My first impression of Bikram's Yoga was that it was hard and I am really really bad at it.  The realization that I am so bad at it alerted me to how much I really need it. I felt that I needed to challenge myself and so I kept coming back.  Weight loss was one of the first obvious benefits I noticed from practicing even for two weeks. Then chronic pains in my neck and back were completely alleviated after a short while.

After your first Bikram class, what was your impression?

My first impression of Bikram's Yoga was that it was hard and I am really really bad at it.

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

The realization that I am so bad at it alerted me to how much I really need it. I felt that I needed to challenge myself and so I kept coming back.

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

Weight loss was one of the first obvious benefits I noticed from practicing even for two weeks. Then chronic pains in my neck and back were completely alleviated after a short while.

What is your favorite posture?

I've always enjoyed challenging myself with standing bow because, though it is difficult, I can atttempt it correctly and have made some progress with it over time.

What is the greatest challenge about the yoga? Yourself?

My greatest challenge in yoga is getting my hips to open!

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

Drink. Come back. Give it a week or two despite how difficult it may seem to you. You get stronger, things get better, you learn to tolerate the conditions better.

Additional:

Bikram's yoga is not mood making, candle lit, new-age music yoga. It's hard. It's benefits are directly proportionate to how much you put into it - how hard you work.