Tracey Wilson

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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