Charissa Boyd

Charissa practices at the UES studio. I interviewed her after her challenge, but I did occasionally see her at the studio. She would have this glowing smile on her face, and she would give me updates on her challenge. Here is her experience.

MH: How did you hear about Bikram?
 
CB: A year ago a co-worker mentioned the practice to me. She was ranting and raving about the benefits and I decided to try it out for myself. Anyway, I took a week of classes last year and thought I was not ready physically and mentally. In addition, I had a lot going on in my life and just didn't have the time to commit. I never forgot how I felt after my first class and made a promise to myself that I would commit to Bikram Yoga when I got myself organized.  I am organized now and just decided to dive into the practice by committing to the 30DC. 

Tell me about your first class.

The first class of the challenge was extremely hard. 90 minutes felt like 8hrs. Sheesh!

Oh i know that feeling! Why did you come back?

I came back because I love a good challenge and I felt like I would benefit a lot from the practice.

Absolutely. Is there something in particular you were working with when you began your practice?

Well, I began breaking out a couple months before I started Bikram. I never had an acne problem before so I was extremely frustrated about it. My Physician basically told me that the acne could be a result of my weight gain and my dermatologist told me that I needed to start working out as sweating helps change the skin. I am relief and extremely please that after a month I am healthier and my skin has improved tremendously. No more acne for me!

Honey, i had the same exact problem: months leading up to my practice, i had the most awful experience and I couldn't understand why. I tried bloody everything and it only appeared to get worse. my skin didn't fully clear up until months after i went to training. i realized that my body needed to detoxify and it was doing so through my skin. but yes-- i fully sympathize and i rejoice with you in our cleansing experience. Tell me, what do you like/dislike about the practice?

I like the practice for the obvious reasons – it gets me and keeps in shape, improves my flexibility, and maintains my skin beautiful. I am so content with what I can receive out of the practice that I have no dislikes.

Nice. So what else motivated you to do the 30DC?

The 30DC was my way of introducing my body and mind to the practice. It was some introduction! Plus, I wanted to get back the physique I once had and become more flexible.  The challenge has put me on the path to make this happen.
 
Yep. It's all about the mind-body integration. What is your favorite/least favorite posture and why?

My favorite posture is “balancing stick” and my least favorite is “toe stand”.
I like balancing stick because you have to attack the posture with no hesitations – drop into the “T-shape” on a clap. My least favorite is toe stand because I am not yet strong or flexible enough for the posture.

Really? Balancing stick? Girl you are positively insane! Haha, no i totally joke. That one 10-second posture really teaches you how to approach the 90-minute practice: no hesitations, no thoughts, just action. Toe stand--funny, i never thought i could ever do it, but alas, like everything else it has taught me to never say never. any other thoughts?

I have been receiving positive feedback from co-workers, friends and family. I have also received a couple of “you have motivated me to try Bikram Yoga”.

That is so great! believe it or not you are fully part of the Bikram community and just by practicing you are helping change so many negative aspects of the world we live in. Just by practicing you already are an inspiration... and people need this inspiration more and more and more these days. Just by practicing, you are spreading the word that there is a way to be happy and healthy! 

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