Shari & Shane Bench

Shari’s answers

Had you practiced yoga before coming to Thavma Bikram Yoga?

Not Bikram.  I had practiced yoga for about 4 months before trying Bikram.

 What Made you decide to do the 30 Day Challenge?

I started Bikram in August 2014.  Although I admired those who achieved the 30 day challenge, I had no desire to personally make the commitment.  I felt my individual progress from class to class was challenge enough. However, as time passed I began to become more intrigued with the challenge and how I would feel mentally, emotionally and physically after accomplishing 30 sessions in 30 days.

What did you want to accomplish from your 30 Day Challenge?? Did you achieve your goal?

1-      I wanted to improve my health

2-      I wanted to prove to myself I could do it

3-      I expected to make faster improvements in my flexibility

4-      Accomplish more accuracy in the poses

Did I achieve my goal?  Yes and No- #1 YES!,  #2 YES, #3 improved but the pace of gaining flexibility is decided over time and not to be determined by a small 30 day window and a 90 minute clock.  I’ve learned to become patient with myself and my body,  #4 – This is where I had the greatest paradigm shift.  Halfway through my challenge, I decided to take private lessons from Marina.  After the first lesson, I realized I had developed bad habits and had convinced my mind and body I was doing some of the poses more accurately than I really was.  If I had any advice it would be to invest in yourself through private lessons early.   When my husband and I first contacted the studio in August, we had every intention of beginning with private lessons.  For some reason, we didn’t.  That is my only regret.  If you are unable to do private lessons, challenge yourself to hear things differently.  It’s the same instructions over and over and over.  Challenge your mind to listen again for the first time.  It’s amazing how you can hear the same thing over and over but suddenly have an Ah-Ha moment when it clicks differently inside your mind and body.

What changes did you see during and after your 30 days of bikram yoga?

Improved flexibility, improved stamina, better acclimation to heat, and improved understanding of each posture.  Day to day the changes can seem small.  However I always say when you get overwhelmed by how far you are away from your ultimate goal, it’s time to reflect on how far you have come.  From last week to this week, the changes are small but noticeable.  From August to November the changes are significant.

What did you learn/gain from doing Bikram yoga regularly?

I certainly learned to focus more, I had much better balance, and I also needed to be more patient with body.  I also learned that “the gods are chasing me, success is chasing me, money is chasing me”…. Thanks Mark!  I realized I must slow down through practicing yoga so they can catch me. J

What did you love most from doing the Challenge? 

Being able to experience the challenge with my husband!

What’s your favorite posture!?

Savasana!  Just kidding.  My favorite posture changes over time.  Today it’s Standing Bow and Rabbit.

What do you think about our Studio!

I love Thavma!  The experience and expertise of the instructors go a long way but it’s the individual personality of all the people that gives the studio character.

Shayne’s answers

Had you practiced yoga before coming to Thavma Bikram Yoga?

Yes, but not hot Bikram.

 What Made you decide to do the 30 Day Challenge?

I thought it would be a good challenge, both physically and mentally.  It was something my wife encouraged me to do, and it was very nice being able to experience it together.

What did you want to accomplish from your 30 Day Challenge?? Did you achieve your goal?

I was looking to improve overall endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as make my golf swing more “effortless”.  Additionally, I knew it would take a lot of mental focus to get through that many sessions in such a short period of time.  I definitely achieved my goal.  While I know I still have a ways to go to get to my ultimate goal of being “super-flexible”, I have significantly moved in the right direction.

What changes did you see during and after your 30 days of bikram yoga?

I have improved my overall range of motion through increased flexibility.  I also significantly increased the strength in my “small” muscles, knees, and ankles.  In golf, my shoulder turn has improved by 30%, resulting in better distance and MUCH less back pain after a round.

 What did you learn/gain from doing Bikram yoga regularly?

The biggest single item I gained was the ability to quiet the mind and find the focus and concentration to get you to your edge.  It’s amazing how the mind can either take you out or move you forward.  I also learned the importance of a yoga/massage combination.  The massage aspect helped significantly with recovery.

What did you love most from doing the Challenge? 

That satisfactory feeling of accomplishment.  Being able to look back on the past 30 days and remember the days that I was not feeling well, yet still powered through it.  Reflecting on the intensity of working through a “double” because you missed a day.  For the 3 days I missed because I was sick with a sinus infection, it would have been so easy to walk away from the challenge.  I did not.

What’s your favorite posture!?

Triangle.  It is such a good posture for strengthening the legs and opening the hips and torso.  The cardio is intense as well.  Curt says, “Somehow you’re breathing normal.”

What do you think about our Studio!

Thavma is a wonderful place to practice.  The entire team of instructors are detailed and motivating.  They do a great job of pushing you to your edge and recognizing your personal progress.  The team’s commitment to practicing safely gives you the confidence that your body is healing through consistent practice.  A couple of private sessions are a must for newbies!