Tell us a little about yourself.

 I am a married, fifty year old mother of two grown young men. I have been a  Respiratory Therapist for 30 years, working locally for 23 years. I have been very active my whole life, including dancing, gymnastics, cheer leading, aerobics/ step aerobics instructor, I also performed as a trapeze artist in the Sailor Circus and have done a half marathon. I truly love the Florida lifestyle and now enjoy paddle boarding, scuba diving, fishing, and of course YOGA!!!

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

The first yoga class I ever attended was at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA about 5 years ago. It was called “gentle yoga” and I liked it, but is was not very challenging for me.

What made you decide to take your first Bikram Class?

I would rather be hot than cold……I love hot saunas, hot tubs and exercise, so I thought why not combine them and try hot yoga!!!!

What made you choose Thavma Yoga as a Studio?

 After lunch at Acapulco restaurant one day, I peeked through the window at Thavma Yoga as Marina and Thanos were getting ready to open their studio. They invited me in and gave me a little private tour of their place! They were so welcoming and friendly, I  thought… I have to try this!!! So, about two weeks later, I attended my first class.

What was your first Bikram yoga experience like?

Like most beginners, it was a little overwhelming and I felt like it was never going to end!. It was soooo hard!!  I found the veteran yogis very interesting as well as their dedication to their practice

What makes you come back?

 I continue to come back because of the way it makes me feel, all over, body and mind.

How long have you been practicing?

3 years

What changes have you seen since you began the practice?

So many positive changes!!!!!  Physically I am definitely more limber and “stretchy”. I am definitely stronger in muscles I never knew could be stronger! I think the most unexpected thing that has happened to me from practicing yoga is the mental strength I gain from doing it regularly.

Where have you seen that it helps you?

Although I have worked in a hospital for many years and deal with life and death situations frequently, I feel that yoga has made me better at my job. I have learned how to use deep breathing to stay more calm and focused and tolerant!!!

What is your favorite pose?

How can you pick just one??? out of  26?? I love standing bow, balancing stick, triangle, locust (believe it or not), and floor bow.

What is your least favorite pose?

Standing head to knee… I have tight hamstrings… so challenging for me

What do you like most about Thavma Yoga?

Thavma Studio is so beautiful, clean and such a positive environment!! I love the variety of classes and instructors.

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

I feel so lucky to have found this studio and met Marina. She is such a beautiful person and an awesome instructor. Her knowledge and expertise is priceless. In her classes, she expects the best from you, but also gives you the confidence and instructions to improve your practice safely. As she says, your body and mind is different every time you practice. However,  I feel I gain something positive every time I practice and am thankful to be a part of such a wonderful studio!!!