I found Bikram after many years of working out at high intensity cardio sessions, including running. I had a serious shouder injury that kept me from these activities, so I was thrilled to find something I could do with my injury and still work up a sweat while healing. I loved it from the first class. I enjoy heat and hot weather so I knew Bikram was for me. I was also very challenged and knew I had to come back.  Once my injury healed enough and I could run again, I realized a change had happened. I used to do yoga to help me run, now yoga supplements my running. I continue to have cardio endurance and strength with Bikram, but without the stiffness and sore joints that goes along with running (especially as we age!).

After your first Bikram class, what was your impression?

I found Bikram after many years of working out at high intensity cardio sessions, including running. I had a serious shouder injury that kept me from these activities, so I was thrilled to find something I could do with my injury and still work up a sweat while healing. I loved it from the first class. I enjoy heat and hot weather so I knew Bikram was for me. I was also very challenged and knew I had to come back.

What drives you to continue to practice?  What keeps bringing you back?

Bikram yoga reminds me a lot of practising a golf swing. There is so much to remember and focus on and when you get it right, you know it! There is something about the practise that keeps me coming back to keep feeling the improvements over time.

What are some of the benefits and changes you've seen in yourself?

Once my injury healed enough and I could run again, I realized a change had happened. I used to do yoga to help me run, now yoga supplements my running. I continue to have cardio endurance and strength with Bikram, but without the stiffness and sore joints that goes along with running (especially as we age!).

What is your favorite posture?

Definitely Fixed Firm. So good for my knees and ankles from years of pounding on them!

What is the greatest challenge about the yoga? Yourself?

The Balancing Series. I have flat feet and have worn orthodics for 20 years both in my dress shoes and athletic shoes. Without orthodics, I would not be able to work out. The Balancing Series works my arches and feet in ways they have never been challenged. Years ago, I was told by a yoga instructor (outside of the Bikram practise) that I would never be able to do balance poses. Through my 10 months of Bikram, I have improved the strength of my feet and can now do some respectable balancing, however there is still much room for improvement!

What advice can you give to a 1st timer after they complete the class?

Keep coming. The hardest part for me is getting there, but once I am there and the class starts, I am so glad I came. Even more so after the class is done!