1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a proud native Floridian born in Miami.  I have been married for the past 44 years to my wife Donna. We have two wonderful daughters and three grandchildren (Reese 6, Max 4 and Charlie 1) they are the joys of our lives.  I am semi retired for the past three years. We relocated to Lakewood Ranch a year ago from Palm Beach to be closer to our youngest daughter and granddaughter.

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

I have practiced Bikram Yoga for 14 years consistently. I recently started taking Thavma Method class, I am enjoying developing a regular Thavma Method practice.

3. What made you decide to take your first Thavma Class?

I was looking for a new yoga studio to continue my regular Bikram practice.

4. What made you choose Thavma Yoga as a Studio?

I choose Thavma because of the Bikram classes and the proximity to my home. The real bonus is the instructors, friendly atmosphere and cleanliness.

5. What was your first Thavma yoga experience like?

My first class at Thavma was a Bikram 90 minute class with Marina. It was one of the best classes I have ever taken in my 14 year practice. After that class I knew this was my new home. So grateful to have Thavma available to me.

6. What makes you come back?

The knowledgeable instructors. The variety of classes and times.

7. How long have you been practicing?

At Thavma Yoga one year. Prior to my relocating to Lakewood Ranch I had practiced Bikram yoga continuously for the past 14 years.

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

I have experienced many changes all for the good since I first started a regular yoga practice. I have lost around 40 pounds. My cholesterol and triglycerides levels are in check along with excellent blood pressure. I am more centered and less stressed out.

9. Where have you seen that it helps you?

The most notable to me is four years ago I was struck with Bell’s Palsy on the left side of my face. My left eye did not blink for 10 months, I was slurring my words and had trouble eating without biting my cheek and tongue. The doctors told me at the onset that most likely if I did not fully recover within the first two to three months after taking a steroid, I would not regain the natural control of my face because of my age. Well I endured and kept doing my daily Bikram practice and slowly but surely, I have been able to regain 90% of my natural facial movements. I still experience a crooked smile and my eye is still not 100 %. I am fully confident that with my continued daily yoga practice I will prove the doctors all wrong because I feel more facial control on a daily basis. I believe that my daily yoga practice has made the difference for me on many levels.  I have learned to never say “Never” I now say “Someday”.

10. What is your favorite pose?

Savasana ! No really all of them because each of them teaches me something new each day.

11. What is your least favorite pose?

Camel!  What I have been told over the years is the asana you dislike the most is the one you need the most.

12. What do you like most about Thavma Yoga?

The instructors, variety of classes and times and the cleanliness.

13. Tell us anything else interesting that you feel you have gained or learned since starting Thavma Yoga.

The one thing that I have learned is plant the big toe and to left with the big toe. I believe that Thavma has taken me further in my daily yoga practice in one year then the first 14 year of a true Bikram trained environment. Bikram teaches you to get into the asana then make the correction. Thavma teaches us to have the correct alignment before we go deeper into the asana. Foundation is the key and Thavma has a awesome foundation with Marina and her staff.