After your first Bikram class, what was your impression?

I felt it was challenging and it was one of those things that if I stuck it out, I'd feel the benefits. Kind of like your first time on skis or in a boat - rocky at first, but once you begin to trust your body, you can feel your skill level improve.

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

I suffered excruciating back pain from 2 bulging discs during the winter of 2007. About that time, a friend introduced me to Bikram. I couldn't drive or sleep at the time, without shooting pains down my neck and arm. I was engaged in physical therapy, but it wasn't working. I was looking at cortisone shots or surgery as my next options. I didn't want medication and I couldn't imagine having surgery. I am young and otherwise healthy! I knew I could get through this, I just didn't know how. Bikram ended up being the only time and space I felt I could be pain free. It opens up my spine and allows for movement and ultimately healing. Since then, I have been going once or twice a week, and each time feel my pain decrease less and less. I have even experienced pain free moments. Bikram has given me back my life!

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

I can move without pain! I have pain free moments and hope with continued Bikram to eventually be pain free. I am sleeping better and am managing work and every day errands with a smile on my face instead of pain.

What is your favorite posture?

My favorite posture is the last one - I feel so loose when I twist my spine. I feel healing energy infuse my spine and ribs - no pain at all. It makes me appreciate that the pain I often carry with me into class, I can move through and leave behind.

What is the greatest challenge about the yoga? Yourself?

The greatest challenge, often, is getting there. Like anything. Showing up and facing a challenge is always a difficult confrontation, especially when there is pain involved. Pain and distrust in your body. I've learned to overcome that challenge by trusting my body, even though it's weaker than it's been. I feel powerful when I face the challenge of 90 minutes of Bikram and allow healing energy to enter.

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

Come back. Again, like downhill skiing or rowing - or any difficult sport - the first time can be all butterfingers. You may not get the best workout, but you'll experience it on some level. Each time you come, you improve. It's developmental in nature - each time you do it, you are older and wiser, too. Your body will begin to build muscle memory, and poses become challenging on a different level.

Additional:

Bikram has allowed me to experience healing by opening up my body and my mind to a different holistic therapy. I am so thankful I found it!