1. Tell us a little about yourself

I am a native of Bradenton FL and returned to the area after finishing my doctorate in chiropractic medicine several years ago. Last year I merged my practice with an amazing medical doctor and physical therapist in order to offer a more holistic approach to helping people at a single location. Prior to becoming a chiropractor, I was a licensed massage therapist for 10 years and studied exercise physiology at the University of Florida. Now I incorporate all three disciplines into helping patients.  I love my profession, but I adore my 4 year old daughter Emersyn. She is the light of my life and my inspiration to be the best person I can. Outside of work and being a dad I also enjoy yoga, exercise, good food, traveling, and being with family and friends.

2. Have you done other styles of Yoga other than Bikram Yoga?

I practiced Hatha Yoga many years ago but fell away from my practice for the last 10 years or more.

3. What made you decide to take your first Bikram class?

Before I was introduced to Bikram Yoga I used to lift weights religiously, but due to a back injury I sustained a couple of years ago I’ve been unable to exercise the same way I could previously. My strength decreased, my body fat increased, my sense of wellbeing suffered. My pain stifled me from living and being happy.  From age 7 to age 30 I studied martial arts off and on, which gave me great balance and flexibility. The responsibilities of being a father and a working professional made it challenging to continue my study of martial arts.  One day on my way to eat at one of the restaurants near Thavma I saw the sign for the studio and decided to give it a try.  My life continues to improve each day since making that decision.

4. Why did you choose Thavma Bikram Yoga Studio?

I believe Thavma chose me. I knew the studio was there, but I had walked right by it for two years. I am so grateful for the day I walked into the check it out. In my first impression, I was quite marveled by the studio. The layout and ambience are quite tranquil and very modern like being in an upscale spa. The owner, Marina is very friendly and genuinely concerned for every person that enters her studio.  Everyone who works at Thavma brings kindness and positivity to the studio.

5. What was your first Bikram yoga experience like?

I had read descriptions online of what to anticipate in the class, and I knew to expect the room to be warm. Reading about it and experiencing are two quite different things however. The heat initially was overwhelming but after a few sessions my body has adjusted to the temperature, and I actually enjoy the heat. I feel my joints and muscles are more flexible and more pliable for the postures due to the heat. The postures were and continue to be challenging, but the reward of feeling so much better makes it all worth while. At the conclusion of my first Bikram session I felt an overwhelming sense of peace in my mind and my body.  It was a vacation for which I had been longing for quite some time. In those 90 minutes of class, I had truly earned it.

6.  What makes you come back?

Bikram is my new-found addiction. I love how much healthier I feel overall. I love the energy and the positivity I gain from practicing yoga and from the amazing instructors at Thavma who inspired to work harder and to let go more. I have more love and positive energy to share with the world and in turn to help my patients. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge to be better each time and to push myself to new levels.

7.  How long have you been practicing?

I practiced Hatha Yoga many years ago, but I have just rekindled my yoga practice 4 months ago.  I see it as something I can do for the rest of my life to enable a longer, healthier life.

8.  What changes have you seen since you began the practice?

Right away I noticed by balance and flexibility improving in my knees, hips, and back. I am slimmer built guy, but I always had a little extra weight in the stomach area and sides, but in the last 4 months of going to Thavma I have lost about 10 pounds of body fat and gained muscle all over.  I notice a slimmer face and more muscle definition but the more obvious change has been in my pant size. I went from wearing a 34-36 inch pants in the waist to now wearing 30-32. All my muscles feel more solid and look more defined, which is always nice.  As a guy, I have always defaulted to the gym to improve my physique, but going to Thavma has helped me reach a new level of fitness. In addition, I have also noticed that I am naturally taking deeper breaths and feel more relaxed since I began going to Thavma.  I notice that I am more patient in every aspect of my life: at work, at home, and even in traffic.

9. Where have you seen that it helps you?

Bikram Yoga has improved so many aspects of my life in such a short amount of time from my fitness, flexibility, and posture, to the feeling calmer and more centered as well. I feel happier and notice myself smiling more and being kinder to others.

10.  What is your favorite pose?

Triangle Pose (Trikanasana) because it seems to workout the entire body at one time and is such a beautiful pose when with proper alignment.

11. What is your least favorite pose?

Awkward Pose (Utkatasana) because it is quite difficult for me to stand high on my toes and to bend my knees. It just feels, well, awkward.

12.  What do you like most about Thavma Bikram Yoga?

I love the good energy and supportive feeling I receive not only from Marina and the other instructors but from others who practice yoga there as well. I enjoy the friends I’ve made and getting to know many likeminded, healthy, and amazing people. If you want to improve your life and to brighten the lives of those around you, then come to Thavma and begin your journey.