just let it go.' And I did. I just started breathing. Six hours later, I had a massive emotional release. Just started crying uncontrollably for no reason. But looking back, that was the beginning of a completely new way of life. So your least favorite poses become your favorite. I hear this a lot in the locker room. Oh, girl. It's all about the backbends. "All backbend heals the spine," Mary Jarvis (one of my dearest teachers is often fond of saying.) And we all need spine healing in some form or another. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your story and inspiring us with your challenge. You rock! Nick Criscione 01/25/2011
 Happy 2011 everyone! I am so stoked to introduce to you Nick Criscione. He practices at the Park Slope studio here in Brooklyn. MH: What's up, Nick? Tell me-- how did you hear about Bikram Yoga? NC:Two years ago, when I was working at an architecture firm in in Boston, a friend told me about a hot yoga studio in Cambridge. He told me it was really intense, the whole time chugging water, sweating so much, and just trying to get through. It wasn't until a few months later, after I had started practicing vinyasa yoga and was interested in learning more about the subject that I called him to ask him about the hot yoga. Do you remember what your first class was like? I left 2/3 of the way. I couldn't stand still. It was so overwhelming. When I went outside, the manager of the studio came over to see if I was okay. He told me to take my t-shirt off. Then he said to me, "Go back, lie down. No one gives a shit if you can't do the postures. Besides, being out here is not good for your body. Just go back in." I listened to him and returned to my mat. The only posture I could do after that was the final stretching. That manager is brilliant. You did so well by listening to his advice. It is always 100% better to stay in the room, even if you're sitting out a lot, rather than go outside--it's such a shock to the body. What made you come back for a second class? I played sports growing up, all of which had their own physical and mental demands. Bikram was no different. The #1 reason i came back was because of the physical and mental reward-- the way you feel after class. I was sleeping better, I felt more rested and refreshed. I also felt lighter, like each time I released all this stress. I realized that there was something to this. And now, here you are in Brooklyn completing a 30 day challenge. What happened between Cambridge '08 and Brooklyn '11? I moved to New York in February of 2010. I partied a lot, and it was this lifestyle that eventually forced me to re-evaluate my health. It turned out that there was a Bikram yoga studio in my neighborhood, and in March I decided to go check it out. By April, I was hooked once again, and decided to do the work-study program. I worked through the summer and accumulated a bunch of classes, but my practice was not consistent. Then one day all the workstudies got an email saying that our classes will expire if we don't use them by a certain date. So I picked up my pace and started practicing a lot more in August. It just didnt make sense to me to earn these classes and not use them. So I went from practicing 3 to 5 days a week, then from 5 days to 7 days. I kinda see where this is going... Yeah. It was a gradual buildup, to the point where i was curious to see if i could do the 30 day challenge. I was curious to see if I could do it. That's pretty cool. Was there anything else that added to your curiosity? A few things inspired me. By the late fall, I wanted to avoid the cold and flu that was going around. I wanted to keep the holiday-stress levels to a low. And also, I kept hearing about a teacher from San Francisco who was coming to do a seminar in January, so I wanted to sign up for that and prepare for it as well. Mary Jarvis! Of course! I am still in awe of all the knowledge and wisdom she shared with us. I'm so glad you decided to sign up for that. She continues to amaze me with the beauty and truth she has found after experiencing a life-altering injury. What about yourself? Are you working with any injuries? I was in a car accident that fractured my right shoulder/clavicle. So the pain in that area is starting to surface. I've often heard from senior teachers that when it comes to old injuries, if they didn't fully heal at the time, there will be pain sensation that resurfaces when you start practicing seriously. They say, "it will get worse before it gets better." So just take your time and let it heal :) Yeah, I am enjoying the process. Good. Tell me, do you have any favorite/least favorite postures? Yeah. I really enjoy the 2nd part of awkward, standing bow pulling pose, camel & rabbit, and savasana. I have a love/hate relationship with the 3rd part of locust. And I am not so crazy about half moon and eagle. Basically, I have new favorite postures when I learn something new about the posture that helps me nail it. The ones I don't like are the ones I haven't figured out yet, the ones I haven't mastered how to breathe in yet. It's interesting to note this, because as your body changes so does your relationship to your postures. You're a muscular guy, which makes it hard in eagle to wrap up like a pretzel. And half-moon can be challenging no matter what, especially if your spine is not very flexible. But you're so on the right path. Understanding the series takes time. Be patient and compassionate to your body! Thanks so much for sharing your story. I'll see you in the hot room! Lisa Brown 12/06/2010
 Hi everyone. Meet Lisa. She's from California and she practices at Bikram Yoga La Jolla and Bikram Yoga Encinitas. Hey Lisa. How did you learn about Bikram Yoga? My sister told me about it a few years ago, and when I finally decided to try it, I went with my son and his girlfriend. What was your first class like? Many of the postures were very difficult for me, but some felt really good. I liked some postures, and didn't like others. I kept watching the clock, hoping it would soon be over. But then when it was, I felt so amazing afterwards. The first class is specially tough because you don't know what to expect, or when it will be over! I can understand that. What ultimately made you come back? The second class was free and, well, I really liked how I felt afterwards. It's funny, but that's also why I came back. I remember having payed 10 pounds for 10 days at Bikram Yoga Fulham and intended on getting my money's worth. Little did I know that it was the best 10 pounds I'll ever spend! But what kept you coming, even after your intro week was over? I liked seeing my progress, every day I was getting better. I like that I am investing time into myself, knowing I am doing something so wonderful for my body. My mood is elevated. My thoughts are positive. My skin looks better. I sleep better. I drink lots of water. I crave healthy foods. I like that the whites of my eyes are very bright. I feel stronger and I stand up straighter. It's only been five days of the challenge! Yes, the challenge! What motivated you to do it? I felt inspired. My boyfriends bought me a 30-day unlimited pass and I thought I would put it to good use. He is doing the challenge with me. That's so fantastic! And as you go through your challenge, what is helping you stay inspired and motivated? I would like to be able to do every pose correctly. I would like to feel and look stronger, leaner and healthier. I really love that you said that. To do the pose "correctly" is so much more important than doing it "perfectly". I always like to tell my students that alignment and form is so much more important than depth. When you are consistent and you try the right way, you will always get the benefits. Are there any postures in particular that you'd like to learn? Yes. Janushirasana with Paschimotthanasana. It's the one I'm not as good at. But I am sure as I near the 30 day challenge I will be much better and learn to like it. Always make sure that in the third part of the posture, when you grab the toes, to learn to stretch your legs first. In other words, the knees must be locked and the heels should come off the floor first, before you bend your elbows down, and eventually pull your body forward till the forehead touches the feet. But yes, one step and one day at a time. Thanks so much for sharing and please tell your boyfriend that I think he is brilliant for having given you this gift! Lauren Karp 11/11/2010
 Hey Lauren from Massachusetts! Where do you practice and how long have you been there? I stumbled upon Diane Ducharme's Bikram Yoga for You studio in West Roxbury, MA and have been practicing there on and off since 1999. It was 4 months after I had given birth to my second child and I was 60 lbs overweight. Then I moved to Baltimore and studied a bit there when the first studio opened in 2004. When I returned to the Boston area I went back to Yoga for You once in a while until I resumed my practice last spring. Tell me about your first class. My first class was long ago!!! I remember being scared because I was in so much pain and the thought of bending backwards was terrifying. What made you come back? I came back because I thought it was worth a try and it was a challenge. I lost lots of weight, got out of pain and continued until we moved to Baltimore 2 years later. The city we moved to did not have a Bikram studio for 2 1/2 of the 3 years that we lived there. When the studio opened I went back until we moved back to Boston in 2004. I did not pick up my practice again until February of this year. I really love that there are studios opening up all over the place. It's a testament to the yoga, how it works, and how its helping so many people around the world. Bikram tells us often how by having created this sequence, he was able to help more people at a time, thus fulfilling his promise to his guru to bring yoga to as many people as possible. But tell me, what do you find to be the most challenging thing about this practice? The hardest part of the class for me is making the commitment to get myself there. Once I'm in the room, I am swept away! Yup, I have to agree with you on that one. Are you working with any injuries? My injuries include a spine compression injury and arthritis in my knees from competitive figure skating when I was young. I can understand why the backbends would have seem terrifying. But those are precisely what will help heal your spine. And of course, each time you lock your knee, you strengthen the muscles around the knee. I bet you know this already, but you are totally in the right place. What made you want to do the 30DC? I wanted to do the 30 day challenge because I finally had the life circumstances where I could try it! My intentions were to see if it would change my body and my practice. Since my 30 day challenge I have attended class between 4-6 days/week. As long as I continue with my yoga practice, my knees and back remain pain-free. I can enjoy restful sleep and can walk up and down steps without pain. It is amazing! Practice continues to be wonderful! I feel so fortunate to have found this yoga that works for my body and mind. You're totally right. As long as you continue your practice you will be pain-free. And it's just like brushing your teeth. Aligning the body and getting it healthy may be challenging, but it's waaaay harder to maintain it. Thank you for sharing your story! Solitaire Macfoy 08/09/2010
 It is such a pleasure to share with the world Solitaire's story. He practices at Park Slope in Brooklyn, where i find myself the most these days. Every time I see Sol, there is this crazy big smile on his face. And the energy he radiates always makes my heart jump for joy and click its heels. Anyway, this is not about Sol's 30DC. It's more like Sol's 365DC. Yes! 365 days! Here's more from him: Hi Sol! It's always such a pleasure to see your happy smiling face. It hasn't really been that long since you started practicing. Was this your first encounter with a yoga practice? Well, I'm a Buddhist, have been since the early '70s. That's my start in Yoga. You'll have to tell me more about that one day. What about Bikram? How did you find it? Last October Jasmine Edwards, a member of the 'Food Coop' squad which is my honor to be the Squad Leader of, encouraged me to try Bikram as a way to address the arthritis in my entire body and severely advanced in my lower back and legs. You see, around the time I took up Buddhism, racing Formula-1 Ducati Motorbikes was my passion. Needless to say, a serious track spill left me severely damaged on my right side. My right leg is 2+1/2 inches shorter than the left, and the knee is fused to salvage the leg after the spill. That's pretty intense, Sol. It could not have in any way been easy. I am so grateful that Jasmine shared the love with you and brought you in. Did you love the practice right away? Well, the same month I started, I completed my first 30DC and today makes 293 days in a row. My goal is to one day achieve LEVITATION and the end of arthritis pain in my body. Tell me about some of the benefits that you are experiencing. My upper body is now free of arthritis! You rock, you rock. Straight up, you're amazing. More amazing of course is seeing you progress in the hot room, taking your time being patient honoring and healing your body, all the while maintaining a calm deep breath. You are such an inspiration. What do you find most challenging in your practice? All the asanas are hard for me so they're all my favorites. Bikram is one of a few daily yoga meditation practices for me, and is the most physiologically beneficial. Spiritually my practices include Mantra, kundalini and Karma. Thank you for sharing your story. And by the way, I LOVE the picture of you and boss. You both look so so happy. And yes yes yes to the 365 days! I'll be cheering you on for sure. See you around the hot room! |
